Ask any sports fan and they will tell you that the raw numbers do not tell the whole story. The same can be said of life. Then again, sometimes the stats paint a pretty compelling picture.

That is certainly the case when it comes to the community impact made by United Way Southwest Michigan.

Here are a few more numbers to consider:

• One out of every three resident of Berrien and Cass counties directly benefits from United Way, totaling more than 66,908 people.

• A total impact of $6,160,115 was made across the region last year.

• $1,930,806 was leveraged through United Way funding.

• 50 programs were funded with 34 partners and 199 collaborators.

• 8,222 children were enrolled in early-learning programs.

• 9,689 individuals received food assistance.

• $389,244 worth of volunteer time.

The organization achieved these impressive numbers by focusing on five important areas:

Education — The goal is to help children enter school ready to learn and transition to work, school or higher education.

Income — The focus is to enhance workforce skills and increase literacy.

Health — Programs are designed to ensure babies are born healthy, children meet developmental milestones and individuals are bale to make healthy choices.

Basic Needs — These initiatives provide help in crisis situations and remove barriers to self-sufficiency.

Volunteers — The organization mobilizes volunteers to meet crucial needs of the community.

One of the ways the United Way has such a significant impact is the way it leverages donated dollars to go much farther than a donation would if given to many other nonprofit organizations. In communities like ours here that means a lot as the return on investment grows exponentially.

The organization has refocused its vision and direction for the 2014 campaign, setting its highest fundraising goal ever at $3.6 million. Although lofty, this benchmark is certainly attainable with strong support and commitment by the business community.

“It takes the entire community to come together to create change and I am encouraged at the number of volunteers, individuals, and businesses that want to be part of that change,” Ric Pawloski, director of resource development, said in a recent prepared statement. “I invite everyone to get involved in some way. That’s what Living United is all about.”

The United Way is working with local businesses to urge them to increase their donated dollars by 15 percent, increase their employee participation and implement special events. This multi-tiered approach should help lead to success.

Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu said, “The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”

The revitalization of our communities starts the same way.

 

Michael Caldwell is the publisher of Leader Publications LLC. He can be reached at (269) 687-7700 or by email at mike.caldwell@leaderpub.com.