Friendly Door severs ties with United Way

By: Sherrie Williams
As of Friday, Friendly Door Senior Citizens Center is no longer receiving funding from North Texas Area United Way.

For many years the center has received a large portion of it’s funding from United Way. This year they were offered $38,000, down significantly from years past. But, with the funds offered there were several additional requirements the center would have to comply with, some that would be costly.

The requirements concerned members of the Friendly Door Board of Directors because they didn’t feel some of the changes were in the best interest of the people they serve.

So, they attempted to negotiate contract agreement changes but were unsuccessful.

“After two called executive board meetings to review and discuss the United Way contract agreement, The Friendly Door Board of Directors voted for me to not sign the contract agreement as written,” said Friendly Door Executive Director Linda Perry. “Our request to United Way to work toward a revised agreement could not be worked out. No agreement contract between North Texas Area United Way and the Friendly Door Senior Center was agreed on so we are no longer a partner agency with United Way. We appreciate all the donors over the years that have contributed to United Way,” she said.

Linda and board president Jeff Watts composed a letter to North Texas Area United Way requesting changes in the proposed agreement.

However, they received notice Friday that United Way could not agree to the changes.
Items listed in the letter to United Way with proposed changes in the contract agreement United Way required included: request that United Way accept reports and information that the center already provides to local, state and federal governmental agencies.

According to Watts their concern was that the additional paperwork would create such an overload on the staff that another person would have to be hired just to meet the report and information requirements.

“They already do a tremendous amount of reports. They are already maxed out and we can’t afford to hire someone just to push paper. Our priority is providing a good meal, fellowship, and other services to the seniors,” said Watts.

Also, the center requested a waiver from an annual audit and instead offered to file a review report and a copy of the Form 990, filed with the IRS annually.

A review report has been accepted in the past by United Way. According to Linda a full audit would cost somewhere between $5,000 and $10,000 each year while the review cost approximately $1,500 yearly.

The letter to United Way also requested a waiver from the requirement of three to six months funding in reserves.

“With these difficult times we can’t guarantee we will have four to six months operating funds in reserve,” Watts said.

If the center had accepted the terms of the United Way contract agreement they would have also been required to notify the agency of all fundraisers and would have not been able to hold fundraisers during the United Way Campaign drive or seek funds from certain groups.

“We just didn’t feel we could comply with their requirements,” Watts said. Our mission is providing a good place for the seniors for fellowship, meals, etc. to enhance the quality of life for our seniors.”

“I understand they are going in a new direction, but we can’t afford the type audit they are requiring. We are responsible for all our expenses. We are not under the city,” Linda said.

The funds offered by United Way was for the meals program. They did not offer funds for the center’s transportation program as they have in years past.

Linda said the center receives funds from North Texas Area of Aging and the Department of Aging and Disabilities for the center’s transportation programs as well as meals.

Linda said she does appreciate all the support the center has received from United Way in years past and is sorry they were unable to reach an agreement this year.

“We appreciate the support and the donors who have given to United Way,” Linda said.

The center is applying for a grant to purchase a new van and they will be applying for grants and other funds for the meals and transportation program, according to Linda.

Funding is a huge concern for the center as well as the lack of volunteers.

“ Funding has always been a very important part of making our operation successful, now we are seeing a different type of shortage...volunteers to deliver meals on wheels,” Linda said.

However, she remains optimistic that with support from the community the center will continue to provide the same great services that has been provided in years past. As for volunteers, Linda says at times recently she and the rest of the staff have to leave the center and deliver. But, “you do what you have to do,” she said.