United Way of Greater Lehigh Valley alters course - Morning Call

United Way of Greater Lehigh Valley alters course - Morning Call: Here's a quick summary of what's happening:

Instead of spreading its donated funds to a wide array of worthwhile organizations, the United Way told its traditional recipients several weeks ago that it intends to target most of its funds and energies during the next four-year funding cycle toward one goal: raising third-grade reading scores in selected mostly urban school districts. Its other main objectives will be reducing the number of people who are food insecure, increasing the number of older adults whose basic needs are met at home and supporting emergency services in the areas of disaster, housing and safety.

Marci Ronald, the local United Way's vice president for community impact, said this "Collective Impact" approach allows United Way to address the area's most important needs in a very strategic way.