The United Way is dedicated to area people

Editors note: This story is part four of a four-part series.

Many area organizations, including the Family Counseling Center, Inc., the Girl Scouts, the Dunklin Day Activity Center, and the Dunklin County Caring Council, receive additional funding from the Kennett branch of the United Way, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping people.

Family Counseling Center, Inc. (FCC), located at 925 East South Bypass in Kennett, serves the area by providing inpatient and outpatient mental health and substance abuse treatment services, homeless assistance services, and a 24-hour crisis hotline.

"For the past few years, we have targeted [the funds from the United Way] to assist with homeless programs, " said Shawn Sando, FCC's chief financial officer.

According to Sando, last year FCC used funds from the United Way to build an outdoor patio at their new Safe Haven homeless shelter, located on the North Bypass in Kennett.

"[The residents] can take their visitors outside and sit and talk," Sando said. "Having something to draw people out and keep them active helps to keep a positive mental shape."

Sando also noted that FCC is looking to use this year's United Way contribution for recreational equipment for Safe Haven residents and the community.

The local Girl Scouts branch is another organization that receives funding from the United Way.

The Girl Scouts help to instill courage, confidence, and character in girls and make the world a better place.

While attending scout meetings and events, girls discover, connect, and take action in the Girl Scout Leadership Experience.

The Girl Scouts organization provides program events for girls, as well as camp opportunities. They also provide training and information to adult volunteers.

The Girl Scouts uses funding from the United Way to support the Girl Scout Council, who in turn provide an employee to the scouts.

"The United Way helps provide services that the Girl Scout Council provides," said Libby Mobley, former board chair.

The Dunklin Day Activity Center (DDAC), located at 320 Kennett Street in Kennett, also receives funding from the United Way.

DDAC, a non-profit community mental health agency, provides productive activities for mentally retarded youth and helps other handicapped individuals over the age of 18.

DDAC also provided day rehabilitation for developmentally disabled adults.

"We try to help them learn skills of daily living. We help them become as independent as possible while making sure they get the help they need," said DDAC Director Leah Mobley.

DDAC receives state, federal, and county funding as well as charitable private donations. The United Way is by far the largest charitable contributor the DDAC has, according to Mobley.

The DDAC uses funding from the United Way to pay for utilities, field trips, recreational activities, classroom materials, supplies, and food.

Another local organization that receives funding from the United Way is the Dunklin County Caring Council (DCCC).

The DCCC uses funds from the United Way to support their various activities including providing coordination and cooperation amoung social service providers, churches, the business community, and the education system to empower families and individuals to become more self-reliant, responsible, and resourceful.

The DCCC also provides direct assistance to individual cancer patients through its new program ICARE (Individual Cancer Assistance Relief Effort).

By supporting local organizations, the Kennett branch of the United Way helps to bring people together from areas ranging from community government, business, faith groups, non profit organizations, and local citizens to tackle issues in the community.

The United Way's mission is to improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of communities.

It's vision is to build a stronger America by mobilizing communities to improve people's lives.