The Board of Directors of United Way of Lewis and Clark County recently approved the distribution of $525,240 to 31 agencies providing health and human services in Broadwater, Jefferson, and Lewis and Clark counties as part of its 2008 fall campaign.

The amount includes $253,740 in donor-choice dollars, which contributors specify for the agencies they wish to receive the money.

Although the United Way Board approved the allocation amounts, the allocation process involves a citizen review in which over 50 citizens volunteered their time to meet with agency representatives and analyze their operations.

In addition to the agency funding, $28,000 was reserved for specific community impact projects and a Volunteer Helena Web site. Also, an additional $18,700 will be distributed to non-United Way agencies through the donor designation process. Two new agencies, Montana Supporting Soldiers and West Mont, were also accepted as member agencies for the 2009 United Way campaign

Co-chairing the citizen review process were Chris Miller and Steve Schmitt. Assisting them as panel chairs were: Dick Meeker, David Peretto, Luke Muszkiewicz, Robert Ward, Carol Lockwood and Steve Louttit.

The total dollar amount each agency will receive and how the funds will be used:

• Angel Fund: $24,000 to assist low-income youth in Helena schools with necessary school related supplies.

• Big Brothers Big Sisters of Helena: $35,835 to help children in need through professionally supported one to one mentoring relationship.

• Boy Scouts: $10,539 to help prepare young people to become self reliant and make positive choices.

• Breast and Cervical Health Program : $5,500 to assist low income women prevent cancer with early detection through annual screenings.

• Broadwater County Social Services: $2,000 to promote the well-being of Broadwater County youth participating in healthy community activities.

• CASA -- Advocates for Children: $10,292 to provide court appointed guardians on behalf of abused and neglected children.

• Career Training Institute: $9,500 to provide support assistance for low income participants in job training programs.

• Catholic Social Services: $11,800 to provide help in adoption and counseling for young women and adoptive parents.

• Center for Mental Health Care House: $4,236 to help cover the costs of persons residing in their voluntary residential short term crises stabilization facility.

• Child Care Partnerships: $18,634 to provide positive parenting education that promotes healthy family relationships.

• Elkhorn Search and Rescue: $7,500 to help save lives in Jefferson County through search, rescue and emergency responses.