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| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 7/8/2008 |
Contact: Alison Keeling 302-573-3731 akeeling@uwde.org |
UNITED WAY OF DELAWARE HONORS WEST END NEIGHBORHOOD HOUSE, INC. AND GENERATIONS HOME CARE, INC. WITH COMMUNITY IMPACT AWARD
The agencies were recognized at United Way of Delaware’s 2008 Annual Meeting, held on June 26, for demonstrating exceptional service to the community. West End Neighborhood House was honored for the Worker’s Loan Program. Generations Home Care was honored for the 60+ Senior Medical Transportation Program. The awards were accepted by the executive director of each agency: Paul F. Calistro of West End Neighborhood House and Paulette Austin of Generations Home Care.
This is the seventh year that the Community Impact Award has been presented to local United Way agencies. Recipients must demonstrate United Way of Delaware’s spirit of philanthropy and dedication to the common good.
“West End Neighborhood House and Generations Home Care have worked diligently with United Way of Delaware to develop programs that have a measurable positive impact on the community,” said Michelle Taylor, President and Chief Executive Officer of United Way of Delaware. “Their commitment to results exemplifies what United Way of Delaware is all about — creating lasting change.”
About the West End Neighborhood House Worker’s Loan Program
The West End Neighborhood House Worker’s Loan Program is part of United Way of Delaware’s Financial Stability and Strong Neighborhoods strategic focus areas. The program, funded in part by Wilmington Trust and AIG, offers working Delawareans an alternative to predatory payday loans, which often charge interest rates ranging from 360 to 1,200 percent and cause their clients to fall into debt. In contrast, loans of up to $500 provided through the Worker’s Loan Program have interest rates of only 12 to 15 percent and have a 97 percent successful repayment rate. The Worker’s Loan Program requires the same documentation as payday lenders and offers the same quick turnaround. The program seeks to help its customers achieve financial independence. All applicants receive financial counseling and are offered a credit report. They also can be referred to other financial supportive services. The program started on October 15, 2007. As of May 2008, 169 loans had been made, for a total value of $72,400.
About Generations Home Care’s 60+ Senior Medical Transportation Program
Generations Home Care’s 60+ Senior Medical Transportation Program is related to United Way of Delaware’s Healthy and Independent Communities strategic focus area. In July 2005, when the American Red Cross of the Delmarva Peninsula determined it could not continue its medical transportation services, Generations Home Care, AstraZeneca, and United Way of Delaware collaborated to ensure that there was a smooth transition of services. As a result, critical medical transportation services were maintained for the 400 clients previously served by the American Red Cross. In October 2007, Generations Home Care and AstraZeneca extended the medical transportation services in Sussex County. As a result of that program expansion, more than 300 additional clients have been served.
For more information about United Way of Delaware and its Community Impact Award, please call (302) 573-3700 or visit www.uwde.org.