Our focus is on building stronger communities here in Mid Coast Maine. That means that in addition to helping thousands of residents one at a time, largely through our funded partner agencies, we also work to create long-lasting change on a community-wide basis.

Our focus grew out of strategic planning and community outreach. We held brainstorming sessions in towns throughout our region, asking people what they most hoped for in our communities. We listened, and we learned a lot. We also talked with our partner agencies, and considered facts and reports about people's well-being in Mid Coast Maine.

Out of all this came our Vision for the future, and the 23 Community Goals which we are committed to address, in partnership with others. These are our community's goals, not just United Way's.

Now we work towards solutions, not just provide dollars in response to needs. We've reorganized ourselves, creating four year-round Solutions Councils of volunteers. The Councils address the areas of: Meeting Basic Needs/Safety Net, A Safe and Healthy Community, Success By 6: Early Childhood, and Youth and Lifelong Learning. The Councils' job is to help the community make progress toward the highest-priority goals.

We know the best way to help is to get to the heart of the problem. That's why United Way not only funds shelters, we also promote affordable housing and homelessness prevention. We know that mental health issues are the underlying causes of many serious problems, and we need to find ways to nip them in the bud. That's why we launched a broad community initiative in 2009 to improve access and services in our region for mental health. And it's why we've placed such a high priority on helping our children reach Success By 6. Research shows that investment in the early years pays the greatest dividends of all.

United Way does much more than raise money, and distribute it wisely. United Way is engaging the community to work actively toward our goals. Together we can get results that no one can accomplish alone. Together we can create lasting changes in people's lives and our community.