Your Funding Support through United Way of Rockbridge
We have a goal to support families and individuals with becoming and remaining healthy. The United Way of Rockbridge works to make it easier for families and individuals to access quality health-care programs, access nutritious foods, and take advantage of supportive services. We fund programs that assist with physical, mental, and social health for our community residents.
The 2019 Coffee House Prom
Blue Ridge Legal Services
UWR funding helps to cover a portion of the cost of providing free legal assistance. Overall during the previous year, BRLS obtained 212 outcomes for 213 clients benefiting 525 low-income people in the community. They recovered $66,388 in lump sum benefits for these clients while avoiding over $58,606 in claims and liabilities against them. In the 42 cases involving on-going representation, they successfully achieved their clients’ goals in 90% and partially achieved them in the remaining 10%. 77 cases were for families with children ages preschool to 3rd grade.
Brain Injury Connections of the Shenandoah Valley
BICSV provides community-based services for individuals affected by brain injury. They are expanding into Rockbridge County and the UWR is providing funding for their “Circles of Support” program that includes Case Management, Life Skills Training, Education, Outreach & Advocacy, and Support Group Activities. Their core services are supported through the Virginia Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services, and they are required to obtain local funding through public-private partnerships. BICSV serves children, youth and adults and their pediatrics program works closely with children, their families and the school individual education program (IEP) to arrange the best school experience for their clients.
The Coffee House of Rockbridge
On a monthly basis during typical times the Coffee House of Rockbridge provided monthly evenings of entertainment, snacks/meal, social interaction, and networking for individuals with developmental, cognitive and physical disabilities for ages 16 and older. Last year The Coffeehouse averaged 57 participants. 10 to 12 volunteers assist at each monthly event; three of the events are funded by UWR.
Talking Book Center
The new full time TBC Supervisor is expanding programming for the visually impaired. May, 2019 saw the start of the TBC book club and summer reading challenge. Many patrons took advantage of the book clubs held at the local Rockbridge Regional Library and utilized TBC for not only a copy of the discussed book, but time and location of the book club event which was delivered to the TBC patrons in a user-friendly format. TBC works together with the Rockbridge Regional Library Bookmobile for outreach. Even during the pandemic with extremely limited staff working at various times, TBC was able to continue serving their patrons. This was extremely helpful to the visually impaired community.
Valley Program for Aging Services- UWR funds two programs at VPAS
- Medicare Counseling - 158 Buena Vista residents, 67 Lexington residents, and 336 Rockbridge County residents received Medicare Insurance Counseling. By understanding their most cost-effective options for prescription drug plans, local residents who received Medicare Insurance Counseling saved $81,736 in medication expenses in 2019. United Way funding provided counseling for 109 individuals.
- Meals on Wheels - 57 Buena Vista residents, 17 Lexington residents, and 27 Rockbridge County residents (unduplicated individuals) received Meals on Wheels. 18,912 meals were served to 101 residents In FY 2018-2019. VPAS collects information annually from a survey and 89% clients report being able to remain independent in their home with the assistance of Meals on Wheels. Meals are delivered hot and freshly cooked. The food delivery also serves as a wellness check for residents. With some adjustments, meals were delivered during 2020, though with limited contact.