KENNEBUNK — America’s forefathers believed that gratitude creates blessings and that by giving unselfishly to others, one can change the future in many positive ways.

United Way of York County has taken that belief to heart and has invested $663,000 in local organizations throughout the community for the coming year.

“Thanks to the generosity of those who support United Way’s work throughout the year, we are able to provide continued and much needed support for essential and direct human services across the region,” said United Way of York County President and CEO Barb Wentworth. “These important programs support the best start for our youngest citizens, provide healthy foods for children and seniors, engage youth in meaningful service, and meet basic needs, all critical components of our collective efforts to build an even stronger York County.”

All told, 37 nonprofit organizations will receive investments this year from United Way of York County targeted for 59 programs that address a variety of critical needs for children, youth, adults and families in the county.

Wentworth said that these investments support United Way’s strategic priority areas of Bright Beginnings, Healthy Foods, Connected Youth and Supportive Services.

She said that since the inception of United Way of York County in 1986, and thanks to the support of thousands of generous individuals, businesses, and organizations throughout York County, more than $20 million has been invested for programs that make a difference in the lives of those they serve.

This year, new grants in the Connected Youth strategic area include Learning Works’ Service Works and Strategies for a Stronger Sanford’s Sanford Police Cadets and Backpack Program and another in the Supportive Services strategic area is LaDawn Quarter Horses Therapeutic Riding Center’s Ride for Children.

Funded organizations by United Way of York County for specific programs in 2018 include Leavitt’s Mill; the American Red Cross; Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southern Maine; Caring Unlimited; Catholic Charities Maine; Community Bicycle Center; Community Dental; Count ME In; Curtis Lake Church; Day One; Frannie Peabody Center; Girl Scouts of Maine; Kids Free to Grow; LaDawn Quarter Horses Therapeutic Riding Center; LearningWorks; Legal Services for the Elderly; Literacy Volunteers of Greater Sanford; MaineHealth Care at Home; Morrison Center; and Pine Tree Legal Assistance.

Also receving funding for specific programs in 2018 are Planned Parenthood of Northern New England; Sanford Springvale YMCA; Sexual Assault Response Services of Southern Maine; Southern Maine Health Care; St. Andre Home; St. George’s Episcopal Church; Strategies for a Stronger Sanford; Sweetser; The Center for Grieving Children; The Opportunity Alliance; The Salvation Army of Sanford; The Salvation Army of Old Orchard Beach; Volunteers of America Northern New England; YMCA of Southern Maine; York County Community Action Corporation; York County Shelter Programs; and York Hospital.

To learn more about United Way of York County, visit www.buildcommunity.org or call 985-3359.

— Executive Editor Ed Pierce can be reached at 282-1535 ext. 326 or by email at editor@journaltribune.com.