United Way of Mason County's Community Investment Agenda is more about focusing on the underlying causes of problems, rather than the symptoms of problems. To be successful at this, we will need to work side by side with all segments of the community. It's the idea that we are all connected and interdependent; the idea that to make real progress, we need to collaborate across all sectors.

Below are United Way of Mason County's two areas of focus, as identified by the citizens of Mason County, along with specific outcomes to be achieved.

Adults and Families Living Well and Self-Sufficient

• Successfully manage household expenses.
  
• Developing the necessary skills to obtain and maintain employment,
• Obtain and maintain safe and affordable housing,
• Have basic needs met on an emergency and on-going basis,
• Obtain and maintain a healthier lifestyle through diet and exercise,
• Decrease the rate of substance abuse and
• Become safe from domestic violence.

Children and Youth Achieve Their Potential

• Children are developmentally realty to learn and succeed and
• Youth are involved in safe and productive activites in schools or in the community.
  

These foucs areas are the building blocks for a good life - we all WIN when families are financially stable, when people practice healthy behaviors and children are successful.

To implement this model, United Way of Mason County had to change, how it has tradditionally disstributed funds. There is no longer the concept of "member agencies," but rather any non-profit organization may apply for funding, as long as, it is addressing one of the focus areas that will lead to the achievement of one or more of the identified outcome areas. It's more about achieving results that benefits the entire Mason County community versus what programs are being funded.