COUNTYWIDE : United Way Gives Less to Agencies
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United Way of Ventura County gave $200,000 less this year to local agencies, officials said Wednesday.
Last year, 64 local nonprofit agencies received about $3.75 million from United Way, said Colleen Hunter, executive director. This year, $3.55 million was distributed, she said.
“There have been a lot of layoffs in the last year and a half, and there hasn’t been as many people to contribute,” Hunter said.
About 78% of United Way’s money comes from local employees who give through payroll deductions, United Way spokeswoman Sylvia Schnopp said.
Money from United Way makes up an average of 30% of the agencies’ budgets, Schnopp said. Groups aided by United Way include the Conejo Valley YMCA, the Simi Free Clinic and Catholic Charities.
“The recession has hit us a lot harder than we anticipated,” Hunter said. “It’s ironic because the agencies need it more than ever. . . . People have been laid off from their jobs, so they need services more than they needed before.”
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