Our Work
Examining the Wyoming Valley Community
To better understand the needs in our local area, United Way of Wyoming Valley conducted a research-based Needs Assessment in 2007. This valuable tool, using Focus Group and Surveys, determined and ranked the top 50 issues in our community. Those results, combined with the collection of local Statistical and Epidemiological data, aided United Way in creating a Strategic Plan for future funding. In 2009 and 2011, further Needs Assessment activities were performed to assess how issues have changed in the two-year and four-year periods. Download the 2011 Needs Assessment.
Understanding the Wyoming Valley Community
Upon reviewing the results of the Needs Assessments, volunteers created a Community Impact Agenda that guided volunteers in making funding decisions that would create the most impact for our local area and its residents. This Community Impact Agenda identifies 3 Focus Areas, and within each of these Areas, 6 Impact Areas and 16 Priority Areas were established as being the most critical needs in the Wyoming Valley. Download the 2012-2013 Community Impact Agenda.
Impacting the Wyoming Valley Community
Local volunteers from all walks of life use both the Needs Assessment and Community Impact Agenda when reviewing funding applications from partner agencies to determine which programs are the most critical and effective. United Way volunteers meet throughout the year to analyze the agencies and programs that are receiving United Way funding for their services. Through an intense process that includes: visits to the agencies and an analysis of past program performance, anticipated use of funds, financial information, monitoring visits, and the expected result of the services on clients, United Way rigorously determines the success of each program throughout the year and funds accordingly. Volunteers track these investments ensuring results are achieved.
Local programs are then funded based on their role in impacting the community through one of our following Focus Areas:
