Editor:
        Last week, your local United Way was mistakenly identified as an organization which provides financial support to Planned Parenthood. I feel it is important that everyone knows the facts. United Way in Bulloch County does not provide funding to Planned Parenthood, nor has it ever done so in the past.
        United Way in Bulloch County is an independent, registered 501 (c) 3 organization, and is governed by a local board of directors who are responsible for making all decisions on policy and funding. Community volunteers meet with agencies that apply for funding, assess the needs, then recommend funding to our board of directors, which makes the final approval.         Our organization is a part of the United Way network, which holds us to a set of rigorous standards of governance, transparency and accountability. However, being a part of this network does not, in any way, have any bearing on our funding decisions.
        For more than 30 years, your United Way has worked hard with local agencies to help provide programs and services to our community. A single gift to United Way directly helps many diverse and worthy organizations.
        Currently, we provide funding to 19 partner agencies in Bulloch County: ACTS, American Red Cross, Boys & Girls Club of Bulloch County, Boy Scouts, Bulloch Alcohol & Drug Council, Bulloch Med Connection, CASA, Concerted Services, Family Literacy Initiative, Ferst Foundation of Bulloch County, Food Bank, Girl Scouts, GSU Senior Companion Program, Hearts & Hands Clinic, Homebound Services, Parent to Parent, Prevent Child Abuse, Safe Haven and Statesboro Library Youth and Family Program.
        On behalf of our board of directors and funded agencies, we thank you for your continued support and investment in our community.
        For more information, call our office at (921) 489-8475 or visit www.unitedwaysega.org.
Bob Olliff
Executive Director
United Way of Southeast Georgia