The Heart of Illinois United Way is focused on what matters to this community-nurturing youth, strengthening families, building self-reliance, and promoting healthy lives. As a supporter of this community, I'm privileged to have the opportunity to chair the 2004 Heart of Illinois United Way Campaign.
For more than 80 years, the Heart of Illinois United Way has brought together people from business, labor, government, health, and human services to address our communities' needs. Each year, thousands of dedicated volunteers give of their time and talents to better the quality of life in central Illinois. This year, the need for your participation is greater than ever.
As a long-time United Way volunteer, I'm constantly aware of the breadth of support for the tremendous work done by the Heart of Illinois United Way. I'm asked occasionally, "Why give to the United Way? How can I know I'm making a difference through my gift to the Heart of Illinois United Way?"
I love these questions because the United Way can provide meaningful answers to donor questions. The Heart of Illinois United Way's current funding system, based on measurable outcomes, assures the donor that United Way's 101 funded programs aren't simply providing services; they're making a difference in the lives of individuals in need. United Way agencies document much more than the mere fact that they're providing valuable services; they're documenting success.
Through United Way-funded youth programs, children receive physical, emotional, and social assistance, forming a foundation for future success. In United Way-funded family programs, families are strengthened through social, health, emergency, and educational services, helping families improve their lives, and in doing so, improving the health of our community.
Self-reliance programs funded by the United Way are at work every day helping people learn to live independently through employment services, transitional housing, home-delivered meals, special transportation, counseling, tutoring, and much more. And finally, United Way-funded health care programs assist individuals in leading healthier and safer lives through community clinics, home health care, education, emergency response services, nutritious meals, and much more.
So why give? Your donation makes a difference. All of us have the opportunity to give a gift that truly matters. Money raised through the Heart of Illinois United Way Campaign stays in our community, helping our co-workers, neighbors, friends, and family through services provided in Peoria, Tazewell, Woodford, Marshall, Stark, and Putnam counties.
I'm so pleased to know my gift to the Heart of Illinois United Way helps make a measurable difference in the lives of so many. I hope you agree and will consider a generous gift during this year's campaign. IBI