Tracy and David

1 Gift = 79 Investments in Education, Income and Health Programs = 63,000 Lives Changed = 1 Improved Community

When Teresa lost her job, it started a chain reaction of challenges in her life. Before long, she'd lost her savings, her home, her car. She called 2-1-1 asking about a food pantry, but she was actually looking for a way to turn her life around.

A referral specialist connected her with a variety of programs to address her needs. In addition to basic needs assistance with food and clothing, he connected her with a literacy program to increase her skills and a living wage employment program so she could find work that would allow her to break the cycle of poverty. She also participated in a financial education class to learn how to budget and save for the future. In addition, she was connected with housing support to get her in a safe, affordable apartment.

Your gift to United Way's Community Investment Fund helped provide the food box, the tutor, the job training, financial education and the housing assistance, as well as 2-1-1 - all of which were critical to helping Teresa become financially self-sufficient once again.

Giving to the Community Investment Fund means you don't have to choose one great program over another. Our investment strategies in Education, Income and Health are made to support people like Teresa in overcoming all of the complex, interconnected issues in their lives.

When they do that, life is better for all of us. Our communities are strong and productive, people have the education to get good jobs that support their families and everyone improves their health and wellness.