By KATIE MCDOWELL/General Manager

For the last two years, I have had the honor to serve on the board of directors of Owens House, Shelby County Children’s Advocacy Center.

Owens House has a long history in Shelby County, but many residents aren’t familiar with it. The non-profit, which was founded more than 20 years ago by Shelby County District Attorney Robby Owens, serves child abuse victims and their families. When I joined the board, Owens House was a special project of the United Way, but it was in the process of applying to become a full partner. The application process was thorough, vigorous and lengthy. Luckily, the hard work of the Owens House staff and board paid off, and its application was approved.

As a full partner, Owens House receives substantial financial support from the United Way. Owens House is one of many organizations that provide services to Shelby County residents and are funded, in part, by the United Way.

Those organizations include, but not limited to:

• Arc of Shelby County
• SafeHouse of Shelby County
• Developing Alabama Youth Foundation
• Shelby Emergency Assistance
• Family Connection
• Owens House
• Big Brothers Big Sisters
• Cahaba Valley Health Care
• American Red Cross
• Boy Scouts of America – Greater Alabama Council
• Campfire USA
• Central Alabama Children’s Fund
• Disability Rights and Resources
• Gateway
• Girl Scouts of North Central Alabama
• Glenwood – Autism and Behavioral Health Center
• Literacy Council
• Positive Maturity
• Salvation Army
• Workshops, Inc.

Take a look at that list of organizations. You will very likely see one that has helped you or someone you know in a time of need.

This year, the United Way hopes to raise $2.7 million in Shelby County. That is a big challenge for Shelby County residents, but one that we can meet.

“Of the 28 United Way organizations that provide services in Shelby County, 91 percent say demand for their services is up significantly,” United Way of Central Alabama CEO Drew Langloh said. “But their sources of support have not.”

Let’s show our support for the United Way this fall. Doing so will make a difference in the lives of many Shelby County residents.

For more information, visit Unitedway.com.