The annual campaign, which supports effective programs throughout our community remains a major part of our work. But we also realize that we must address issues at the community and system level in order to create lasting change. United Way is committed to either leading or participating in community-wide initiatives and efforts that advance the common good. Sometimes we lead. Sometimes we are at the table, and sometimes we simply lend our voice to the cause.
EDUCATION
No single strategy offers a greater return on investment than support for early childhood. In 2008, United Way joined forces with the Virginia Early Childhood Foundation to form and convene a Smart Beginnings partnership for our region. After conducting a needs assessment and strategic plan, Smart Beginnings of Danville-Pittsylvania County (SBDPC) has now taken on a life of its own, with leadership from stakeholders throughout the community. In 2010, SBDPC announced a $5.4 million grant from the Danville Regional Foundation to accelerate our work. It represents the largest per capita investment in early childhood in the state of Virginia to date.
INCOME
Financial stability is key to a quality life. In Danville and Pittsylvania County, we are working to establish a path to financial freedom through the BEST Coalition. BEST stands for Building Economic Success Together. The partnership began its work in 2006 by expanding access to free tax services at Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites through the region. In our first three years, we generated over $2 million in tax refunds, credits, and preparation savings for low-income households. Then for our most recent tax year (2010), we nearly matched that three year figure in a single year. As BEST continues our VITA work, we realize that lasting impact only occur when people can change their long-term circumstances. So we also offer the Financial Freedom program, which provides financial literacy training to families and individuals.
HEALTH
Without good health, education and income don't matter much. Get Fit Dan River Region is working to address two of the underlying causes of health problems -- lack of physical fitness, and poor nutrition habits. While United Way is not the driver of this initiative, we enthusiastically support it. Obesity is one of the leading health challenges in our nation today. Virginia Department of Health data indicates that two thirds of the citizens of Danville/Pittsylvania County are overweight or obese, putting them at significant risk for chronic conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes and some forms of cancer. Funded by the Danville Regional Foundation in early 2010 to promote “healthy people in healthy communities,” Get Fit focuses on offering community programs that encourage and enable consistent physical activity and assist citizens in making healthier nutrition choices. Get ready, get set, Get Fit in the Dan River region!
CRISIS
In addition to the safety next services we fund through our annual campaign, United Way partners with the City of Danville, Danville Utilities, and the faith-based community to offer Neighbors Helping Neighbors (NHN), a utility assistance program for low-income households. NHN is a network of contributors, providers, and marketers working to ensure that families near the point of losing their utility service can maintain power in their homes. Assistance is given on a fund-availability basis, and funds are always needed. Currently, the service is available to resident of the City of Danville. Efforts are underway to expand the program into Pittsylvania County. To donate to NHN, look for giving options on your own utility bill, or simply send a check to: Neighbors Helping Neighbors - 308 Craghead St., #104, Danville, VA 24541. 100% of contributions made to NHN go directly to the utility bill of a family in need.
CAPACITY
Nonprofit organizations need human capacity as much as the for-profit community. When we ask people to GIVE, ADVOCATE, or VOLUNTEER, we need to provide the opportunities. In 2005, in partnership with Americorps, Points of Light, and the Institute for Advanced Learning & Research, The Dan River Center for Voluntarism was formed. Housed at United Way, the volunteer center promotes volunteering and market need and opportunity. The Dan River Center for Voluntarism is the only volunteer center in the region.