The United Way of Martin County Board of Directors approved its annual funding to local agency programs, distributing more than $1.5 million raised during the 2008-09 campaign.

Funding is focused on priority areas addressing the community’s needs such as helping children and youth achieve their potential, providing stability and independence for families and individuals in crisis and increasing access to health care services.

About 70 volunteers on citizen review panels examined applications for United Way support and chose who would received money, United Way Executive Director Jim Vojcsik said.

The 2008-09 United Way of Martin County campaign raised almost $2.1 million. Of the remaining total, $100,000 is set aside for unfulfilled pledges. About 16 percent is used by United Way of Martin County for fund-raising and administrative expenses. The balance will support community research, planning and initiatives such as the Earned Income Tax Credit program and the Shared Services Network mobilization to reduce youth substance abuse. (more…)

PALM CITY — A throng of people in the former fire station on Southwest Martin Downs Boulevard Thursday evening celebrated the opening of the new home of the Palm City branch of the Boys & Girls Club of Martin County with food, dance and exploration of the building’s colorful rooms.

The facility replaces rooms leased from Immanuel Lutheran Church as the Palm City Boys & Girls Club’s base of operations, and club members said they are happy with the large, bright facility.

The building, leased from the county, is impressive compared to the second-floor space the club used in the church, said 9-year-old Kylie Bass, who started attending the club with her sister after school last year.

“It’s so big, and the other one’s so small,” she said.

The new building at 1150 S.W. Martin Downs Blvd. comes with a gymnasium and basketball court, computer room filled with new flat-screen monitors, kitchen, teen leadership room and more. (more…)