United Way of Howard County cuts funding to three agencies

ken.delabastide@kokomotribune.com

As a result of declining participation and the need for some programs, the United Way of Howard County has terminated funding in 2009 for three local social service agencies.

Two of the agencies offered children's day-care services.

The United Way announced Thursday that Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Howard County Children's Center and The Salvation Army Day Care will not be funded.

For parents needing child-care referrals, information is available, says Lori Tate, president of the United Way of Howard County.

"We want to let families know their options," said Tate. "We have a fact sheet available for parents listing child-care facilities. In addition, we will hold an open house in conjunction with Bona Vista's Childcare Solutions within two weeks for parents who have been impacted by these reductions in order to make their transition as smooth as possible."

The "de-funded" agencies have 30 days to appeal the decision.

The United Way board of directors voted to fund other programs at the 2008 level, with the exception of Girl Scouts of America. Its funding is based on a per-child-served formula and was reduced from $38,205 to $29,525.

The affected agencies will continue to receive the 2008 funds through March 15, when the 2009 allocations begin.

Tate said the cut programs have been underutilized for several years and offer services available through other United Way agencies.

To receive United Way funding, seven members must attend each meeting - on average - of the respective agencies' board.

The requirement ensures the agency has an active board and volunteers, Tate said.

The Big Brothers/Big Sisters allocation was eliminated because the board's involvement has fallen below the minimum standards required by United Way, and because the number of child/mentor matches dropped from 234 in 1998 to 62 in 2008.

Attempts to reach Big Brothers/Big Sisters were unsuccessful because its phone has been disconnected.

In 2008, the Howard County Children's Center received $164,052 for two sites. According to a United Way press release, one of the sites closed, resulting in a reduction of funding. For 2009, it will receive $67,458.

The site closed in June, but its funding continued through August, with the United Way paying an additional $17,000 in past-due bills.

Director Matt Greco did not return a telephone call to the Kokomo Tribune.

The Salvation Army Day Care allocation was reduced based on an unofficial visit by the United Way Fund Distribution Committee and found less than 10 children in attendance.

The total Salvation Army allocation was reduced from $74,500 to $30,000.

The Salvation Army Day Care reported 13,000 units of service in 2002 and 5,800 in 2008, according to the United Way. Also, its board involvement has fallen below minimum standards.

Major David Moffitt could not be reached for comment.