United Way identifies area’s critical issues and needs

The United Way of Pinal County has recently completed the community impact project originally proposed in August 2003. Over 1,000 Pinal County residents, including some in Maricopa, were surveyed during the past year. The results identified the most critical issues in area communities and households for the next three to five years.

Speaking at last week’s City Council meeting, Bill Ludeke, United Way’s Executive Director, explained, “When asked to identify the major issue in their communities, residents said they needed or wanted better paying jobs closer to home.”

Executive Director Bill Ludeke of the United Way of Pinal County.

The second leading issue was more affordable and accessible transportation. The type of transportation desired included ways to get to work, for seniors to get medical treatment and to transport youth to sports events and cultural activities.

Other issues near the top of most respondents’ lists were domestic violence, services for the elderly and adult literacy.

The domestic violence needs were shelters and victims’ services. Services for the elderly were thought to be generally lacking, but transportation needs were the primary focus.

The lack of job skills, as well as a lack of life skills, was seen as a problem for individuals trying to enter or re-enter the work force. A need for English as a Second Language (ESL) and General Equivalency Degree (GED) instruction was noted. Both programs need to be affordable and accessible for those lacking language or literacy skills, which must be implemented as early as possible.

According to Ludeke, “Strategic directions for showing measurable progress in these three areas have been formulated.” The United Way’s strategic directions, as cited in the Community Impact Plan, are:

“Create a culture that no longer tolerates or promotes domestic violence or domestic abuse of any kind, and where people are safe in their relationships and in their environments.”

“Working together we will meet all the critical needs of our senior population, including but not limited to respect, transportation, safety, health care, food and shelter.”

“Value literacy and provide access to a quality education for every adult and child in Pinal County.”

“United Way has had a tough time keeping up with human services,” stated Ludeke. “We want to strengthen and expand the Salvation Army’s presence in Maricopa. The demand for their services is increasing exponentially due to the population growth.”

The United Way’s plans for this area include bringing organization to the delivery of emergency food and shelter and providing a volunteer center for western Pinal County. “We want to see how creative we can be in providing services,” explained Ludeke. “In terms of funding, the most important thing to remember is that what we raise here stays here.”

Organizations wanting to apply for funding should contact the Casa Grande United Way office at (520) 836-0736 as soon as possible. Applications are due by March 4, 2005.