Frequently Asked Questions
What is United Way?
Ada Regional United Way is a nonprofit organization supporting health and human service programs in our community. United Way strives to improve the lives of local residents by raising funds through an annual community wide campaign. Ada Regional United Way is governed by a LOCAL volunteer Board of Directors which ensures the organization is run efficiently and effectively.
What is the mission statement of Ada Regional United Way?
To improve lives by coordinating and promoting the caring power in the community.
What is the vision statement of Ada Regional United Way?
To be the "way" in which volunteers, resources, and agencies are "united" to enhance the quality of life in our community.
Is United Way a national or local organization?
Ada Regional United Way is a separate local organization from United Way Worldwide. Like the more than 1200 United Ways across the country, our United Way is directed by a local volunteer Board of Directors so that the most critical issues in the Ada Area community can be addressed. The Ada Regional United Way pays 1% of it's annual campaign in dies to the United Way of America. These dues provide important cost-saving measures such as staff training, community research information, campaign products, free NFL advertising and ongoing consultation.
Where does my local contribution go?
Your contribution stays right here in the Ada area to support 15 health and human service agencies. Money that is raised here stays here to support services that help people in this community.
Does Ada Regional United Way allow donor designations to its member agencies?
Ada Regional United Way has always made designations to its member agencies possible. We do not promote or encourage designations because to do so bypasses United Way's Volunteer Allocation process. Designations sometimes result in funding based on an agency's popularity or public recognition rather than the agency's or the community's actual need. Experience has shown that trained and informed volunteers make the most equitable, responsible funding decisions based on the community's needs.
Why should I contribute if I don't use a United Way agency?
United Way member agencies provide services that benefit the community as a whole. Last year over 34,000 undividual needs in the Ada area were met by the United Way agencies. Your contribution helps make the community a better place to live.
Chances are a neighbor, friend, co-worker, or family member has benefited from a United Way funded program. (For example - youth organizations, adult day care, PAWS, American Red Cross, etc.)
Will my designations impact the amount of funding an agency receives?
Designations are considered the "first dollars" toward the allocation amount determined by the United Way Volunteer Allocations Committee, and in effect, become the minimum guaranteed amount an agency will receive. In this way, designated contributions are not given to agencies, like a "bonus." This would undermine United Way's need based allocations process and turn the funding process into a popularity contest among member agencies. However, in the event that the sum of designated dollars to an agency exceeds the United Way's allovation figure, the larger designated sum will be given to the agency. United Way always honors donor designations.
Can I designate my contribution to an agency that is not an United Way member agency?
No. Such designations will be returned to the contributor. Ada Regional United Way strongly believes in our Volunteer Allocations process and as such will not fund non-member agencies whose accountability it cannot guarantee.
What are the Ada Regional United Way member agencies?
Click here to see a list of Ada Regional United Way member agencies.
How does the United Way monitor the expenses of funded agencies?
Each year member agency programs and budgets are thoroughly reviewed by a diverse group of local volunteers. The citizen review process ensures accountability and assures that your contribution is meeting the most critical needs on our community. These experienced allocations volunteers examine the programs to make sure every dollar or your contribution is spent wisely - just like you would.
Why was I charged for services when I went to one of the United Way agencies?
Many agencies do charge on a sliding fee scale according to the client's ability to pay. This makes it possible for United Way programs to help people who need help the most.
Is my United Way contribution tax deductible?
YES - if you itemize you deductions. Donors making a single payment of $250 or more will receive a receipt from the United Way to meet IRS regulations. If you need a receipt letter and do not receive one please contact the United Way office and one will be sent to you.
Who is helped by the United Way?
The Ada Regional United Way supports 15 non-profit health and human service agencies in our community who provide a variety of needs such as assisting people in crisis, supporting children and youth, basic needs and rehabilitation, supporting older adults, and promoting health and healing.
How can your donation help?
$1.00 = one hour of activities for a youth at Boys and Girld Club.
$5.00 = supplies for a new resident at Ada Area Youth Shelter/Services
$10.00 = gas voucher from AACES for those in need
$12.00 = annual activity fee of Camp Fire USA
$15.00 = diapers for a baby whose family just lost their belongings in a house fire
$30.00 = one night hotel room stay for the homeless through AACES
$45.00 = one day of safe emergency shelter for a mother fleeing domestic violence
$45.00 = a 10 hour day of care for an elderly or disabled person at Adult Day Care
$50.00 = toys & treats for all the animals at PAWS
$65.00 = one week of resident camp for a Girl Scout
Contact Ada Regional United Way
Ada Regional United Way
314 S. Broadway, Suite 211
Ada, OK 74820
(580) 332-2313
fax: (580) 332-3323
e-mail: contact.adauw@adaunitedway.org