Q: What does United Way of Windham County do?
A: United Way unites our community to measurably improve the condition of people's lives. United Way raises and allocates funds and mobilizes our local resources to work together to best meet the current needs of the people of Windham County (Vermont).

Q: How are United Way of Windham County donation used?
A: Dollars are invested in a wide variety of programs and services that benefit the elderly, children, families and individuals. Your gift makes it possible to shelter the homeless, provide emergency food and shelter, provide daycare, elderly care, health care, crisis intervention, reading skills, personal care for children with disabilities, and much more. Contributions help to provide services that benefit everyone in the community... making this a better place to live and work.

Q: There are many worthwhile local non profits, why should I give to United Way?
A: Giving through United Way is like investing in a mutual fund. United Way ensures that comprehensive services are here to help people in Windham County when they need it. Just one annual contribution through United Way allows you to help hundreds of people, locally. No other organization touches so many right here at home.

Q: Who benefits from United Way of Windham County funded services?
A: Over 21,000 people in Windham County benefited last year from United Way donations. United Way funded services help everyone! It is a popular misconception that only the jobless and truly "at risk" seek help from United Way agencies. Working people have problems and needs too - marital problems, lack of sufficient health insurance, child care needs, alcohol and drug problems, troubled teens and aging parents. United Way services are available to all... your co-workers, your friends, your neighbors and your family. You never know when you might need support!

Q: How does United Way know what services are needed?
A: United Way of Windham County regularly conducts a survey of health and human service needs in Windham County. The purpose of the survey is to pinpoint critical care issues and to strategically identify areas for priority. This process also identifies areas for United Way initiatives to positively impact our community's well-being.

Q: What happens when a critical need area is pinpointed?
A: United Way has adopted a strategy called community impact. When a critical need area is identified, United Way convenes a meeting of all stake holders to develop a cross-community plan to more effectively address that area. We call this "community impact". By donating to United Way your contribution is part of the community impact solution. You are part of a team working to make Windham County better.

Q: Who decides how my donation is invested?
A: Local volunteers - people like you - invest your donation. A caring force of trained, local volunteers devote their time to determine how your funds will have the greatest impact in our communities. Please feel free to contact our office to become a volunteer.

Q: I would like to give, but I'm not sure that I can afford to make a meaningful donation.
A: Whatever amount you choose to give, each donation makes a difference in someone's life. No donation amount is too small. An easy way to make a contribution is through payroll deduction at your workplace. It allows your payment to be spread out over a period of time.

Q: I work in Windham County but I do not live here. Can I designate my gift to my home community?
A: By contributing here, where you work, you help support this community's network of human services. However, if you choose to designate another community United Way, you may do so by indicating your preference on your pledge card.

Q: Is my contribution tax deductible?
A: United Way of Windham County is a 501(c) agency. Your contribution is tax deductible as allowed by the law.

Q: How else can I help?
A: Donations regardless of size are vitally important. Also, United Way and its 29 partner agencies depend on more than monetary gifts. Many agencies could not exist without the hundreds of volunteer hours donated each year by people like you. United Way encourages you to contact our partner agencies to find out about volunteer opportunities.

Q: If I have more questions, whom should I call?
A: Please call the United Way of Windham County at 802-257-4011 or email info@unitedwaywindham.org.