MAHONING VALLEY United Way official warns of program cuts if goal is unmet

The local United Way campaign will continue into January.
YOUNGSTOWN -- The Youngstown/Mahoning Valley United Way's 2003 financial campaign has raised 57 percent of its $3.2 million goal, but is about $375,000 behind where it was at this time in 2002.
"We recognized at the outset, that with current economic conditions, this would be a challenging campaign," said William J. Bresnahan, chairman of the 2003 Youngstown/Mahoning Valley United Way campaign.
To date, local volunteers have raised $1,829,366, said Bresnahan, president of Hynes Industries. During the 2002 campaign, $3,150,000 was raised, he said.
If the goal of $3.2 million is not reached, the 90 programs provided by 31 United Way affiliated agencies could face significant cuts in funding, Don Cagigas, Youngstown/Mahoning Valley United Way president and chief professional officer, said.
United Way funded programs help one out of every four people in the Mahoning Valley, by helping to feed the hungry, provide shelter for the homeless, nurture children, strengthen families, maintain senior independence and ensure that emergency services are available in times of disaster, Cagigas said.
Continuing through January
"With so many families in the community needing help, we will continue our efforts through January to reach those people who want to help but haven't yet been asked to give," Bresnahan said.
"While a number of workplace campaigns are still in progress, and some results have not yet been reported, we are concerned," Cagigas said.
"Since nearly 80 percent of United Way funds are raised through local workplace campaigns, it is critical that local businesses support the United Way by giving their employees the opportunity to give," he added.
Cagigas said that it is not too late for local businesses to run a workplace campaign. Call the United Way office at (330) 746-8494 for more information or to make a contribution.
Program funding through United Way is focused on five key impact areas; nurturing children, enriching the lives of seniors, promoting health and wellness, caring for people in crisis, and achieving potential.
"The programs funded by our United Way are crucial to our community's strength. Clearly, the needs are great. And the best way to help the most people and meet the widest range of community needs is by giving to the United Way," Bresnahan said.