That announcement came from the organization's board of directors, which said the move was part of Citizen Advocacy's long-term goal of independence.

Citizen Advocacy's board has appreciated the more than three decades of support it has received from the United Way, President Dianne Kelley said.

"During our affiliation, HUW has been a great partner in focusing the attention of the community on some of Hall County's most vulnerable people people who have disabilities," Kelley said.

Citizen Advocacy's mission is to initiate and support a variety of long-term, one-to-one personal advocacy relationships between private citizens and people who have developmental disabilities or mental health issues.

According to a news release from the Citizen Advocacy board, the Heartland United Way has helped Citizen Advocacy become a stronger, healthier and sustainable organization.

"Citizen Advocacy has successfully grown to be self-sufficient, for which the leadership team of the organization is to be commended," said Karen Rathke, president of the Heartland United Way. "The United Way has been honored to support Citizen Advocacy as they provide an outstanding opportunity for an individual to make a positive difference in the life of someone who has a disability."

The Citizen Advocacy board hopes that, through this move, more United Way funds can go to new or existing community agencies, said Diane Haney, the program's coordinator.

"We are feeling financially stronger now and want to give another group a chance to grow," Haney said.