United Way of Allen County identifies and responds to community needs in distributing donor dollars.
Every two years, United Way completes a Community Assessment to gauge the quality of life for area citizens by analyzing data in key categories like education, health care, housing and crime. United Way's funding priorities are then based on results of those assessments.
Agencies apply for program funding on a two-year basis. (United Way does not necessarily fund all programs at any given agency.) If an agency is found to meet basic organizational standards (financial, operational, governance), and its program is judged to be effectively addressing a specific need, the program will receive funding under one of the priority areas listed below. This process constitutes UWAC's Community Investment PlanImproving Success in School
United Way is building upon an existing network of collaborative partners to better meet the educational needs of our most vulnerable children. This year, United Way of Allen County will invest $1,563,307 to improve success in school.
Improving success in school services include quality child care and education for child academic success; meaningful child/adult relationships (mentoring); and involvement of families in leadership roles and decision-making about their child’s education.
Promoting Family Stability
United Way increases access to opportunities that help hardworking people become more economically stable to live independently. This year, United Way of Allen County will invest $2,093,867 to promote family stability.
Promoting family stability services include job training and literacy skills to develop employment opportunities; mental health, substance abuse and domestic violence services for low-income individuals; case management and counseling services to enhance personal growth; and disability and mobility services to achieve independence.
Meeting Basic Needs
United Way helps people meet their basic needs by providing financial resources and supportive services for individuals experiencing a crisis. This year, United Way of Allen County will invest $962,192 to meet basic needs.
Meeting basic needs services include help with financial and material assistance, food, health care and utilities; medical transportation to maintain physical well-being and sustain independence; and emergency shelter and supportive services for homeless people.
2-1-1/First Call for Help
United Way of Allen County operates a toll-free, 24-hour 2-1-1 phone system serving people in 10 northeast Indiana counties. By dialing 2-1-1, people can get information and referrals for local services to meet basic needs. This year, United Way of Allen County will invest $322,468 to support 2-1-1.
2-1-1 services include referrals for food, shelter and housing, employment, health care, clothing, education and emergency response.
Diversity & Inclusion Initiatives
United Way of Allen County is working to alleviate racism and build partnerships where diversity is valued. This year, United Way of Allen County will invest $77,000 in diversity programs in our community.
Diversity and inclusion outcomes include eliminating the third-grade reading gap for low-achieving children; creating a safe environment for diverse groups of individuals to have dialogue on racism and differences through programs such as Project Blueprint, Multicultural Council and Diversity Training; and providing services for immigrants, refugees, non-English speaking and deaf/hearing-impaired individuals.
Improving Financial Stability
The need to educate and link families to financial resources becomes critical to maintaining family stability. United Way is committed to addressing the need for working families to become independent and financially secure.
Financial Stability initiatives include helping people increase income through knowledge of the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC); build savings and better manage debt; access employer and public benefits; and increase financial literacy to improve family self-sufficiency.