2008 Woodie Awards
UA expands ties with United Way
Eric R. Evridge
Issue date: 10/3/07 Section: News
- Page 1 of 1
The UA United Way Campaign will be more extensive and varied this year than previous student efforts and will connect more students with specific United Way agencies in creative ways this year, said an official from the university United Way campaign.
"The university has always been involved," said Bob McMath, co-chair of the university United Way Campaign, "but we will be enhancing the student side of the program."
There will be a series of fundraising and awareness events this year. The Greek community, UA Housing, the Associated Student Government and other Registered Student Organizations will be involved with the program, McMath said.
"We will be inviting United Way representatives from the local agencies to explain what they do and how we can help," McMath said. "It will give students a better idea of what's going on and how to volunteer."
United Way representatives are scheduled to be at the UA Oct. 12 for Make a Difference Day and McMath encourages all students to come out and see what they have to offer, he said.
One of the agencies to which the United Way of Washington and Benton Counties contribute is the Community Clinic at St. Francis House, according to the clinic's Web site.
"The community clinic serves as a medical home to the uninsured and low income patients of Northwest Arkansas," said Kathy Grisham, director of the clinic.
There are 60,000 uninsured residents here, and the clinic provides medical and dental care on a sliding scale fee based on income and household size, Grisham said.
"Medications, diagnostic tests and vaccines are all very real needs for our patients, and we work to see that everyone gets the care they need," Grisham said.
The budget has grown from $350,000 to $3.5 million in eight years, and services to patients have increased exponentially, Grisham said.
The goal is to provide education about nonprofit work and opportunities for volunteering so that students better understand what it means to be involved, McMath said.
"There's no pressure for 100 percent participation, but we do want 100 percent education," McMath said. "We feel maybe some students can't contribute money but they can contribute their time."
The program is being promoted throughout campus, and meters will be posted for students to keep track of the progress the UA is making in achieving its goals, McMath said.
"The university has always been involved," said Bob McMath, co-chair of the university United Way Campaign, "but we will be enhancing the student side of the program."
There will be a series of fundraising and awareness events this year. The Greek community, UA Housing, the Associated Student Government and other Registered Student Organizations will be involved with the program, McMath said.
"We will be inviting United Way representatives from the local agencies to explain what they do and how we can help," McMath said. "It will give students a better idea of what's going on and how to volunteer."
United Way representatives are scheduled to be at the UA Oct. 12 for Make a Difference Day and McMath encourages all students to come out and see what they have to offer, he said.
One of the agencies to which the United Way of Washington and Benton Counties contribute is the Community Clinic at St. Francis House, according to the clinic's Web site.
"The community clinic serves as a medical home to the uninsured and low income patients of Northwest Arkansas," said Kathy Grisham, director of the clinic.
There are 60,000 uninsured residents here, and the clinic provides medical and dental care on a sliding scale fee based on income and household size, Grisham said.
"Medications, diagnostic tests and vaccines are all very real needs for our patients, and we work to see that everyone gets the care they need," Grisham said.
The budget has grown from $350,000 to $3.5 million in eight years, and services to patients have increased exponentially, Grisham said.
The goal is to provide education about nonprofit work and opportunities for volunteering so that students better understand what it means to be involved, McMath said.
"There's no pressure for 100 percent participation, but we do want 100 percent education," McMath said. "We feel maybe some students can't contribute money but they can contribute their time."
The program is being promoted throughout campus, and meters will be posted for students to keep track of the progress the UA is making in achieving its goals, McMath said.
Be the first to comment on this story