Simply put, the United Way of Southwest Louisiana funds programs.
“When you give to us, your dollars go straight to those programs” said Denise Durel, the new President and CEO of United Way at last week’s meeting of the Sulphur Kiwanis Club. “You know where your money will directly go.”
The United Way funds over 57 programs servicing the local five parish (Allen, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron, and Jeff Davis) area. There is an allocation review board of about 140 volunteers who review and audit all the agencies funded by the United Way.
“It is local people who make the decision on how to allocate our funds,” said Durel.
And in order to understand the problems of the area better, Durel stated that she is interested in holding meetings with local mayors and police jurors, as well as with school board members. Those meetings will assist Durel and the United Way in pinpointing local needs.
And where there is a need unmet, the United Way will be there to meet that need, emphasized Durel, even as economic times run hard.
“We are very fortunate that we live in the five parishes that we represent. We truly do understand the concept of taking care of our own,” said Durel. “Our community has always stepped up to the plate and that is true even in the times we face today.”
The United Way’s annual fundraising campaign is set to kickoff August 26. For more information, contact the organization via phone at 337-433-1088 or visit their website, www.unitedwayswla.org.