Where United Way Money Goes April 2010


The United Way of today is more than you might expect.

For 50 years, this (unique thing) called the United Way has occupied a place in Pictou County. It has always been a vehicle to get charitable donations into the hands of local groups. That much remains the same.

It began as an organization, which only supported its founding members. However in 1999, the United Way of Pictou County opened its doors to any charitable-status community organization operating in Pictou County to apply and asked the community to dictate its priorities.


The United Way invests in seniors, youth, children and disabled persons because there is a need in Pictou County, not because it’s written in a mandate somewhere. Volunteers ensure funds go where the priorities are. Volunteers also review funding to make sure it meets expectations.

Here’s a quick breakdown of where your contribution goes, when you give to the United Way of Pictou County. First of all, 100 per cent of donor contributions to our Community Fund stays in Pictou County.
60 per cent of the campaign revenue goes directly to local agencies
A further 20 per cent goes to community development.

Now, that last figure is important because the United Way plays a role in the community 365 days of the year. It has worked to foster and maintain a network of services in Pictou County through collaborations with local organizations, leadership development and support for new causes. Pictou County Roots for Youth, a newly incorporated community agency to combat youth homelessness has its roots in efforts tied to the United Way for example.
The remaining 20 per cent goes into the administration and operation of the annual campaign, which is conducted by a large team of volunteers supported by a small staff.


The United Way of Pictou County met and exceeded its 2009 goal of $325,000 despite the economic challenges facing everyone. A stronger campaign would place more money directly into programs and services, which benefit one in three people in Pictou County.

Volunteers are the reason the United Way of Pictou County exists – communities supporting communities.

When you give money to United Way, you are making a real difference in your community.

The impact of your financial contribution is seen in the many programs funded by United Way - from helping children who could not help themselves, to seniors in bringing meaning back into their lives. Your contribution goes a long way with United Way, and every dollar counts. Thank you for your support!

2009-2010 Information:

Program	Organization Name	Contact Information	Duration
Women's outreach component.	Pictou County opportunities for Men- New Leaf	Bob Whitman, Ron Kelly (902)396-2440	2002-2010
Support and Advocacy for Woman and adolescent girls, counseling	Pictou County Woman's Centre	Donna Smith (902) 755-4647	2003-2009
Community information, confidential crisis intervention, telephone coverage by trained volunteers	Pictou County HelpLine	Arlis McChesney (902)752-5952	2002-2010
Seniors
Seniors helping center, seniors help line, life line, equipment computer	Senior Citizens Outreach	Mary MacLellan (902)752-8400	2002-2009
Helping youth make informed, healthy lifestyle choices.	Pictou County Center for Sexual Health	Arlene MacDonald (902)695-3366	2003-2009
In-school mentoring, role models, positive friendships.	Big Brothers/Big Sisters	Margie Grant-Walsh (902)752-6260	2002-2009
Providing support for early learning and development for children 0-6 with special needs	Pictou County Early Intervention	Lisa Smith (902)752-1016
Persons with Disabilities
Barriers to Inclusion - teaching advocates for inclusion	Highland Community residential Service	Margie Beck 752-9452	2003-2009
Deaf and Hard of Hearing Committee	Let Abilities Work Partnership Society	Darrell Feit	2006-2009
Youth/Children
United PlaYcare	Pictou County Y	Stella Cross	2008-2009
Providing a safe place for Youth	Trenton Youth Center	Jon Linthorne	2009
Providing the tools to teach adults how to read	Laubach Literacy, Pictou Co.	Mary Coady	2002-2009
Making positive changes in our lives to help ourselves and others	Family Services of Eastern Nova Scotia	Nancy MacDonald	2002-2009