Meeting Local needs

In Tarrant County, Texas, an issue often overlooked is the struggle faced by older adults and individuals with disabilities in moving freely within their own homes. United Way of Tarrant County's Area Agency on Aging of Tarrant County (AAATC) has been instrumental in bridging this gap, forming partnerships with local organizations to enable safety modifications, such as wheelchair ramps and bathroom grab bars.

Human trafficking is a global problem, and Ghana has long been used as a location of origin, passage, and destination for men, women, and children forced into labor and sex trafficking.  Approximately 22% of children in Ghana are engaged in some form of child labor. Of these, 60% of them have been trafficked on Lake Volta. Despite Lake Volta’s reputation, it is slowly becoming a site of hope and resilience. 

In Racine County, Wisconsin, where the literacy gap was once a looming challenge, a change is taking place. United Way, identifying the need for early reading proficiency, initiated the Schools of Hope project. By third grade, reading skills are a powerful predictor of academic achievement, and this initiative aimed to give children the tools they needed to thrive.

These dynamic women are leaders in their community, have demonstrated a significant commitment to advancing the issues of the United Way, as well as proven dedication to Women United.

Julian, 58, is homebound due to his health conditions. He also takes care of his 92-year-old mother, who requires constant supervision. They both live in a modestly furnished two-room flat, surviving on his sickness pension and disability allowance.

In Southwest Virginia the threat of persistent poverty has cast a long shadow. Over the course of decades, this lingering issue has affected 6% of the state's population or more than 492k Virginia residents, leaving entire counties trapped in a cycle of deprivation. Breaking this cycle requires more than just good intentions. Persistent poverty is a complex issue that includes educational outcomes, transition to employment, access to healthcare and opportunities for financial stability. Most of the affected counties are part of the Virginia’s southwest region and are served by the United Way of Southwest Virginia (UWSWVA), that is meeting the challenge through innovative interventions.