United Way of Greater St. Joseph is looking for community volunteers for its annual allocations process.

Through the United Way Allocations Process, United Way Partner Agencies are evaluated and allocation funding recommendations are made by groups of volunteers. Volunteers examine agency operations, programs, and finances, and recommend how much money should be allocated to each agency the following year. Recommendations are then presented to the United Way Community Investment Council and United Way Board of Directors for review and final approval.

Volunteers are placed on subcommittees, and each subcommittee reviews two to three United Way Partner Agencies. The volunteers dedicate 10-15 hours of their time over a two month period from March to May reviewing the agencies, listening to presentations, and determining allocation recommendations.

Mary Gaston is a volunteer that has returned to be a part of the allocations process year after year.

“I’ve enjoyed learning about the good work that’s going on in this community,” Gaston said. “It is amazing to me how much work is going on among the different partner agencies. You don’t get that sense as an outsider, but once you’re on the allocations committees you start seeing all the stuff that’s going on, it’s overwhelming actually. There is a lot of good work going on right here.”

Those interested in volunteering in 2019 can contact Jodi Bloemker at United Way at 364-2381 or [email protected].