National Impact
Source: United Way Worldwide 2020 Annual
United Ways all over the world remove barriers, open opportunities and access so more people can thrive.
United Way-Supported Early Education Programs Prepare Kids for Kindergarten
A child's future academic success is greatly impacted by the early education they get during their first five years of life. Half of all babies born in the Lehigh Valley live in low-income households with limited access to high-quality early education programs. As a result of the health and economic crises over the past few years, access has become even more limited.
At United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley, we help over 700 kids access early childhood education at programs like The Learning Center at Third Street Alliance for Women and Children in Easton.
With the help of United Way supporters, The Learning Center gets children like Madison, Colson and Maddison excited about reading and helps them thrive in literacy and comprehension. Thanks to donors like you, 91% of children served in United Way-supported early education programs are ready for kindergarten.
Give to United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley to provide high-quality learning opportunities for kids like Madison, Colson and Maddison so they can continue to thrive. Give today.
“Our Unity is Our Wealth.” Assisting Thousands Experiencing Homelessness in South Los Angeles
Over 40,000 people are experiencing homelessness in Los Angeles—an increase of up to 32% in some neighborhoods. Many reported being unhoused for over one year to more than three years.
Assisting thousands of neighbors living in the streets of South Los Angeles was just the beginning of Miss Rodgers’ Neighborhood mission. This community nonprofit created to generate resources for homeless and economically disadvantaged families is expanding its reach to help more people meet their essential needs thanks to the recent partnership with United Way of Greater Los Angeles.
You can’t make the best decisions for yourself when your stomach is growling, or when you’re stressed out because you can’t pay the bills,” said Ms. Rodgers, Founder, CEO and executive director.
Not too long ago, Ms. Rodgers was in the same shoes as the people she now helps get on their feet. She experienced homelessness, and as a formerly incarcerated person, she promised herself to help as many people as possible.
We have a saying at Miss Rogers Neighborhood. It’s ‘our unity is our wealth,’ meaning if we have something and we’re able to give it to the next person, that helps them live their best life, have their best day, or become the best version of themselves,” said Ms. Rodgers. “That’s how we create that wealth and that’s how we continue to spread that richness and that love throughout the community.
Today, the organization is providing hot meals, free laundry, clothing and even immigration service assistance with the ultimate goal of helping people reach their full potential.
United Way of Berks County and Easterseals Provide Possibilities for Kids Like Harrison
With United Way of Berks County’s support, Easterseals Eastern Pennsylvania provides possibilities and life-changing services for local children and families.
Children like Harrison, a bright and friendly second grader, who has autism. Both of his parents work in the education field and wanted to make sure he was prepared for the demands of school. Harrison participates in a number of Easterseals programs.
Harrison shares an eagerness to attend therapy, as well as shares stories about his school, interests and family with his therapists each week.
One of Harrison’s therapists, Theresa, notes “He is a hard worker and brings a lot of fun and energy to the sessions. It is always fulfilling to see a child benefit from the therapy you provide.”
In the Early Intervention Program with Outpatient Therapy for both speech-language and occupational therapy services, Harrison has made quick progress toward his goals to address sensory sensitivities, activities of daily living, picky eating and fine motor skills. He also attends a weekly Social-Skills Group. By interacting with his same-aged peers, Harrison is able to work on interactive skills like answering social questions, holding a conversation and taking turns. These are essential skills that he needs to thrive at home and in school.
Easterseals Eastern Pennsylvania provides services to support children and adults with a range of physical and cognitive disabilities, autism and other social, sensory and developmental delays – and their families.
United Way of Berks County is Easterseals Eastern Pennsylvania’s most significant supporter for four key programs. Thank you, donors, for providing possibilities for kids like Harrison.
