The United Way of Southeast Arkansas announced the start of an annual fund-raising campaign Tuesday with representatives of the nonprofit agency setting a goal of $1.2 million.
Representatives of the United Way shared this news at a joint meeting of the Pine Bluff Rotary Club and the West Pine Bluff Rotary Club. The United Way distributes donated money to 21 agencies, including the Red Cross, Agency on Aging, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, CASA Women’s Shelter and the Salvation Army.
Ninety-nine percent of money given in Southeast Arkansas helps people in that geographic area.
Jaicie Cheshier, an eleventh-grader at Ridgway Christian School, shared her story of overcoming sadness by receiving mental health services at Southeast Arkansas Behavioral Healthcare and Pinnacle Pointe Hospital in Little Rock.
“I remember going out with my friends — I had to make myself laugh if they made a joke,” Cheshier said. “I was miserable all the time.”
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Cheshier experienced these pains as a high school freshman. All the while, she did not think she needed professional help.
As part of her recovery, Cheshier said she spent eight days at Pinnacle Pointe Hospital in Little Rock. Along the way she made progress, realized she was getting better and developed insight.
“Working with my therapist really changed my life,” Cheshier said. “And I thank God He knew to put those people in my life because I wouldn’t have gone for help. I didn’t realize the difference that could have been. I thought everyone felt that way. I wish for every person who hurts to get help … I appreciate everything that everyone has done.”
Lisa Hunter, chairwoman of the United Way campaign, welcomed people to an annual day of caring at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 5, with a rally at Saracen Landing. Volunteers will give their time in Pine Bluff.
About 21 agencies are going to receive money in this campaign, which will end Dec. 31, 2016. Details are available at www.UWseark.org.
“This community meets the challenge year after year,” Hunter said. “We have met our goal for the last 11 years.”
Tommy Brown, president of the Pine Bluff Rotary Club, recognized guests and asked people to give large sums of cash to the United Way. He called it one of the most effective organizations in the county.
“I enjoy the privilege and honor of working with most of the programs the United Way benefits,” Brown said. “I am confident that almost everyone in this room has had the privilege working with a great many of these agencies.”