By Dalton Black, executive director
Harvey County United Way is committing $15,000 from their Community Impact Fund to support the Newton Public Library and its campaign to build a new facility in Military Park.
Plans for a new library in Newton started more than a decade ago with discussions about cost estimates, location, and a variety of other considerations. The past two years have been filled with active fundraising from the committee and the goal is finally within reach.
After hearing Cari and committee members present at one of the Newton Chamber breakfasts, I was compelled to see how United Way might help them reach their goal.
Cari Cusick, library director, joined the United Way board of directors at a meeting to discuss the project, progress toward their goal, and share images of how a new library will change Newton. The new library will feature many significant improvements, including enhanced children and teen areas, a drive-through service window, study rooms for individuals and groups, a digital access lab, and an indoor-outdoor seating area that leads out into the park.
“These amenities and more will lead to increased opportunities for collaboration, education, and learning in our communities,” said Cari.
The Community Impact Fund is money allocated outside of United Way’s typical grant cycle. Funds are intended to make a special impact in a project or initiative that United Way might not support normally. These could be new programs needing seed money, or one-time projects with the intent to address a certain issue. Additionally, Community Impact funds can be used for a cause the board of directors and staff find worthwhile and will improve the lives of community members.
“We are grateful for all the work that United Way does to improve our communities, and we are especially grateful for their generous donation to the new library project,” said Cari. “Their support is significant and shows how partnership makes our community stronger.”
You can learn more about our Community Impact Fund by visiting us online at http://www.harveyunitedway.org.