Visitors to the United Way / LIVE UNITED table at the "Best of Midtown" event on May 13 voted (with play money!) to determine which element of life is most important to help someone in need.  While we know each person's situation is unique, we DO know this is the question people answer each time they make a donation to a worthy cause.

Here's how the "Midtown" guests voted:

A Good EDUCATION:  36%

Good HEALTH: 34%

Stable INCOME (finances): 30%

Pretty even, right?   The truth is, each is important if we hope to help our neighbors become and remain independent.  And, by giving to United Way of the Midlands, a donor is making sure there are services available in ALL THREE AREAS (at some the very best local nonprofit partner agencies!), because no single agency can meet our community's many needs at once. 

The fact of the matter is:  a person-in-need often has more than one issue that requires attention. United Way donors make sure there's a variety of helpful programs available each year. 

If you're trying to make the most of our your charitable donation this year, we encourage you to find out what United Way's doing right now, in neighborhoods across Douglas, Sarpy and Pottawattamie counties. It's a great way to Advance the Common Good of our entire metro area. Check out these links:

The programs receiving United Way Donor Dollars right now (through June 30, 2010) 

Life-changing results of these programs

How are the funding decisions made each year?

Some new approaches to emerging local needs

United Way helps people find meaningful volunteer opportunities

We'll keep doing our informal poll throughout the year, to see how our neighbors feel about needed programs.  Look for the LIVE UNITED table at some of this summer's farmers markets, and at the Omaha Royals game on May 27th.  We'd love to know what YOU think!