United Way of the Big Bend

Funds for the agency's programs come from the contributions of United Way of the Big Bend (uwbb) supporters through the annual fundraising campaign. the community campaign and the leon county schools campaign solicit monetary support from the t corresponding constituents. Uwbb supported 77 programs across the Big Bend area last year. the allocation of funds is based on the decision of the community investment review teams comprised of experts in finance, programs related to our impact areas as well as community volunteers knowledgeable about their communities' needs. Panels of volunteers and experts review each agency's finances and programs and operating capacity to deliver proposed services. After thorough analysis of the review data, the community investment team recommends how funds are allocated to each agency's program.

21 cclcthis program supports community learning centers that provide academic enrichment opportunities during non-school hours for children, particularly students who attend high-poverty and low-performing schools. the program helps students meet state and local student standards in core academic subjects, such as reading and math; offers students a broad array of enrichment activities that can complement their regular academic programs; and offers literacy and other educational services to the families of participating children.

United Way of the Big Bend is helping to support improved reading and literacy rates for 3rd graders through our readingpals program. Readingpals is a statewide early literacy initiative managed by the children's movement and administered through United ways and community partners throughout Florida. Each program recruits, trains, and supports volunteer mentors for students in prek third grade who need extra reading support. the sessions are set up as guided one-to-one shared reading sessions. This program has been in place for twelve years in leon county.