 Since its founding, United Way has been effective and efficient at raising dollars and distributing funds to local agencies. That model is no longer adequate to create the change we need.
Today, United Way is moving toward a more powerful COMMUNITY IMPACT mission. We are changing from an organization that measures success solely by dollars raised, to an organization that forges partnerships, focuses resources on what matters and creates measurable results. Dollars are still critical. They are important because United Way multiplies their impact through volunteers and leveraged grants. We remain committed to mobilizing funds for local programs through United Way Community Care Fund grants. But campaign dollars are a means to a greater goal: lasting positive change across our region.
Our focus is on EDUCATION, INCOME and HEALTH. These are the building blocks that everyone needs for a good quality of life: an education that leads to a stable job, income that can support a family through retirement, and good health. United Way has selected these areas for long-term impact because they are the tightly-connected elements that make a community strong and create a brighter future for all. - Without a quality education, it can be difficult to earn sufficient income to meet basic needs.
- Lack of income can create barriers to educational opportunities and the preventative care that leads to good health.
- Poor health can make it difficult to earn a living wage or access education.
By addressing these interconnected needs, we can strengthen the fabric of our community today while creating lasting solutions that benefit everyone, for generations to come.  |
United Way is engaging people across the Greater Capital Region in conversations focused on what it takes to create deep, lasting impact in the areas that matter most to our community. The result will be - a common agenda that reflects shared aspirations and community priorities
- strategies for achieving goals and
- the identification of resources required to make a difference.
Our philosophy is that we are most powerful as a community when citizens, companies, human services and the public sector unite around the issues and opportunities that can only be addressed collectively. United Way is already seeing success in multi-partner initiatives that demonstrate the power of this new Community Impact model.
United Way CA$H Coalition |
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 WHAT: A United Way-led coalition of businesses, non-profits, government, financial partners and volunteers provides free tax preparation and financial counseling for local income eligible families.
RESULTS: $18 million was returned to Capital Region residents in 2011. Families received training, education and tools for budgeting and for saving to meet basic needs and achieve goals such as home ownership and education. COMMUNITYWIDE VISION: More Capital Region individuals and families enjoy long term financial stability. Poverty is reduced. [Learn more about CA$H]
United Way 2-1-1 Northeast Region |
 WHAT: A United Way Partnership across 12 counties that connects individuals in need with agencies and resources through one convenient and easy-to-remember phone number.
RESULTS: In the first year of 2-1-1 operation, more than 10,000 callers got information and answers to receive the help they needed to solve personal and family issues. COMMUNITYWIDE VISION: United Way's vision is that the Capital Region is a stronger, healthier community when people in need are quickly connected with appropriate support. Our goal is that temporary personal setbacks don't become chronic conditions. [Learn more about 2-1-1.] |