United Way of Kent County (UWKC) 2022-2023 campaign began September 1 with a goal of $280,000, an ambitious increase over the previous year. It surpassed its 2021-2002 fund-raising goal of $245,000.
The kick-off began at Chestertown’s First Friday September 2, 5-7:00pm, where UWKC member agencies displayed information about their work. The public visited the exhibits and learned about the large variety of programs UWKC supports such as, mental health services in Kent County Public Schools with For All Seasons, scholarships programs for Echo Hill Outdoor School, Garfield Center/ YouthSTAGES, Girl Scouts of the Chesapeake Council, Horizons of Kent and Queen Anne’s, Kent Association of Riding Therapy, Rock Hall Yacht Club Sailing School, and Open Door Partners in Education, housing assistance with Kent Attainable Housing, and Rebuilding Together, and other services with Maryland Rural Development Corporation, Kent County Cares Foundation, Mid Shore Council on Family Violence, Mid Shore Pro-Bono, Samaritan Group, United Needs & Abilities and Upper Shore Aging.
The United Way of Kent County is very pleased to potentially be able to expand its capability to address the community’s needs. The organization strives to improve our community by building partnerships and bringing together diverse stakeholders to focus on three impact areas: Health, Education, and Financial Stability. The program began in 1957 with a goal of $45,000 and six Member Agencies. This year, UWKC is 65 years old with 23 Member Agencies!
“We are all connected. When the neediest needs are met, we all benefit,” noted Hope Clark, Executive Director. “We are aiming to increase the number of workplace campaigns as well as the number of individual donors. According to the 2020 Census, 12% of those in Kent County live in poverty; 9.1% under 65 live with a disability. We need to raise funds to meet those needs,” she added.
A special thank you to all our previous donors, over half of whom have donated 5 to 10 years or more! The annual report completed in September illustrates the impact of the funds donated. It will be distributed to every household in Kent County, with a request for individuals to contribute. Donations may be made at any time via the website www.unitedwayofkentcounty.org or by mail to United Way of Kent County, P.O. Box 594, Chestertown, MD 21620.
Photo Caption: Kent Attainable Housing (KAH) is one of 23 local United Way member agencies. KAH helped Eugene and Tamyra Dupree-Jones obtain their own home in Worton in 2022.