United Way of Effingham County held their annual kick-off luncheon earlier today in Effingham. The luncheon serves as an informational and goal setting meeting for local businesses interested in conducting an employee campaign. A representative from Patterson Technology Center presented at the event as are this year’s “Lead Pacesetter.” During the presentation, Jennifer Westendorf, elaborated on Paterson’s successes and plans for this year’s campaign.
The bar is set high this year. United Way is planning to raise $305,000 for 23 local partner agencies.
Child Advocacy Center of East Central Illinois is new to the partner agency list this year.
Partner Agencies: Big Brothers Big Sisters (Mid Illinois), Blessings in a Backpack, Boy Scouts Lincoln Trails Council, CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate), Catholic Charities, CEFS Golden Circle Nutrition Program, CEFS Literacy Program, CEFS Retired Sr Volunteer Program (RSVP), Child Advocacy Center of East Central Illinois, Effingham Child Development Center, Effingham County FISH Human Services, Effingham County Search & Rescue, Effingham County Youth Commission, Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois, Heartland Human Services, NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) of Effingham County, One Hope United, Oneighty, SAFE (Sexual Assault and Family Emergencies), Senior Services of Effingham County, STAR (Strategic Training and Restoration), SWAN (Stopping Woman Abuse Now) and the Unit 40 Mentoring Program.