Hamilton Herald Masthead

Editorial


Front Page - Friday, October 30, 2015

United Way creating lasting change in Chattanooga




United Way of Greater Chattanooga unites people and resources to build a stronger and healthier community. We do that by focusing on three areas we feel both address the core root of problems and advance the common good in this community: education, stability, and supporting the most vulnerable. By focusing on these three areas, we help people create the building blocks they need for better lives here in our neighborhoods.

Did you know?

The following stats are just a few United Way impact examples from 2014. But these aren’t just statistics. These numbers represent real people who are living better lives thanks to United Way donors, volunteers, and partners just like you.

Building Stable Lives: More than 1,200 participants in Building Stable Lives Neighborhood programs found steady employment or entered an education program, and almost that many now have safe, affordable housing.

Project Ready for School: More than 5,000 parents are tracking their children’s developmental skills with United Way Learning Checkups. Eighty-seven percent of children who took a Learning Checkup are meeting their developmental milestones.

Investing in children and youth: More than 5,000 children served through United Way-funded academic support programs in 2014 attended school at least 95 percent of the time, demonstrated positive behavior, and improved their grades.

Support for the most vulnerable: In 2014, more than 800 clients with disabilities found mobility and independence with help from devices through the Assistive Technology Program, funded by United Way.

From cradle to career, United Way supports students and schools so all youth graduate and are prepared for work and life.

United Way is employing several new strategies this year, including the Academic Early Warning System, which identifies concerns early and get kids more support they need. In addition, more mentors will help youth achieve academic and personal success. Finally, United Way is using innovative online learning technologies to support grade-level reading skills.

Because kids spend only 17 percent of their time in school, United Way helps build strong, stable families and communities by expanding financial education, job training, and housing and healthcare access to at-risk families through Building Stable Lives. Also, United Way’s 2-1-1 program is ensuring more people in more neighborhoods will access services that move them toward self-sufficiency.

Join us!

Volunteer or give and make great things happen when you join us in giving hope and building better lives for everyone across our region. Visit LiveUnitedChattanooga.org to learn how your time and donations can improve lives and build stronger communities.

Remember: Your donation stays local, and gets results!

Kelley Knave is the director of public relations at United Way of Greater Chattanooga. Contact her at (423) 304-3579.