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Sixteen years ago, Michelle's daughter was born with a cleft palate. She has suffered a lifetime of pain from abscesses and other dental problems due to the malformation of her mouth at birth. All of that is now being corrected, thanks to funding from United Way of Moffat County.

"Several years ago we recognized there was a need for low-cost dental care here," Executive Director of United Way of Moffat Country Corrie Scott said. "Through a collaborative effort of concerned citizens, the Northwest Dental Coalition was formed. United Way gave $20,000 to the Dental Coalition this year."

Michelle and her husband, Craig residents, have five children ranging in age from one year up to 16. All but the youngest have used the services provided by Northwest Dental Coalition and the Smiles on Wheels dental van that visits Craig twice a year. "I think it's a great program. The children have gotten fillings, cleanings and basic exams. We just cannot afford to go to a dentist; the cost is outrageous, especially for the root canals our daughter needed," Michelle said. She works as a clerk in Craig and her husband does carpentry. Their combined income is simply not enough to take care of all their children's health needs.

According to Robin McKenzie, the coalition's dental coordinator and director, to qualify for a visit to the Smiles on Wheels van participants cannot exceed 185 percent of the federal poverty line. "For a family of four, that equates to an annual salary of $30,000," she said. "We have a waiting list for the van, but we will take emergencies first." People seeking dental help from the coalition should contact McKenzie at 826-0833.

United Ways throughout America help meet the health and human-care needs of millions of people every day. Their 110-year history is built on the stability and efforts of local organizations helping people in their own communities. Scott said all United Ways are locally owned and operated. The Board of Directors for Moffat County's United Way is made up of 21 people representing a cross section of businesses in the local community.

According to Scott, the organization funded 26 area agencies this year. Any non-profit agency can apply to United Way for funding. Scott said recipients must show a need in the community for the services they offer, there must be no duplication of funded services, and the board looks at the agency's fiscal soundness and responsibility before granting funds.

The current United Way fund-raising campaign begins this week and goes through Nov. 17. "Our pacesetters were the utility companies - they raised nearly 10 percent of our $265,000 goal for this year," she said.

"United Way is payroll-driven," Scott said. "We go to the workplace and ask for contributions. For every dollar we receive, three-quarters of a penny goes to national and 99 percent of what is donated provides services in the county."

People who are self-employed can also contribute to United Way. Scott said all three banks in Craig are set up to do automatic drafts. Forms to activate this type of contribution are available in Scott's United Way office, 439 Breeze St.

"Our philosophy is giving from the heart and you give according to what you can afford to give, she said. "Moffat County ranks in the top 10 percent per capita for giving. We feel fortunate that our community is very giving. And, if people can't afford to give money, they can volunteer their time. We're always looking for volunteers."

SIDE BAR TO UNITED WAY STORY:

Moffat County United Way funded 26 agencies in 2000

• Advocates-Crisis Support Services. 824-9709. For victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and other traumas.
• Red Cross. 824-2661. Safety instruction, disaster preparedness, service to veterans, and Valley View Nursing Home volunteer program.
• Boy Scouts, Western Colorado Council. 243-0346. Educational programs with emphasis on character development, citizenship, fitness and ethics.
• Consumer Credit Counseling. 824-0188. Helps with debt problems through planning rather than bankruptcy.
• Craig Senior Citizens. 824-3660. Special needs for seniors.
• Craig Youth Baseball. 824-8151, x306.0rganized summer baseball for youth.
• Craig Youth Soccer. 824-4401, x300. Soccer for community youth.
• Craig Mental Health. 824-6541. Mental health and substance abuse counseling.
• Girl Scouts, Chipeta Council. 1-800-288-0463. Mentoring for girls with community volunteers.
• Grand Futures for Moffat County. 824-5752. Framework for healthy lifestyles as alternative choice to substance abuse.
• Horizons. 824-2005. To help developmentally disabled reach their highest level of independence, and early intervention services for children with developmental delays.
• Human Service Volunteers. 824-7308. In-home service and transportation for the elderly and handicapped.
• Interfaith Food Bank. 824-7355. Food for residents and transients in crisis.
• Memorial Hospital. 824-9431. Services for infant screening, elderly lifeline, care clinic, medication fund and detox.
• Moffat County Cancer Society. 824-7775. Help for cancer patients with food supplements, vitamins and costs not covered by medical insurance.
• Moffat County Crisis Intervention Team. 824-9105. Intervention and screening for youth in conflict with family and law enforcement.
• Moffat County Partners. 826-4261. Youth mentoring program with adult role models and alternative activities to enhance self-esteem and positive lifestyle changes.
• Moffat County Youth Care Center. 824-8111. Financial aid to residents and transients in crisis.
• Northwest Colorado Compassionate Friends. 824-6636. Education and support groups for families in grief over death of a child.
• Northwest Colorado Legal Services. 1-800-521-6968. Assists low-income residents who have legal problems of a civil nature.
• Northwest Colorado Visiting Nurse Association. 824-8233. Comprehensive home health and community health services.
• Rocky Mountain Youth Corps. 970-879-2135. Job training and advocacy for youth in back country.
• Toys For Tots. 824-3445. Collects and distributes toys to children at Christmas.

Venture Grants:

• Independent Life Center. 826-0833.
• Northwest Colorado Dental Coalition. 824-8233.