The United Fund of Brewton and East Brewton has begun its 2011 drive to reach a goal of $80,000 for distribution to several organizations in the community — including three new additions.
The committee working on the project have received all applications and chosen the organizations that will receive funding this year. In the past, there have been 17 organizations, but the committee has seen fit to add another three this year, making a total of 20.
“It is going to take an effort, but we will have to do some spreading of funds,” said Sandy English, vice president of the United Fund for Bewton and East Brewton. “We will go as far as we can to help these organizations as best we can.”
The United Fund gives over 99 cents of every dollar it raises to the member agencies listed.
“That means that the money raised will stay right here in the community,” English said. “it will provide services to individuals and families who live here.”
Organizations included in this year’s event are;
• The Brewton Area YMCA to reach out to individuals and families by funding scholarships.
• The American Red Cross, East Escambia County Chapter provides relief services during natural and other disasters, safety training and community classes, Project Share and other projects.
• Girl Scouts, Deep South Council provides funds to offset the fees for a number of council programs.
• Brewton Public Library provides the community with a variety of literature and educational materials.
• Escambia County Community Enabled, Inc. partners with other organizations to administer donated funds when needed for single family fires, disaster relief and those in need of the Community Food Pantry.
• Escambia County Regional Child Advocacy Center provides resources and services to child victims of abuse, their families, and the community.
• Brewton Parks and Recreation Department helps sponsor the Brewton Youth Football teams as well as Little League and Babe Ruth baseball teams.
• Escambia County Mental Health Association provides mental health-related services that are not currently provided by state agencies and the Brewton Nutrition Center, Children in the Middle and Meals on Wheels.
• The Boy Scouts-Gulf Coast Council provides funding for necessary materials, training, programs and support to hundreds of Scouts and leaders in our area.
• East Brewton Youth Sports uses its funds to help offset the cost of youth activities including East Brewton Youth Football and East Brewton Little League.
• Southwest Alabama Mental Health/Mental Retardation Board provides for over 7,000 days of Day Habitation services for the mentally retarded adults in the Brewton area.
• Wheels of Wellness helps to provide funding for transportation to health care services and provides for Escambia County women and children.
• Escambia County Cooperative Library System provides funding for the Books by Mail program which annually sends out over 6,000 books to rural and homebound residents.
• The Alabama Cooperative Extension System funding is used to support the youth programs involved in the Extension Service including youth 4-H and the County Foods Nutrition Program.
• Disabled Children and Adults-Brewton Chapter is run through the Department of Human Services. It provides transportation to handicapped persons traveling to clinics around the state and sponsors individuals to attend Camp ASCCA.
• Hope Place Family Resource provides families and neighborhoods with a wide range of support services and educational opportunities needed to succeed at the most important job there is: raising healthy, responsible, productive, and joyous children.
• The Christian Community Benevolent Fund helps the less fortunate in the Brewton area with emergency assistance for living necessities.
• Stars Reading Program.
• Reach Out and Read and
• Healing of the Soul is new to the list this year. It is a ‘meals on wheels’ type of organization to supply food to those who are in need.