Come-Unity Center reports on fiscal year

The Wayne County Rural Ministry/Come-Unity Center, Inc., of Williamson is reporting financial success in 1999, despite having withdrawn from United Way funding.

The small storefront organization, which serves people in need throughout the county with food, clothing and emergency financial assistance, boasted January 1, 2000, bank balance that is nearly $700 higher than it had been on the same date in 1999. Total revenues were $7140 higher than had been projected in a six-month budget created for the last half of 1999. (Expenses were $5460 lower than anticipated.)

Board Chairperson the Rev. Brian Homan explained that the increase in revenues was largely due to the December 'Caring $1 Campaign.' A mail solicitation of 4000 area residents requested a donation of one dollar. A total of $6700 was received.

'We are extremely grateful to everyone who contributed,' said Executive Director Janis Thomason-Mussen. 'All of those single dollar bills added up to financial security for the beginning of the year when donations are traditionally down.'

She credits the Rev. Jim Fisher, a member of the board, with chairing the campaign.

A year ago, the Board of Directors announced its intention to withdraw from the United Way to reaffirm its independent tradition and pursue expanding its ministry. Over the following months, Homan said, the people and churches of Wayne and Monroe Counties rallied in support of the Center, which has operated without government funding for more than 50 years.

Enthusiastic public response to the decision inspired the donation of more than the $25,000 the Center had to raise to replace United Way funding, according to Thomason-Mussen.

The agency's 2000 budget calls for an increase of about $20,000 for a total of $209,311. Thomason-Mussen said a re-instated staff position accounts for most of the increase, along with expenses related to the Common Cents Thrift Shoppe. She added that no staff raises or bonuses were included in the budget.

People may send contributions to P.O. Box 73, Williamson, NY 14589.

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