What's in the News?!
Click here for the PDF of the survey results (~660 kb). |
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United Way of Frederick County Public Survey Summary Available
April 20th, 2007
FREDERICK, MARYLAND-The results of the United Way of Frederick County (UWFC) Public Survey conducted over a one-month period from August 2006 to September 2006 are now available. The goal of the project was to create a tool that nonprofit organizations, governmental entities, educational institutions, faith-based organizations and community groups could use for strategic planning and program development, a tool that reflected what the community identified as its most significant unmet needs.
These results, in conjunction with other information gathering activities, will better inform community decision makers as to how critical issues can be addressed. "We hope the survey summary will be used by agencies and organizations to stimulate partnerships among those grappling with common problems," stated Eric J. Struntz, UWFC chairman of the board.
UWFC engaged Michael Strategic Analysis to conduct the survey to measure the knowledge, attitudes and practices of the general public, tabulate the results and develop a comprehensive summary of results.
It is clear from survey results that respondents feel UWFC is well serving social services needs in Frederick County. In addition to querying respondents on social services currently being addressed by UWFC in its focus areas of supporting children and families, offering health education, providing emergency services and serving those with disabilities, other quality-of-life issues were added. The report pinpoints major concerns of the community, naming 24 social services needs that deserve close attention. While the community found all of these needs significant, it placed four in the top tier. In rank order the first tier needs are affordable housing, gangs, growth management and traffic.
A second tier of topics was also of high importance to respondents: emergency shelter and food and senior services. Four other topics rounded out the top ten in importance: child care, crisis intervention, domestic violence and services to people with disabilities.
Mr. Struntz encourages community partners to get involved in the process of addressing community needs. "As we look forward, we want the public to keep in mind that conducting this assessment is only the first of many steps. We will need many partners working together to think strategically about how to best address the unmet needs in our community."
A local, volunteer-managed organization, United Way of Frederick County invests in community impact by supporting programs that assist children and families, provide emergency services, offer health education and serve those with disabilities through its 22 partner agencies. For additional information, explore our website or call UWFC at 301-663-4231.
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