NORWICH – Faced with escalating demand for local services in the areas of income, education and health, the Chenango United Way is taking on a new approach.

The newly implemented 2014-2018 Chenango United Way strategic plan aims to help local residents by way of increased participation among community members, nonprofits, local government, and other stakeholders, explained organization Director Elizabeth Monaco. The goal, she said, is to bring a variety of input to the table and discuss matters that affect every person in all four corners of the county.

“We spent a good portion of 2013 meeting with stakeholders around the community, our donors, the organizations we fund, the organizations that apply for funding, and the organizations we don't fund,” she said. “We came to the conclusion that if we're going to be one of the key organizations in our community, then we really need to be seen as a convener; an organization that can bring people together to talk about crucial issues.”

The Chenango United Way's new plan includes creation of three “community impact teams” that will report directly to the organization board. Monaco said each team will have a certain focus area: income, education, or health. Each team will promote its focus area via community town-hall style meetings, social media, and other community outreach.

Each community impact team might also branch into several subgroups, allowing for a broader outreach.