Focus Areas

Success is not measured by how much money we raise or distribute.

Mobilizing our communities and creating sustained change to improve lives defines us.  We continue to be dedicated to raising funds to support local health and human service programs, but impact on individual lives - not dollars - drives our efforts.  We do not view ourselves as fundraisers alone, but as a vehicle identifying and responding to Benton and Lincoln Counties' most pressing needs, creating partnerships, and solving problems at the root of the cause.

We focus on three impact areas:

• Meeting Basic Need � Meet basic needs of food, health, clothing, and shelter for individuals and families in crisis
   
• Providing Crisis Support � Support and prevention programs for victims of violence, families in crisis, substance abuse, emergency shelter and assistance
   
• Supporting Self-Sufficiency for Vulnerable Populations � Helping vulnerable populations meet their basic needs and achieve their highest levels of independence: elderly, people with special needs and at-risk families

Local Impact

Benton and Lincoln counties share many positive features and face difficult challenges.

In the two-county region, people live in poverty, depending on the measure used.  Poverty is not only an economic issue, it is a health issue.  Lack of education, insecure housing, poor diet, unstable employment, limited assets and social exclusion contribute to poor health.  In fact, people who live in poverty are at least twice as likely to face a serious illness and a premature death.

If the community chooses to tackle these issues, our neighborhoods will cultivate successful young people, contribute to healthy lives and support the independence and financial stability of our residents.

• Benton
• Lincoln