United Way of Larimer County

United Way Bringing together the health and human services industry
Fort Collins Coloradoan
May 17, 2003
Columns

The purpose of United Way is to act as a safety net for those people most in need in our local community.

We’re a non-profit organization run by volunteers. Our main roles are to:
- assess and prioritize community needs
- increase awareness of community needs
- raise and allocate funds
- foster volunteerism

During these troubling economic times, open communication between health and human service programs is more important than ever, so we can help as many people as possible.

The State of the Community, presented by the United Ways of Larimer County will help meet these goals. If you are interested in the well-being of our community and being part of the solution towards a stronger community, we welcome you to join us on June 19th from 11:30-1:30 at Fort Collins Marriot.

The State of the Community will be a luncheon program featuring a panel of health and human service experts from throughout Larimer County. We will cover emerging issues and successful collaborations; topics will focus on the working poor and the effects of the current economy.

There will be some noteable speakers from our community at the luncheon. Sister Mary Alice Murphy from St. Joseph’s Catholic Church will discuss progress in rental assistance and supporting people before they become homeless. Sister Mary Alice Murphy has an impressive track record starting various local programs to help low income residents in Larimer County. She also belongs to the Interfaith Council, aiding collaboration between religious organizations and non-profit agencies to improve the programs available.

Carol Plock from Poudre Health Services District, with 25 years of experience in health and human services leadership, will then cover issues relating to the uninsured and underinsured in Larimer County. She will be followed by Kathy Gilliland, Mayor of Loveland, who will talk about basic services and the the economy.

The State of the Community event will be presented in partnership with FirstCall and Volunteers of America, who will honor outstanding volunteers from Larimer County during the luncheon. Mary Robertson from FirstCall will inform us on progress with 211 and how volunteerism plays a crucial role in the non-profit society, particularly during these difficult times. She will announce the five award winners.

Finally, Gordan Thibedeau, Executive Director of the United Ways of Larimer County will give an overview of the issues affecting the working poor, the non-profit community today and the role of United Way.

After the luncheon, participants will have the opportunity to stay for orientation at 2pm to the First Annual Funders’ Fair in Northern Colorado. The overall goal of the Funders’ Fair taking place on July 31st is to increase the number of grants and the total dollar amount of these grants that are made to nonprofit organizations and public agencies in Colorado’s urban communities outside of Denver. At similar events in Colorado, organizers have found it beneficial to hold an orientation before the Funders’ Fair.

For more information on the State of the Community, please call 407-7000 or 669-1450.

- By Meg Brown a.k.a.: Sophie Waghorn

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