Fifteen United Way agencies are hoping for more financial support from the community this year.

One of them is the West Central Alabama Easter Seals Rehabilitation Center on Citizens Parkway.

This year’s annual fall United Way campaign kicked off last Thursday at the center, symbolizing the fact that donated dollars translate directly into services for fellow citizens.

The goal for the 15 agencies, including the Easter Seals center, is $480,000.

“We are very hopeful about this year’s campaign,” said David White, program director for the agency.

White said that the United Way funds four programs through the center, including vocational evaluation, work adjustment and job placement services, and the Special Preschool Education Center (SPEC).

The vocational program provides a comprehensive assessment of a person’s vocational aptitudes. The Work Adjustment Laboratory addresses individuals’ needs in regard to adjustment to their work environments. Job placement is the ultimate goal of most persons referred to the center, and after employment all receive follow-up services.

The Special Preschool Education Center serves children ages 3 to 5 from Selma and Dallas County who have all types of disabling conditions. Typically, the children served will have multiple disabling conditions.

White, like all other employees of agencies supported by United Way, emphasizes the critical importance of United Way in the undergirding of services offered by each agency to citizens living in Selma and Dallas County.

Last year each agency received 12 percent less than budgeted due to the United Way shortfall of $30,000, and for some the cut was critical, according to United Way Executive Director Jeff Cothran.