The United Way brings people together to address the needs of the whole community, to transform the quality of our lives, together. We are not about short-term charity or Band-Aid approaches, but rather about lasting change by working collectively as a community to address the challenges we face.
We recognize that many of the challenges we face are multifaceted. That is why at the United Way we fight for the health, education, and financial stability of every person in our community. Through addressing each of these important areas that impact us all we can help individuals and families reach their full potential together as a community.
No other agency takes such a broad-based view of the needs of the whole community. We identify problems, and find solutions, together. Whether we are caring for the health of our seniors by helping them find transportation to key medical appointments, working to educate and empower the children of our community through our educational programs, or assisting adults in achieving financial stability through employment, we are proving that we are better together.
Please click on the tabs below to learn more about each impact area.
INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES ARE SAFE AND HAVE ACCESS TO HEALTHCARE TO IMPROVE THEIR HEALTH OR MAINTAIN THEIR HEALTH.
1. Families and individuals are able to access healthcare, preventative care, and behavioral health services.
2. Individuals are able to maintain their health and independence.
3. Adults and youth understand the dangers of risky behaviors, avoid them, and know how to protect themselves from harm.
Health and safety are the building blocks for everything. If an individual is not healthy they are unable to learn, work and they are limited in how they can function. The cost of healthcare can deter individuals from seeking medical treatment. If an individual is not safe they are operating in survival mode. Declining health can lead to accidents that may place an individual’s independence in jeopardy.
CHILDREN AND YOUTH ARE EQUIPPED TO LEARN AT EVERY GRADE AND ARE PREPARED FOR SUCCESS AFTER HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION.
1. Students will be ready for school, equipped with the skills they need to succeed.
2. Students will perform to grade level and successfully transition to middle school and high school on time.
3. Students will graduate on time and be ready for after school success.
Children who enter class on the first day of school behind their peers and below grade level start off at a disadvantage. Students who are unprepared physically, emotionally, and cognitively do not have the ability to engage in classroom learning, missing out on crucial skill development. Parents and caregivers are our greatest teachers but when they do not understand child development or classroom expectations it’s difficult for them to adequately prepare their child for school success.
INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES IMPROVE THEIR SOCIO-ECONOMIC STATUS.
1. Families and individuals have access to food, shelter, and are able to navigate when an emergency or disaster strikes.
2. Individuals are prepared to obtain or advance in family-sustaining jobs.
3. Families and individuals will have basic understanding of financial concepts and strategies to put into practice.
Individuals and families are working harder than ever to make ends meet and one unanticipated expense can send them into crisis. Expenses have outpaced wages making it difficult to set aside anything for savings. Individuals and families are having a difficult time finding and sustaining quality housing. Individuals and families live in food deserts increasing the cost of food and restricting what foods are available.
Below you will find some of the success stories our agencies have provided.
For the privacy of individuals some of the names have been changed.
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Eli's Story
When April learned her son would no longer be able to attend his current daycare she began a panicked search for a new facility. Little did she know she would be led to...
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Patrick's Story
We were invited to join by one of our friends who couldn't stop talking about the benefits her daughter was getting by going to group. I accepted and from the moment the door was unlocked we were...
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Shanndon's Story
Knowing her son needed a positive role model in his life she looked to a local agency to help with just that. She wanted someone who could help improve her sons social confidence and create a positive lasting bond.
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Jacob's Story
Recently out of prison Jacob knew he needed help to get his life back on track. Once he met Staci he was able to...
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Jim's Story
At different times in Jim's life he would find himself homeless. Read more to see how this helped Jim find his new job as...
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Roger's Story
Suffering from mental illness and recently having been in prison, he was referred to Emerge Services for assistance from the...
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Julie's Story
Feeling the weight of the world on her shoulders and unsure how she could continue on her own. Julie found the tools she needed at...
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Jessica's Story
The class provided a safe space where I could share experiences without fear of stigma. It offered a deeper understanding of...
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Margie's Story
Unsure if she was going to like it at the center she decided to attend just a few days a week. She quickly learned that...