COVINGTON — After rejecting an appeal of its decision not to fund the Northern Kentucky Community Center, the United Way has a plan for deciding how to use those dollars to help the predominantly African-American community of East Covington.

        Through community forums and a survey, East Covington residents will be asked how United Way dollars can best help the neighborhood.

        The forums have been scheduled for 6 p.m. July 19 and 25 at yet-to-be-determined locations, said Carol Aquino, United Way spokeswoman.

        “There will be child care, and there will be light snacks available” at the forums, Ms. Aquino said Tuesday. “A subcommittee of volunteers from East Covington is working on the details.”

        In May, the United Way announced it would no longer fund the Northern Kentucky Community Center, a private nonprofit agency in the heart of Covington's African-American community.

        The charity cited management concerns and the center's inability to show what it had accomplished with United Way-funded programs.

        The $171,167 that would have gone to the Northern Kentucky Community Center has been set aside for use in East Covington by other nonprofit agencies.

        “Once the process has identified some priority needs, then the (request for proposals) will follow in early to mid-August,” Ms. Aquino said. “We're looking to have some funding decisions in early September.”

        A survey on the community's needs will be conducted, first at the forums, then door-to-door, Ms. Aquino said.

        In recent months, the Northern Kentucky Community Center has faced charges of poor record-keeping, nonpayment of bills and weak administration.

        Most of its staff have been laid off, and volunteers are helping run programs and answer phones.

        The center also is dealing with financial problems, including how to pay at least $80,000 in delinquent utility bills.

        While the center still offers a day care for up to 29 children and programs in youth development, other services — including a federal program that provided free food to more than 130 families — have been discontinued.

        Ms. Aquino said the United Way is working withchurches to help East Covington residents with emergencies.

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