From staff reports
LEWISTOWN - The United Way of Mifflin-Juniata has reached $359,985 of its goal of $600,000 during the campaign that began on Sept. 19 and runs until March 15, 2013.
Big Brothers Big Sisters is one of the agencies that benefits from working with the United Way. Program Coordinator Judy Fitzgerald explains how partnering with the United Way has served Big Brothers Big Sisters:
Article Photos
"On behalf of a most appreciative Board of Directors and staff, we would like to thank the United Way for the time, energy and good will they invested in reviewing our proposals and funding our program each year. It's clear the volunteer panels are well prepared to review our request and interested in understanding the needs of children and families in Juniata Valley.
"Our programs count on the stability of United Way funding and appreciate the difficult decisions that have to be made as part of the allocation process. United Way funding allows us to provide services to the youth who benefit so greatly from the presence of mentors in their lives. The first-ever Big Brothers Big Sisters Youth Outcomes Survey Report, released in January 2012, prove our organization's mentoring programs have positive, academic, socio-emotional and behavioral outcomes for youth linked to high school graduation, avoidance of juvenile delinquency and college or job readiness. Youth in our program do better in school, get along better with their peers and family and avoid risky behaviors such as drug, alcohol and tobacco usage.
"We will continue to do our best to meet the needs of children, youth and families across Juniata Valley through our Big Brothers Big Sisters programs in both Mifflin and Juniata Counties.
"The desire of every member of the volunteer panel to help make life better for Juniata Valley kids clearly shines through. Please know we appreciate the trust the United Way of Mifflin Juniata has shown in us and how seriously we take that trust as we strive to provide the best possible services to Juniata Valley children and families."
