Goals that shape decisions on how the United Way of Douglas County will funnel its money have been announced.

The three community goals are part of a shift in how the agency doles out money. Instead of simply funding its 24 agencies, the United Way will begin working under a model where priority is placed on programs that support several community goals.

This week, United Way Board President Tom Christie announced what those goals will be:

• Success in school for children and teens.
• Access to health care, both mental and physical, for people of all ages.
• People’s steady jobs and financial stability.

The goals were established through community surveys, focus groups and community data on health, education and self sufficiency.

The change in how the United Way hands out money will be part of a two-year transition. Over the next few months, the organization will be working on steps the community can take to reach these goals, United Way of Douglas County President and CEO Erika Dvorske said.

“No one organization or strategy will achieve these outcomes, but by mobilizing community resources and building partnerships, which is United Way’s mission, we think we can make progress on Douglas County’s most pressing community issues,” Dvorske said in a press release.