National Impact
Source: United Way Worldwide 2022-23 Annual Report
United Ways all over the world remove barries and open opportunities so more people can thrive.
United for Education: United Way Community Schools Improve Academic Success by Promoting Social-Emotional Wellness and Attendance
Many students arrive at school carrying the invisible burden of trauma, which impacts their ability to focus, regulate emotions and engage in learning. These challenges affect children across all backgrounds and lead to struggles with attendance, behavior and academic performance.
United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley is dedicated to removing these barriers to education so more students can graduate ready for life, career or college. Through our signature solution, United Way Community Schools, we support over 19,814 students by fostering social-emotional learning, improving student attendance and engagement, encouraging positive relationships with families and supporting behavioral health.
Sheridan Elementary School in the Allentown School District, one of 33 United Way Community Schools, recognized a significant need for social-emotional learning and introduced a skill-building program in partnership with Cohesion Network.
Cohesion Network uses their engaging curriculum to help students develop crucial social-emotional skills and manage behavioral health challenges. Their program has profoundly impacted students like Paris, Dasiel and Jeremy. The 11-year-olds initially struggled with defensive behavior and peer relationships. Now, they enthusiastically recall how Cohesion’s program helped them find new ways to cope and positively handle conflict.
Thanks to supporters like you, United Way is here to provide essential support that helps our students thrive both inside and outside the classroom. Give Today.
The Reality of an ALICE Family in York County, Pennsylvania
Robert and Julie are the parents of a preschool-aged child. Up until recently, the family qualified for subsidies as Robert was the only family member earning income. When Julie found a job as a teaching assistant in the Red Lion Area School District, the family no longer qualified for these subsidies. Despite now being a dual income family, they found themselves struggling to continue paying tuition for childcare. The situation became even more strained following the birth of their second child last year. To receive assistance with childcare, Robert and Julie reached out to a program funded by your gift to United Way of York County’s Impact Fund.
The family was able to receive a 15% scholarship and a sibling discount which significantly helped their situation. With this additional support, Robert and Julie have been able to keep both of their children in preschool programs and they are well on their way to being ready for kindergarten.
Robert and Julie would not consider themselves a family stuck in poverty, but rather a family who found themselves in a tight situation when circumstances caused them to fall into the ALICE category—an acronym for households that earn more than the Federal Poverty Level, but still can’t afford basic essentials. Your gift ensures that families like Robert and Julie’s can gain access to the resources they need to help them succeed.
Creating ‘Mighty Change’ for Community Stability while Empowering Women and Families in Arizona
Valley of the Sun United Way in Phoenix, Arizona is bringing together key stakeholders, including more than 100 nonprofit organizations, to collaborate on its five-year plan for “Mighty Change” to address the community’s greatest challenges in education, housing and homeless, health and hunger and workforce development. One of those nonprofit partners is UMOM (United Methodist Outreach Ministries) New Day Centers who supported Felicia and her daughter, Sapphira.
Felicia's journey wasn't always smooth, but today, she's overjoyed to have signed the lease for her new apartment. It was a long road to get to her new home, one that was filled with both challenges and change.
After experiencing homelessness for five years, everything changed when she learned she was pregnant with Sapphira. With newfound motivation, she turned to her mother, who is a mental health professional, for support. She connected Felicia to classes and a sobriety program to help her regain her footing.
Though Felicia and her daughter faced health challenges early in their stay, Sherry prioritized their well-being and helped Felicia prepare for independent living. Felicia tackled every obstacle with determination. She completed a job readiness program, secured part-time employment to supplement her disability support and continued her sobriety program. Looking back, she encourages others not to be afraid to seek help, emphasizing the existence of resources like UMOM and people willing to lend a hand.
