United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore recently presented a $95,500 check to the Salvation Army, directly impacting over 10,000 locals through youth outreach programs and social services. Pictured from left are: Zymire Clark, Willie Downing, Fariah Mitchell, Major Victor Tidman, Joseph Mizer and Seyanie Thomas of Salvation Army, and United Way’s Amy Luppens.[/caption]

United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore recently contributed $95,500 to The Salvation Army in support of vital youth programs and social services benefitting more than 10,000 Lower Shore residents in Wicomico, Worcester and Somerset counties.

The contribution has been directed specifically for The Salisbury Youth Club, The Crisfield Youth Club, The Education/Latchkey Program, The Richard Hazel Youth Center and The Social Services Program.

United Way’s funding will benefit 2,000 local students, many being at-risk youth, by providing a safe and wholesome environment.  These children receive mentoring, homework assistance, family fun nights, and engage in various sport activities that keep them healthy and active while acquiring important skills in discipline and teamwork.

Major Victor Tidman, Salvation Army’s Commanding Officer, shares, “Our youth programs are changing the lives of our local children, socially, mentally, physically and spiritually.

This is allowing them to succeed by improving self-esteem, health, and academic achievement, as well as creating a community with reduced crime.

United Way’s continued support is allowing us to make this real difference on the Lower Eastern Shore.”

Additional United Way funding will support social services, aiding over 8,100 Lower Shore residents with critical needs including food, clothing, furniture, medicine, energy support, and rental and mortgage assistance.

The ultimate goal of Salvation Army Social Service Programs is to provide lasting solutions for our most vulnerable neighbors to become self-sufficient.

Since 1983, United Way has contributed over $4 million to make a difference in the lives of children and families through Salvation Army Programs.

Now in its 70th year, United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore continues to be the largest non-governmental source of funding for 57 critical programs in Wicomico, Worcester, Somerset and Dorchester counties.

United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore helps Eastern Shore residents achieve educational success, income stability and good health.  In 2014, United Way has impacted local lives by providing over $1.1 million to community programs and helped over 70,000 individuals.