The Needs Assessment will help United Way to pinpoint local needs and assess existing services. It is available online and in printed copies, and contains questions relating to education, income, health, veterans' services and services for the elderly. Participants are asked to rate services in these areas in one of five ways: very important unmet need, somewhat important unmet need, important unmet need, need is adequately met, or no opinion/don't know.
The assessment does ask some demographic questions such as occupation area, level of education, age and gender, but the participant is not required to identify himself or herself.
The Needs Assessment originates from United Way's administering a portion of the proceeds from the 2005 sale of Bradley Memorial Hospital. As part of the Bradley Memorial Health Endowment Fund agreement, United Way agreed to review or coordinate and participate in a bi-annual community needs assessment.
With the deadline for participation being Tuesday, officials say that it is best to access the Needs Assessment online. You may do this by going to the United Way of Bradley County website at www.unitedwaybc.com and click on the large red link that says NEEDS ASSESSMENT.
However, paper copies of the needs assessment are available at the United Way office at 85 Ocoee St. S.E. (across from Johnston Park). These paper copies will need to be completed and returned to United Way by 5 p.m. on Tuesday.
If you have any questions, contact Matt Ryerson or Michael Cole at United Way of Bradley County at (423) 489-2020. You may also reach Ryerson at mryerson@unitedwaybc.com or Cole at uw.mdcole@gmail.com.
