The United Way of Mower County is gearing up for another fundraising campaign with a roadmap for the community.

“The United Way of Mower County began 55 years ago and the commitment by the community to give and improve the lives of those around them has never been stronger,” Mandi Lighthizer-Schmidt, United Way executive director, said in a press release. “Our goal this year is $1.1 million. Our hope is that the community will think of their donation as change not charity. United Way is leading the way to real lasting change in our community.”

In 2010, a group of community members conducted a community assessment of needs. In 2011, the process grew to community conversations around the topics of Education, Income, Health and Basic Needs.

The United Way of Mower County Board of Directors entered into planning with all the information from the community assessment of needs, community conversations and data specific to Mower County residents.

The result — The Agenda for Change.

The Agenda for Change is the purpose behind the United Way, the road map to ensuring a prosperous future for Mower County and its residents.

Please contact Mandi Lighthizer-Schmidt at United Way of Mower County at 437-2313 for more information on the United Way of Mower County 2013 campaign.

The official kickoff ceremony is scheduled for Oct. 5.

To learn more about the Agenda For Change http://issuu.com/chrisgrev/docs/agenda_for_change_brochure-issuu.