Greensburg — The mission at the Decatur County United Fund is “mobilizing the power of our community to develop and maintain resources that meet human needs.”

That mission allows the United Fund to impact the community in many ways. Dollars are invested in a wide range of programs and services that benefit the elderly, children, families and needy individuals.  

Throughout the year, the United Fund collaborates with organizations that impact the community in similar aspects.

Those collaborations sometimes bring opportunity to the United Fund. The United Fund is pleased to announce that $10,173 will be given to the Hospital Foundation’s “Reach” Capital Campaign for a Speech Therapy Room.

This donation is made possible due to events in 2011 when Decatur County Lifeline Systems, an agency funded by United Fund, dissolved its operations held within the Hospital emergency room. Jae Riedeman, Program Manager/President of Decatur County Lifeline Systems, shared, “We appreciate the support from the community and United Fund that helped us maintain the program for nearly 25 years.”

Because of the partnership between the Decatur County United Fund and Lifeline Systems over the years, the United Fund was one of several recipients to receive funds.

The $10,173 was given to the United Fund with no restrictions. The United Fund board realizes the value of giving back to the community and continuing the mission of developing resources in education, health and income.

Joane Cunningham, Executive Director of Decatur County United Fund, noted, “The Board of Directors reached out to Jae to seek her approval of this donation to a very worthy project.  With her overwhelming support, the United Fund board is pleased to support the Hospital Foundation’s “Reach” Capital Campaign by sponsoring a Speech Therapy Room on behalf of the two organizations.”

DCMH offers hundreds of free screenings, health and wellness initiatives, and educational programs throughout the year and across the county. These efforts touch thousands of lives and promote healthier lifestyles for area residents.  

Cunningham shared, “The area of speech therapy was selected because it incorporates health and education. We are very excited about the opportunity to impact people’s lives. It just fits our mission 100 percent. Many children and even some adults struggle with one of the most basic abilities humans have - speech. Communication is important in everyone’s lives and being disadvantaged in this area can be both frustrating and emotionally painful. By focusing on a few areas and engaging in daily activities you can see improvement in yourself or your child.”

“We are very grateful for this generous gift from the United Fund,” said David Fry, DCMH Director of Community Relations. “Not only will it advance phase II of our project but it will impact the health and wellness of the entire community and especially those undergoing speech therapy.”   

“We are proud to team with Decatur County Lifeline Systems and the Hospital Foundation for this exciting opportunity that will give back to many individuals for years to come” stated Cunningham.  You can learn more about the Decatur County United Fund at our website: www.unitedfund.com and the Hospital Foundation of Decatur County’s Capital Campaign at www.dcmh.net/campaign.



— Daily News