In 2002, United Way of the Capital Region (UWCR) began developing a strategic plan to guide its operations and fund distribution process over the next three to five years. As a result, five Focused Care Councils (FCCs) were created to examine and prioritize the needs and assets of the Capital Region, review current United Way-funded programming and develop strategies to address those needs.

Each Focused Care Council is supported by two United Way staff members and is comprised of a volunteer council chair and 8 - 12 community volunteers who serve as council members. Council members represent the public, private and business sectors of our community, as well as faith-based organizations. Council members also include individuals whose knowledge makes them “experts” in their field of review. Each Council is assigned a specific area of focus: Building a Stronger and Safer Community; Caring for Families and Seniors; Investing in Children and Youth; Overcoming Disease and Disabilities; or Providing Emergency Food and Shelter.

Councils examine the ongoing and emerging needs of our community as they relate to their area of focus. They review existing programs to determine whether services are currently available to address identified needs, whether the existing programming is efficient and effective, or if there is a gap in the service delivery system. Council members use the knowledge they have gained through their experience, position, education and community contacts in the review process. Research data is supplied by council members, United Way staff and service providers. The Councils then determine which needs are most critical. They may recommend using additional funding or another strategy to address the identified needs.

Each Focused Care Council produces an Annual Report that summarizes its review of the issues facing our community and providing direction to our work during the year.
View the Focused Care Council Annual Report and Recommendations (PDF format, 921 kb).
View the Focused Care Council Annual Report Summary (PDF format, 928 kb).

Check out more information on the results achieved by UWCR (PDF format, 680 kb)funded programs.

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