FLIERL ADDRESSES UNITED WAY

Peter Flierl, MSW, Director of Philanthropy & Communications, was privileged to speak at the annual meeting of the United Way of Rockland on leveraging United way Community Impact Funds to generate additional funds for the Head Start healthy eating initiative. We were looking to raise at least $51,000 or ten cents per meal to help cover the increasing costs generated by providing healthier meals and snacks to our children, i.e., more than 300,000 meals.

Flierl spoke about using the United Way inspired proposal writing that created greater awareness of the collaboration with Cornell Cooperative Extension for nutrition education in the classroom for children and at each Head Start school for parents. The basic concept was then used successfully to request a $50,000 grant from Rosie's For All Kids Foundation for whole food. That grant is expected to lead to additional grants of $90,000 over the next 3-4 years.

Flierl also noted Head Start of Rockland's need for new funding from the private sector. Often perceived as a behemoth as one of the top 200 employers in Rockland County and with a budget in excess of $10,000,000 annually, the public and business don't understand that the agency lives hand to mouth with operating reserves of about one week's expenses.

Flierl thanked United Way of Rockland for its generous support, noting that the impact is real, that we expect to help children eat healthier and make better lifestyle choices.