What is the United Way of Tyler/Smith County?
United Way is a locally incorporated, autonomous organization governed by a local volunteer board of directors. Policies, activities, procedures and agencies we support are determined right here at home. The community volunteers who lead United Way come from all walks of life and reflect the cultural diversity of our area. United Way's daily operations are handled by a small, but knowledgeable professional staff which works closely with the volunteers at all levels.

What agencies are supported by the United Way of Tyler/Smith County?
Funded agencies are:

• ADAPT (Adolescent Development & Achievement Program of Tyler)
• American Red Cross
• ARC (Association for Retarded Citizens of Smith County)
• Azleway, Inc
• Bethesda Health Clinic
• Boys & Girls Clubs of East Texas
• East Texas Area Council, Boy Scouts of America
• Children’s Advocacy Center of Smith County
• Children’s Medicine Fund
• CASA for Kids of East Texas
• The East Texas Crisis Center
• East Texas Treatment Center
• Gentry Parkway Youth Center
• Goodwill Industries – Opportunities in Tyler, Inc.
• Habitat for Humanity
• Literacy Council of Tyler
• Ninos de Promesa
• North Tyler Day Nursery
• Parents Anonymous of Tyler, Inc.
• Parent Services Center, Inc
• Sister Communities Council on Alcohol & Drug Abuse (SCCADA)
• Smith County 4-H Youth Program
• Smith County Champions for Children
• Girl Scouts of Tejas Council
• The Salvation Army
• Tyler Day Nursery
• YMCA of Tyler

How much of the dollars raised stay here in Smith County?
Ninety-nine cents of every dollar raised in Tyler/Smith County stays in Tyler/Smith County. Our United Way is a member of both the United Way of America and United Ways of Texas. Both Associations provide valuable research, training, materials and publicity that return 10 times the amount paid in annual dues.

The Bottom Line: Your donation stays in Tyler/Smith County to support 27  local agencies and many programs.

Why run an annual campaign?
The United Way of Tyler/Smith County is the most efficient and effective means of distributing dollars to local agencies. United Way provides thousands within our community an opportunity to touch a wide range of needs through one gift.

One campaign to support agencies costs less and raises more. Our agencies can spend less time raising monies and more time doing what they do best…serving those in need right here in Tyler/Smith County.

Most of us have busy lives. While we all have a few agencies we know and support, the health of our community depends on the combined strength of all our member agencies. An annual United Way campaign allows donors the opportunity to make a contribution to support the many other needs we don’t have the ability to know, help, reach or review.

Who can I call to set up a campaign?
You can call the United Way of Tyler/Smith County at 581-6376 and speak to either Lisa Gardner, Fund Distribution Director (ext. 206) or La Juan Hollis, Interim President (ext. 210).

How are our dollars spent to help others?
While the more visible aspects of our United Way revolve around the campaign, the true heart of our efforts rest in our ability to provide an accountable process of funding the many agencies we support.

Our allocation process relies on a group of  volunteers to serve as stewards of the funds we raise during campaign. Each year our Agency Relations volunteers review our member agencies, their efforts of the previous year, the management of our dollars, and the needs they have for the year to come. Our volunteers are donors too and they work hard to provide the stewardship needed to insure the dollars raised are well spent.

You can help make this process work for our community. We are always looking for volunteers to help us ensure that the monies raised make the greatest impact. Call our office at 581-6376 x 206 if you would like to volunteer.

What is the goal for this year?
The Goal for 2005-2006 is 2,205,000  million dollars..

Where can I get help?
Information is available free of charge, 7  days a week, 24 hours a day through      2-1-1 EAST TEXAS. Anyone can access this service by calling 2-1-1 or by using  the online version at www.uwtyler.org