The Western Racine County Advisory Committee is comprised of individuals who work and live in or around the areas of Burlington, Union Grove and Waterford. Committee members review requests for funding through an application process, and they also fund special start-up or pilot projects. Examples of new programs that have been piloted with the help of United Way funding include the English-as-a-Second Language classes, Starfish Mentoring program, and dental services for uninsured families through the work of Health Care Network.
United Way of Racine County invests in more than 70 programs and projects throughout Racine County, and based on reports from these programs on clients served, about 10,000 western Racine County residents benefit from these organizations that provide local or countywide services. The total amount of United Way dollars invested in western Racine County averages about $500,000 annually. Through the last complete funding year:
- About 2,000 children were involved in structured recreational programs through Racine Area Soccer Association, Racine Family YMCA, and Racine Youth Sports
- Early childhood programs such as Family Smart/Kid Friendly Partnership and Racine County UW-Extension’s Touchpoints helped 690 parents and child care providers increase caregiver knowledge and skills
- Almost 3,000 students improved life skills as they learned about healthy habits, safety strategies and getting along in an increasingly diverse world
- Through language or literacy classes and employment training programs, 127 adults gained skills to secure a job or improve their current earnings
- Both Boy Scouts and Girls Scouts received United Way funds with more than 3,000 children from western Racine County participating in scouting
- More than 350 children and adults received basic needs assistance such as shelter, food, and healthcare, along with other critical support and emergency services
- Children’s Service Society, Family Service of Racine and Lutheran Social Services’ Sexual Assault Services Program provided counseling services to more than 250 individuals
- Advocacy programs for the elderly, those with disabilities or victims of domestic violence reached 475 children and adults who live west of highway I-94
2009-10 Western Racine County Advisory Committee Members
Cyndi Armstrong (Chair), Western Racine County Health Department, Burlington
Dave Albrecht, Community State Bank, Union Grove
Beverlee Baker, Racine County UW-Extension Office
Joline Fotiadis, Racine Marriott
Bill Schoessling, Love, Inc., Burlington
Gary Tilleros, Community Volunteer, Waterford
Debbie Witte, Community Volunteer, Waterford
Tom Trimberger, Community State Bank, Burlington
Theresa Barrett, United Way Campaign Loaned Employee
