After a successful 2023 campaign, the United Way of Sarnia-Lambton has announced its funding allocations for the year.
The campaign brought in $1.472 million, or 105 per cent of the target, thanks to generous support from the community.
The money was broken down into three key areas.
About 47 per cent of funding went toward Poverty to Possibility, 30 per cent was earmarked for All That Kids Can Be, and 23 per cent benefitted Healthy People, Strong Communities.
Executive Director Dave Brown said they've made some funding adjustments as a result of the successful initiative.
"We're funding an increase of two agencies," said Brown. "That includes the Boys and Girls Club getting an increase of over $13,000 to expand its out of school programs. We're able to provide $5,000 more toward tax clinics at The Inn of the Good Shepherd. Three new programs that we're funding include the River City Vineyard for a security guard, Big Brothers Big Sisters for after school mentoring, and a trauma specific therapy program through the Children's Aid Society."
Brown said United Way eliminated or reduced funding for two programs.
"The federal government is now funding a 9-8-8 suicide crisis helpline which allowed us to eliminate funding for the Sarnia-Lambton Suicide Prevention Program," he said. "We also funded a dental program through the Salvation Army. With the recent federal government announcement of a Canadian Dental Care Plan, we were able to back off a little bit but still fund that program."
Brown said the Family Counselling Centre was chosen as the 9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline Hub and therefore will receive funding for the Distress Line side of this program.
The United Way will continue to fund the Tel Check side of the program $13,000 annually.
Other organizations receiving funding include the Canadian Red Cross, Family Counselling Centre, Rebound, Habitat For Humanity, the Salvation Army, VON, Walpole Island, and the YMCA.
Brown notes the funding is for a one-year period, and the organizations are invited to reapply for this year's campaign.
The United Way of Sarnia-Lambton funds 29 local services and programs, provided by 19 different agencies.
