United Way of Atlantic County Planning Community Needs Assessment

In its continuing efforts to align generosity with community needs, United Way of Atlantic County is currently planning to conduct an updated Community Needs Assessment in early 2005. The findings of this 2005 Community Needs Assessment will help direct United Way of Atlantic County’s funding priorities starting in 2006.

“No one knows the needs of the community better than its citizens,” said John Emge, executive director, United Way of Atlantic County. “This needs assessment allows us to reach out to local residents and let them tell us which health and human services best address the issues they face every day.”

Starting in January 2005, United Way will conduct residential phone surveys to hear directly from Atlantic County residents. Mail surveys will provide input from health and human services providers, community organizations and members of United Way’s volunteer boards and committees. United Way of Atlantic County’s Community Initiatives Committee, which is guiding the planning process, is also investigating other methods of gathering feedback from residents, especially the County’s Asian and Hispanic populations.

United Way of Atlantic County will analyze the data from all sources in Summer 2005 and publicize the results in Fall 2005. These results will impact United Way funding for 2006 – 2007.
In 2001 United Way of Atlantic County conducted a similar needs assessment, which led to the development of United Way’s Community Impact Agenda and five core priorities: Reducing Substance Abuse, Providing Basic Needs and Self-Sufficiency, Supporting Community Health Issues, Fostering Safer Homes and Neighborhoods, and Promoting Mental Wellness.

United Way of Atlantic County invites members of the public to participate in the planning of this needs assessment. The committee is especially interested in finding ways to connect with the County’s Asian and Hispanic population. If you would like additional information or you would like to participate in the planning, contact Alice Woods, director of community initiatives, United Way of Atlantic County, at 609-404-4483 ext. 19.

United Way of Atlantic County is a local, volunteer-driven, charitable organization mobilizing people and resources to meet our community’s most pressing health and human services needs.

United Way of Atlantic County is dedicated to making a positive impact on the quality of life for Atlantic County residents by supporting dozens of programs that reduce substance abuse, provide basic needs and increase self-sufficiency, support community health issues, foster safer homes and neighborhoods, and promote mental wellness.

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