United Way

As The Times reported (Metro, March 30), United Way raised the largest amount ever for the second consecutive year and surpassed its record $95-million goal. While this attainment represents a resounding victory, it more importantly reveals the vast potential for substantially expanding the charitable funding base to meet the growing needs of this diverse metropolis.

Many are asking what all this means in terms of human-service delivery and public support of the United Way concept of caring.

In terms of human services, millions of people will be assured of at least the same level of services and programs that currently address critical needs: child care, substance abuse programs, emergency food and shelter, delinquency prevention programs, family counseling, job training and treatment/information services for victims of catastrophic illnesses and mental disorders.

Another significant result of attaining the $95-million goal is the availability of discretionary dollars to underwrite venture grants that will encourage and support innovative programs from local service providers that will strengthen the impact on specific community needs. Over the past couple years, these grants have financed programs providing AIDS education and referral, parent education and drug prevention programs in inner-city schools. Other projects have assisted Asian-Pacific immigrants in their cultural transition into the American mainstream. Another creative program has helped get single Hispanic mothers off the welfare rolls and into gainful employment.

We expect this year’s round of venture grants to build on these high-impact accomplishments.

None of these services would be available without the generous support of corporate and individual donors from all walks of life.

JAMES P. MISCOLL

Chairman

United Way General Campaign