"We are very pleased with the results our current partner agencies are achieving for local people, and we welcome new partnerships as well," said John Hodge, Chair of United Way's Compass Overview Committee. "United Way is investing donor dollars in the goal areas of: Meeting Basic Needs/Safety Net, A Safe and Healthy Community, Success By 6: Early Childhood, and Youth and Lifelong Learning. Agencies that are making progress toward these high priority goals are welcome to inquire about applying."

Meeting Basic Needs/Safety Net

1. Everyone's basic needs are met, especially for food and shelter

2. Everyone has access to safe and affordable housing

3. Everyone has access to transportation in our communities

4. Everyone knows where to go to get help and there are no barriers to needed social services

5. Everyone will have access to employment that provides wages and benefits sufficient to meet the basic needs of a household.

A Safe and Healthy Community

6. Everyone has access to affordable, high-quality health care (including mental health care, prescription drugs, dental care, etc.)

7. Our community fosters wellness through education, prevention, and action.

8. Our community promotes prevention and provides treatment of drug and alcohol abuse.

9. Support is available to people who are dying and to their loved ones.

10. People who provide care for others will receive support and respite

11. People who are vulnerable (hurt, ill, disabled, isolated, etc.) will receive the help they need.

12. Everyone can live free from abuse and violence.

13. Individuals and our communities are prepared for, and able to respond to, emergencies

Success By 6: Early Childhood

14. All children enter school ready to learn and succeed.

15. The community supports healthy parenting skills.

16. Children are read to from birth.

17. There is high-quality, affordable, and accessible child care and early education.

Youth and Lifelong Learning

18. Our community facilitates lifelong learning.

19. People with challenges or disabilities also have opportunities to reach their full potential.

20. Youth at risk have effective programs, including mentoring, to help them become responsible members of the community.

21. Students have maximum opportunities to succeed because their health, educational and social service needs are being met.

22. Everyone can read.

23. All people, especially young people, have many choices for positive activities and learning enrichment.