United Way study determines most pressing social problems in the community

When Greg Krause, executive director of the RTC, called ask if I would help with United Way's corporate giving, I thought the timing couldn't be better to get involved. I had recently had terms expire on several other boards, and I thought this could be a good way to continue giving back to the community in which I work and live.

But my true surprise was how little I knew about the United Way of Northern Nevada and the Sierra. My recollection was from the campaigns IBM had when I was an employee back the 1970s and 1980s. The most vivid memory was of the young pro football player with his huge arm around some small boy saying, "Together we all make a difference."

What truly amazed me was how the United Way executes to make this difference in northern Nevada. The board of the United Way does an exhaustive study to determine the most pressing social problems of our community. Based upon the results of this study they determine what specific areas to address.

The ultimate goal is to create lasting change throughout our community, not just quick fixes to social problems. At the same time, United Way and its volunteers know there are critical needs in the community needing attention today. This has necessitated the prioritization of needs in the community.

At the highest level of need are lasting changes to improve lives by identifying problems and bringing together the community to address root causes. At the middle level is prevention addressing issues before they become larger problems. And at the fundamental level is providing basic needs such as food, shelter, safety, and transportation.

Within this framework, United Way of Northern Nevada and the Sierra has identified 67 programs to address these various needs. These programs strive to improve the health, safety and education of young people so that they may reach their true potential. They help our youth acquire academic knowledge and job skills to succeed in life, as well as social and emotional skills. They also provide access to quality child care for low income families.

United Way also strives to provide all families and individuals throughout the region with the basic necessities of life. This includes helping individuals and families in times of crises by improving their ability to help themselves.

And lastly, these programs assist all people to reach their optimal physical health and well being. They help improve access to primary and preventive health care for the uninsured and underinsured. They also provide access to substance abuse treatment and increase education in preventive health and wellness.

The United Way goes even further. They also evaluate each of these 67 programs annually to insure they are meeting their stated goals. Those programs not meeting their intended goals can have funding reduced or eliminated.

So in my terms, the United Way provides a mutual fund manager for social services in our community. They determine the needs, fund programs to meet those needs, and manage the programs to insure their success.

This was my latest aha moment! I had no idea of the effectiveness of United Way. I only wish I could have gotten involved sooner.

If you are not participating with a United Way campaign, you can anticipate a call in the near future. If you are participating, thank you.

Working together we all make Northern Nevada a great place to live!

Tim Ruffin is a managing partner with Colliers International in Reno.