United Way of Atlantic County Conducting
Phone Surveys for Community Needs Assessment

Galloway—United Way of Atlantic County is asking area residents to participate in a random phone survey to determine the health and human service needs of Atlantic County. This phone survey is part of a Community Needs Assessment that will help direct United Way of Atlantic County’s funding priorities starting in 2006.

“We understand that everyone’s time is limited. We just ask that Atlantic County residents take just ten minutes to tell us which health and human services best address the issues they face every day,” said John Emge, executive director, United Way of Atlantic County. “Their responses in just those few minutes will impact the direction of United Way’s funding and the types of programs and services we support.”

Volunteers from CONTACT Cape-Atlantic, a United Way-partner agency, began conducting the phone surveys on February 7 and will continue through early March. All information will remain confidential and anonymous.

In addition to the residential phone survey, the Community Needs Assessment also includes mail surveys to collect input from health and human services providers, community organizations and members of United Way’s volunteer boards and committees. United Way’s Community Initiatives Committee, which is guiding the planning process, will also conduct interviews with key community leaders.

United Way of Atlantic County will analyze the data from all sources this summer and publicize the results in the fall.

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 four core priorities: Reducing Substance Abuse & Promoting Mental Wellness, Providing Basic Needs and Self-Sufficiency, Supporting Community Health Issues, and Fostering Safer Homes and Neighborhoods.

“United Way is still committed to our four core priorities,” said Emge. “We are using this new needs assessment to dig deeper and better understand the issues area residents face every day.”

If you would like additional information, contact Alice Woods, director of community initiatives, United Way of Atlantic County, at 609-404-4483 ext. 19.

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