The Homewood divisions began their march to the JHI United Way goal of nearly $2.5 million with a kickoff event on Sept. 23. The Pep Band led the troops to Shriver Hall, where they heard several speakers and then were treated to lunch. PHOTO BY HPS/WILL KIRK

While giving an undesignated gift or a gift its Community Safety Net is still the best and most cost-efficient way to give, the United Way allows designation to health and human service agencies in central Maryland.

The United Way of Central Maryland's board of directors recently released a three-year strategic plan recommitting the organization to its core mission of helping the people who need it the most within our community.

Moving forward, United Way will only accept designated gifts earmarked for nonprofits whose core mission is health and human service. Examples of entities that do not meet the new policy might be a private school, unless its mission is to serve those with a specific health or learning disability; arts or culture groups; or a religious institution, unless it provides a health and human service such as a soup kitchen, shelter or youth activities/mentoring program. United Way will honor all pledges made in the 2003 campaign but will not accept any pledges in 2004 to institutions that do not meet the criteria.

United Way hopes that donors share its commitment to addressing the more immediate health and human service needs that central Marylanders face every day.

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