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• Gathering input from stakeholders and learning about their challenges and concerns
• Hosting community forums
• Getting people involved in the solutions
• Developing networks with community members, businesses, government, and other non-profits

Give us your input now!

In 1997, we held the VOICES community dialogues throughout York County.  Over 500 people attended these various sessions and contributed to the development of the three primary focus areas:  Strengthening Families, Nurturing Children and Youth, and Meeting Emergency Needs. 

In 2004, public input was again sought in defining the future of United Way of York County and what the leader of that organization should be. 

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Your Input Matters!  Please feel free to contact us at any time.  You can also submit comments/questions through the form below. 

On November 30, 2004 United Way of York County’s Strengthening Families Team held its first Substance Abuse Forum. "The Team wanted the forum attendees to represent diverse perspectives on substance abuse," comments Maureen Summers, 2004 Chair of the Strengthening Families Team. "We wanted to get people talking in the same room who wouldn’t normally have that opportunity." As a result, social service and healthcare providers, law enforcement representatives, employers and youth advocates were invited to the forum to talk about the problem of substance abuse in York County.

One attendee mentioned, "You see one group of people at substance abuse prevention meetings. You see another group of people at treatment meetings. This is the first time I’ve seen everyone in one room together."

Working in groups of ten, the forty attendees discussed prevention and treatment alternatives that could or already do work, barriers to conquering substance abuse, and ideas for energizing members of the community to become a part of the solution. Brian Deveaux, the 2005 Chair of the Strengthening Families Team confesses, "I was concerned that we might experience a mentality of defeatism from the group -- that this would be looked on as one more discussion that wouldn’t have follow through. I found the complete opposite. People in the room were energetic, enthusiastic and hopeful that United Way could help initiate a change."

Part of the discussion included what people saw as United Way’s role in this initiative. Putting the United Way brand and credibility behind it was a key theme. Andy Paul, Senior Human Resources Representative for Pratt & Whitney in North Berwick, says it makes sense, "Helping people help each other is what United Way is all about. "

"The forum was vital as a starting point," notes Geoffrey Miller of the Maine Office of Substance Abuse, "but implementing a well thought out plan, incorporating the comments and brainstorming will be important." Paul agrees, "The forum was a great beginning. I am hopeful United Way will maintain focus on this."

Since then, United Way has put together a core group of volunteers to continue the focus and drive that was initiated at the forum.  To become a part of this group or to learn more about their work, please contact Focus Area Director Josh Denkmire.

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There are always opportunities to get involved in United Way's work.  Several teams and committees are recruiting new members with new energy.   If you are interested in learning more about a specific initiative or collaboration that United Way is involved with, or just have a passion for a specific issue, please feel free to contact us through our Input Form.

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