MICHELLE WILLARD, Post Staff Writer
Posted: Sunday, August 23, 2009 7:13 am

When lives are torn apart by violence, nature or just chance, victims likely turn to one of the many social service agencies in Rutherford County to help rebuild their lives.

More often than not, the United Way supports these agencies.

“United Way's goal in partnering and funding these agencies is to create long-lasting community change by addressing the underlying causes of the most significant issues by bringing people together from all across the community to tackle these issues,” said Holly Lane-Adreon, United Way’s director of Resource Development.

Lane-Adreon added the organization focuses on four main areas: education, health, income and rebuilding lives.

“One of the major functions of the United Way is providing financial support,” explained Kristin Demos, United Way of Rutherford and Cannon Counties’ interim president. “We do that so they can focus on providing services (and) … give their attention where necessary.”

The attention of the Domestic Violence Program, The Guidance Center, West Main Mission and the Child Advocacy Center of Rutherford County – just to name a few – is focused on providing social support to the community, while the United Way’s attention is focused on raising funds.

“They’re one of our major fundraisers,” said Sharon De Boer, director of the Child Advocacy Center. “Behind government grants they are the largest funding source for the Child Advocacy Center.”

The United Way gives about $25,000 a year to help the center provide services to child victims of sexual or physical abuse and their non-offending parents and family members.

“The United Way of Rutherford and Cannon Counties … has been a valuable resource to the Child Advocacy Center,” De Boer said.

De Boer said the organization also gives technical assistance and networking with other community agencies.

One of the main ways, other than funds, the United Way helps support agencies that rebuild lives is V.O.L., or Volunteer Opportunity Link, where individuals can sign up to volunteer by filling out a short form that then matches personal interests with local agencies, Demos explained.

She said V.O.L., which can be found at uwrutherford.org/volunteer, is a quick and easy way to find a volunteer opportunity that fits your life and interests.

“For more than 50 years, United Way of Rutherford and Cannon Counties has strived to help all of us reach a full and greater potential through giving, advocacy and volunteerism,” campaign chairman Andrew Oppmann said, when announcing a goal of $2.8 million at the United Way annual fundraising campaign kick off Aug. 14.

“We need your help, and the help of all in our communities, to reach this goal,” Oppmann continued. “Because the needs have never been greater.”

More than 95 percent of the funds given to United Way’s 45 partner agencies and programs come from volunteers, donors and business campaigns.

Since 1956, the United Way of Rutherford and Cannon Counties has worked to improve the community by supporting agencies that make a difference in lives.

Last year the United Way provided services to almost 93,000 people in Rutherford and Cannon counties through partner agencies and its own initiatives.

The United Way focuses on building a better community by supporting youth and education, assisting abused women and children, responding to people in crisis, building stronger and safer neighborhoods, enabling seniors and people with disabilities, and helping working poor families.

Michelle Willard can be contacted at 615-869-0816 or mwillard@murfreesboropost.com.