United Way begins allocation process

The United Way of Greater Blytheville is beginning its allocation process for 2012-13, and applications for funds are now being accepted, according to United Way director Mary Helen Moody.

In order to qualify for United Way funding, an organization must be nonprofit, operate under 501(c)3 regulations, and be governed by a board of directors.

It must also benefit elderly or handicapped individuals or the youth of the community, she said.

Funding is not guaranteed from year to year, and each agency must reapply for funding annually.

The United Way is now accepting requests for allocation forms. The Allocation Committee will start having its meetings in June and will meet with every organization that submits an allocation form and meets United Way requirements. The goal for the 2012-13 fund-raising campaign will be set as a result of those meetings.

Requests for applications for funding may be made by calling Moody at the United Way at 870-763-7522. The last date to request allocation forms is Monday, April 16.

The United Way of Greater Blytheville currently funds 15 area agencies. They are:

Abilities Unlimited Inc.

A sheltered workshop that accepts persons who have mild mental retardation, learning disabilities, mental illness, physical disabilities/illnesses or sensory disabilities.

American Red Cross -- NEA Chapter

There are many services provided by Red Cross volunteers, including disaster preparedness and relief, first aid and CPR training, swimming and lifeguard training, service to military personnel, veterans and their families, providing relief to victims of single family fires, social services and blood drives.

Area XII Special Olympics

Provides an opportunity for handicapped children and adults to compete in several sporting events. Events are modeled after U.S. Olympics with winners able to compete on a state and national level.

Austism Association of Northeast Arkansas

Promotes education and awareness of autism spectrum disorders in northeast Arkansas.

Blytheville Community Samaritans Ministry

BCSM has several ongoing programs -- a soup kitchen that provides more than 250 meals weekly, youth enrichment programs, drug prevention, tutorial program, teen outreach, quiz bowl, summer enrichment program, after-school program.

Blytheville/Gosnell Area Food Pantry

Provides short-term emergency food and clothing assistance to individuals in need. More than 85,000 pounds of food goes to help to feed the hungry in the greater Blytheville area.

Boy Scouts

The mission of the Boy Scouts of America is to prepare young people to make ethical choices over their lifetime by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law.

Boys & Girls Club of Mississippi County

A youth development organization dedicated to promoting the health, social, educational, vocational and character development of boys and girls. The purpose is to enable them to develop into healthy productive citizens.

CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates)

CASA recruits and trains volunteers to advocate for children who have been abused or neglected and placed in the foster care system until they reach safe and permanent homes.

Charles Strong Recreation Center

The purpose of this organization is to provide year-round activities that will enhance the spiritual, educational, cultural and redevelopment of the youth of this community and surrounding area.

Focus Inc.

Focus serves people with developmental disabilities of all ages. Goals are to achieve independence and inclusion for people with disabilities, to create appropriate transitions to schools and other agencies, to integrate people with disabilities into community life to increase awareness of the need for disability services.

Girl Scouts of Greater Blytheville

More than 400 girls learn the Girl Scout's principles: a belief in God, service and responsible citizenship, high ideals of character and conduct and appreciation of the worth of all people.

The Haven of Northeast Arkansas

The Haven is an emergency shelter, which provides multiple services to a well-defined target population of abused women and their children. The Haven's purpose is to provide these women a safe place to stay and to assist them in learning to live independent, abuse-free lives

Legal Aid of Arkansas

Legal Aid of Arkansas is the only provider of free legal services to low-income persons with civil legal problems in Mississippi County.

Mississippi County Literacy Council

The Mississippi County Literacy Council was established to help all individuals in learning how to read and write or to improve these skills. Our goal -- reach and teach.