Program areas at United Way of Thurston County
With a focus on bringing lasting change, United Way of Thurston County awarded over $1,035,380 in grants supporting health and human service programs and initiatives. With emphasis on key areas of health, education and financial stability, community investment grants funded through uwtc community care fund supported 34 local programs. Each program demonstrated the ability to measurably improve the lives of Thurston County residents. Volunteers from across the community evaluate funding requests every two years to ensure that United Way of Thurston County funds programs making the greatest impact in our community. The volunteers make funding recommendations to the uwtc board of directors and evaluate the agencies' progress reports and ensure programs are on track to achieve their goals. Current grants are funded by contributions made by donors during the uwtc 2021 campaign. Uwtc also allocates additional grants for early learning programs, 2-1-1 and emerging community needs, as well as distributes donor designated gifts to nonprofit organizations.
Rsvp, or the retired and senior volunteer program, is a free, federal program to support volunteers 55+ in lewis, mason and Thurston counties. The local rsvp is sponsored by United Way of Thurston County, working to advance the common good by creating a better life for all. Rsvp staff helps guide volunteers to match their skills, experience and lifestyle to focus on education, income and health issues - the building blocks for a good quality life. United Way recruits rsvp volunteers who bring the passion, expertise and resources needed to get things done. During 2021-22, the United Way of Thurston County rsvp program volunteers served throughout Thurston, lewis and mason counties.
Through the Thurston County covid-19 response fund, United Way of Thurston County raised and managed over $200,000 ($200,000 grants awarded) in funding to help the community recover from the devastating impact of covid-19. With financial support to nonprofit organizations by providing food, housing, utility assistance and health related services for vulnerable families.