Fifteen community organizations received a huge shot in the arm from the United Way of Lackawanna and Wayne Counties.
On Thursday, they got the official word that $39,000 would be distributed among them - funds that were entirely raised in Wayne County from this year’s United Way campaign.
“Without a doubt, the United Way has become a great partner in helping us to further our mission and better serve our community,” said Tina Hoehn, executive director of the Wayne County YMCA, whose organization was picked for a $3,000 grant earmarked for building repairs.
“They have been a wonderful asset for us and for the community as a whole,” she said.
Other groups that benefited include: Wayne County Public Library, $4,000 for an early-literacy outreach program; Hawley Public Library, $4,000 for the installation of energy-efficient windows; Honesdale Communities That Care, $2,000 for a high school mentor program; and Wayne County Area Agency on Aging, $1,500 for the county-food pantries.
For the 2009 fundraising campaign, the goal was set at a minimum of $52,000 - which was exceeded by more than $2,000 thus far from charitable contributions by individuals and local businesses.
“They just blew their goal out of the water,” said Gary Drapek, president of the United Way of Lackawanna and Wayne Counties. “The response has just been overwhelming.”
This year’s campaign officially ended on Wednesday, but that doesn’t mean the contributions should cease.
“The campaign technically never ends,” said Drapek.
Over the past four years, more than $149,000 has been raised and distributed in Wayne County; every dime raised in the county, stays in the county.
Last year, the committee awarded $45,530 to community organizations.
A local volunteer committee decides which organizations should receive funds, after reviewing a pool of applicants. The funds for this year were distributed Thursday night at the Wayne County Chamber of Commerce in Honesdale.
“We are delighted to partner with organizations ... to help continue advancing the common good for all who live and work in Wayne County,” said Drapek.
The committee will also be accepting grant applications for next year. For additional information, contact the United Way of Lackawanna and Wayne Counties at (570) 343-1267. Applicants must be a non-profit, 501 (C)3 health-and-human-service organizations providing in-person, direct services in the county.

Grant Winners:
Catholic Social Services of Wayne County - Emergency Assistance - $2,000
Devereux Pocono Center - School to Work Transition and Adult Training - $1,500
Hamlin Fire and Rescue Company - Ambulance Supplies and Equipment - $1,500
Hawley Public Library - Installation of Energy Efficient Windows - $4,000
Honesdale Area Ministerium - Housing Partnership of Wayne County - $2,000
Honesdale Communities That Care - High School Mentor Program - $2,000
Honesdale EMS - Advanced Life Support Services - $4,000
Hose Co. No. 1 Honesdale Fire Department - Rescue and Life-Saving Tools - $3,000
Pegasus Child Advocacy Center - Investigation of Child Abuse and Neglect - $2,000
The ARC - Advocacy for Wayne County - $2,000
Victims' Intervention Program - In-school Counseling Project - $4,000
Wayne County Community Foundation - Achievement Biz Town and Finance Park - $2,500
Wayne County Area Agency on Aging - Wayne County Food Pantry - $1,500
Wayne County Public Library - Early Literacy Outreach - $4,000
Wayne County YMCA - Maintaining and Greening Our Facility - $3,000
Total: $39,000