The United Way of Knox County shares their 2023 Annual Report

The United Way of Knox County hosted their annual meeting and donor recognition lunch on March 7th.
They shared highlights from the 2023 Campaign and 2023 Annual Report.

WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart talked with Lori Jones Perkins, Executive Director.
Click HERE to hear their full conversation.
Lori shared some outstanding stats:
– Only 1.06% of pledges are unpaid (that return is amazing)
– 85% of donations go directly to support their partner agencies
– Less than 15% is used for administrative costs

She also talked about the process of how organizations apply to become a partner agency and receive funds from the United Way. They have a Community Impact Panel that listens to the presentations and gives scores and comments on each organization. These reports go to a Community Investment Committee that makes allocation recommendations based on the reports from the Community Impact Panel. Then the full United Way board votes for the final allocations.

Lori also talked about the accountability of the United Way.
The annual report for 2023 is available to pick up at the office. It will be shared on the website soon – uwayknox.org
She talks about how every dollar matters and makes a difference.
Lori mentions how we will see the United Way out more in the community in 2024!

Marcy also talked with Halle Krajenski, Program Director for the United Way
Click HERE to hear their full conversation.
Marcy and Halle talk about the three pillars for United Way funding:
Health: In 2023 United Way invested $316,930 in 13 Health Programs with 9 different partner agencies.
Education: In 2023 United Way invested $155,722 in 8 Education Programs with 7 different Partner Agencies
Financial Stability: In 2023 United Way invested $201,300 in Financial Stability Programs with 7 Partner Agencies

Halle also shared an exciting report about other United Way projects:

• The Imagination Library was started by Dolly Parton, to give children reading and literacy skills. We are at 61% rate of Knox County children participating in the program. In 2023, 27,038 books were delivered in 2023.
• Crunch Out Knox County – 552 4^th graders were able to engage in a 6-week program learning about making healthy choices for life.
• There are 3 after-school programs at East, Dan Emmett, and Pleasant Street Elementary schools providing homework help and enrichment activities
• Free Tax Preparation Assistance – United Way completed 551 returns for 2023

Stay connected at the website – uwayknox.org (it is in the midst of changes)
Social Media – United Way of Knox County
Office – 305 East High St. in Mount Vernon

You can give on the website or mail a check to the office.
Scroll down to see some exciting numbers shared in the 2023 Annual Report.