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United Way of Pinal County
The United Way of Pinal County has been serving the county for 35 years. They have helped local employers create ways for their employees to give charitably to organizations that serve the people of Pinal County. Those funds have went to help food banks and senior centers. Funds have been allocated to organizations like the Boys’s and Girls Clubs, Against Abuse and CHARA. All of these organizations have a county wide footprint, and the United Way funds are only a small part of their overall budget, but without the support of the United Way and funds raised by employees in the county, many people would not be able to receive needed services.
United Way Executive Director Mannie Bowler explained that more focus is being placed on how to prevent the need versus just serving the need.
“It isn’t about the quantity of people we serve, did we solve the problem,” she explained. This is a new a shift in focus for all of the United Way organizations. She explained that the United Way sponsored a life skills program at one of the school districts and eventually the school just adopted the program. “Those life skills will hopefully help empower these children to make smart life choices.”
Bowler explained that there must be an investment in youth. “They need more than a safe home. They need access to health care and education.” Overall Pinal County has a high school graduation rate of 71% county wide, this is cause for great concern for the United Way and county leaders. If they are not able to graduate from high school, it will be difficult for these young adults to find work. It also poses a larger problem for the Economic Development leaders, they cant attract businesses and corporations to the area if there is not a work force. The United Way is hoping to increase their outreach to provide more services from “cradle to career,” explained Bowler.
In Superior, the United Way of Pinal County specifically has supported the Superior Food Bank and the Superior Senior Center. County wide organizations like Against Abuse and CHARA have also utilized United Way funds to assist residents of Superior.
“If everyone gave either five dollars or five hours a month, it would make a huge difference in our communities,” she said. That may seem like such a small number but according to volunteer and service calculators five dollars a month for a year will equal 20 senior citizen meals. Five hours a month is worth at least $140 in a cash value for work completed based on the national average of the value of a volunteer hour.
Bowler’s advice: “Get involved and give those five hours or five dollars. They make a huge difference” she explained.
The “In Your Biz” column is sponsored weekly by the Superior Chamber of Commerce in an effort to further promote their business members. To learn more about the Superior Chamber of Commerce you can visit their website www.superiorarizonachamber.org or call them at 520-689-0200. The Chamber meets the third Wednesday of every month at their building 165 Main St. in Superior, Arizona. Those planning on attending the Chamber luncheons do need to RSVP prior to the meeting, please call Deb McKee to RSVP at 520-827-1773.
Article compiled by Mila Besich-Lira for Superior Sun – Copper Area News Publishers.
Mila Besich is a resident of Superior with two children. She volunteers for many local organizations. She is an experienced fundraiser and event planner for Copper Corridor Economic Development Coalition. She covers some of the area town councils and schools.
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