Stories of Resilience

Two women embracing

From holding workshops to helping first-responders, United Way and Verizon are working to help build resilience before, during, and after disasters. 

Here are some of the many stories that showcase that resilience.

Local focus. Real impact.

The faces of resilience include volunteers, first responders, hospital staff, caregivers, and more. 

They are proactive, prepared, and ready to respond. 

Arnita DeShields holding a United We Prepare emergency kit
Stories of Resilience: Philadelphia

Helping Seniors Stay Ready

After a building fire, a North Philadelphia senior community partnered with United We Prepare to help residents gain the knowledge, tools, and confidence to respond during emergencies.
Resiliency Ambassador Sha-King Smith interacting with people at a block party.
Stories of Resilience: New York City

Building Resilience Across Generations

Discover how United We Prepare is empowering youth leaders to strengthen preparedness, support residents and build more resilient communities across New York City.
A group of 25 United Way Suncoast Volunteers standing and cheering
Stories of Resilience: Florida Suncoast

Taking on Preparedness

United Way Suncoast volunteers packed 6,000 disaster preparedness kits to help families get ready before disaster strikes

Member of United Way of Chicago's Young Leaders United packing emergency kits
Stories of Resilience: Chicago

Packing Kits, Building Resilience

Members of United Way of Metro Chicago’s Young Leaders United assembled disaster preparedness kits through United We Prepare to help families in Austin, Brighton Park, and Little Village prepare for flooding and other emergencies.
Volunteers at the United Way Resiliency Center in new Orleans hold up emergency kits
Stories of Resilience: New Orleans

New Orleans Resiliency Center Provides Hub to Help Weather Storms

Discover how United Way of Southeast Louisiana's Resiliency Center helps families prepare for disasters, build stability and strengthen community resilience.
A participant in the Extreme Heat workshop for caregivers smiles at the camera
Stories of Resilience: Boston

Keeping Kids Cool

United Way of Massachusetts Bay is holding workshops for caregivers to help them prepare for extreme heat and other disasters.

Being Disaster Ready

United We Prepare

Preparedness Tips and Resources

Get tips and resources to be disaster ready.