It's been an unprecedented year for social needs in Forsyth County. Three apartment-complex fires have displaced more than 120 people, overloading the Red Cross and other agencies. Unemployment has continued to take its toll, to the point that Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest North Carolina temporarily ran out of food for the first time in its history. The legislature has shortchanged the state's mental-health-care system, leaving local agencies scrambling to fill the gap.
United Way of Forsyth County helps ease these and other burdens.
"The whole key to this is people thinking about others who are in much worse circumstances than they are," said Keith Vaughan, a Womble Carlyle executive who is the chairman of the 2009 United Way campaign. "We've got tremendous needs right now."
The local United Way campaign kicked off Thursday with a realistic goal of $17 million, down from last year's goal of $18.4 million. The agency missed its goal last year by almost $900,000.
United Way officials realize that, with the economy's turnaround only in its embryonic stages, many donors might be inclined to give less than last year. But needs are greater than ever this year.
United Way officials want donors to give just as much, if not more than last year, and for new donors to step up. Corporate pledges have been strong, they said, but they need more individuals to donate.
Through 34 partner agencies, the United Way helps with everything from feeding the hungry to teaching developmentally disabled children. And, in keeping with a trend it began several years ago, the agency is becoming more proactive, attacking the root causes of problems.
For example, the United Way has an initiative with its agencies that seeks to raise the high-school graduation rate by increasing tutoring, family involvement, counseling and mentoring. It's helped to reduce dropout rates at Parkland High School, and to raise end-of-course test scores at Parkland and at Philo Middle School. More money will be needed to expand the program to other high schools.
The United Way's other productive initiatives with its partner agencies include helping with job placement and financial management and increasing access to critical medication.
These efforts, along with the United Way's other programs, must continue. The local United Way and its partner agencies help thousands of people annually, and Winston-Salem and Forsyth County would incur significant human and financial costs if the campaign significantly misses its mark. Giving is part of the fabric of our community. After this difficult year, the need may never be greater.
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