United Way of Southern Kentucky announces over $1M in funding to area programs

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – United Way of Southern Kentucky announced Tuesday afternoon that it is investing a total of $645,639 in Education, Health, Income and Safety Net programs and services in Warren County.

According to a release by United Way of Southern Kentucky, the investments start July 1, 2024 and will continue through June 30, 2025. In total, $1,013,484 will be invested across the 10-county Barren River Area Development District, supporting 50 programs.

In September of 2023, organizations with programs impacting education, income, health and safety net impact issue areas were asked to submit a Letter of Intent indicating their desire to complete a full application request for funding. Across the 10-county BRADD, 76 total Letters of Intent were submitted, the release states.

In March 2024, Warren County specific programs who had the opportunity to complete the full application moved forward to a full review and visit with the Allocations Committee. With the full review by the Allocations Committee and recommendation to and approval by the UWSK Board of Directors complete, funding will now be awarded to the programs selected. In Warren County, 25 local programs provided through 17 service providers will receive the allocated campaign dollars and donor designations.

Allocation dollars were determined based on the work of 95 volunteers working specifically in their home counties of Allen, Barren, Butler, Edmonson, Hart, Logan, Metcalfe, Monroe, Simpson and Warren. In total, these volunteers invested 1,145 hours in the process which began with training sessions for all volunteers. This time generated an impact of $38,346.05 in service to our community, based on National Rate of Volunteer Time: $33.49 per hour. Volunteers reviewed programs, finances, governance, and outcomes to develop the recommendations for program investments.

In Warren County, $645,639 will be allocated by volunteers, led by Warren County Allocations Committee Chair Tad Pardue.

EDUCATION: $339,390

Kindergarten Readiness: Led by Committee Chairs, Kenly Ames and Joe Tinius
Family Enrichment Center, Parents as Teachers Little Learners Program: $28,000
Family Enrichment, Wee Care Child Care Center: $55,000
The Foundry Christian Community Center, Preschool Academy: $67,237
Warren County Public Schools, Kindergarten Readiness Summer Academy: $25,000
Warren County Public Schools, Little Learners Mobile Classroom: $40,000
College/Career Readiness: Led by Committee Chairs, Dr. James McCaslin & Erin Ballou
Boys & Girls Club of Bowling Green, The CLUB Teen Center – CAREER LAUNCH:
$30,000
Junior Achievement of South Central KY, Preparing Our Youth: $10,000
Warren County Public Schools, Connecting Students to Success: $42,000
WROTE Foundation, Bridging the Gap After-School/Summer Enrichment Program:
$42,153

INCOME: $24,375

Workforce Development: Led by Committee Chairs, Lincoln Skaggs and Jonathan Wysong
Down Syndrome of Southern Kentucky, Scoops of Joy: $4,284
Refuge Bowling Green, English Academy: $10,091
SKYCTC Foundation, CDL Program: $10,000
HEALTH: $160,000
Access to Affordable Health Care: Led by Committee Chairs, Lindsay Sanson and Brooke
Schakat
CARE USTZ, Resettlement & Empowerment Program: $10,000
Kentucky Legal Aid, Barren River Long Term Care Ombudsman: $35,000
Kentucky Legal Aid, Benefits Counseling: $35,000

Safe Home & Community: Led by Committee Chairs, Brenda Polley and Thomas Manco
BRASS, Emergency Shelter & Crisis to Protect & Empower (ESCAPE): $30,500
Bowling Green Independent Schools, Black Male Scholars Family Thrive Program:
$22,500
Kentucky Legal Aid, Emergency Shelter & Crisis Aid to Protect & Empower (ESCAPE):
$27,000

SAFETY NET: $121,874

Access to Basic Needs: Led by Committee Chairs, Tom Flynn and Angela Dossey
First Christian Church, Community Grocery Store: $28,000
GLEAN of South Central Kentucky: $15,000
Kentucky Legal Aid, Emergency Legal Assistance: $42,500
New Path Recovery Home: $6,000
Transportation: Led by Committee Chairs, Lincoln Skaggs and Jonathan Wysong
Down Syndrome of Southern Kentucky, Buddy Transportation: $3,783
BRASS, Shelter Transportation Assistance Program: $6,500
Refuge Bowling Green, Driver’s Education Program: $20,091
Remaining summer investments to be made in Warren County: $7,500

“As our region continues to grow at a steady pace, so also do the needs in our community. We are grateful for all the of local business, organizations, and individuals that continue to give, advocate, and volunteer in an effort to meet the growing needs. This year, we
are especially thankful to be able to allocate more funding to local profits than we did last year. Our we hope that every year the generosity of others will allow the upward trend of giving and impact to continue.” said Debbie Hills, president & CEO of United Way of Southern Kentucky.