Michael Tukeva, the new CEO and President of the Pocono Mountains United Way spoke to our club about concerns affecting our community.  He stated that there are many needs assesments conducted in Monroe County that for us to utilize those resources to determine what we as a club can focus on to help our community.  He focused in on a few areas including Hunger and Nutrition, Education and Workforce Development and Financial Stability.  
Half of the children in Monroe County are on free or reduced lunch.  What does this mean for those kids when school is out?  Right now there are 22 food pantries in Monroe County.  To have a collective plan, the Hunger Coalition was put into place.  
A large percentage of children are eligible for public Pre-K but they are not being served.  How can we instill and provide access to those educational programs at a younger age?
40% of households are spending more than 30% on their income on housing.  Monroe County has the highest effective property tax in the state.
The 211 initiative was formed to connect people to services that are available in the area.  
VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) assisted with the tax preparation of households earning less than $54,000.
To learn more about the works of the NEW Pocono Mountains United Way visit https://poconounitedway.org/.  Pictured with our speaker, Michael Tukeva (center) are President Lucille Piggott-Prawl and Rotarian Michael Albert.
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