Program areas at UWSWPA
Meeting basic needswhen you can't put food on The table or be certain where your family will live tomorrow, United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania is there. We help people access basic human needs such as shelter, safety, and nutritious food. These are The critical issues that disproportionately affect people of color and widen our community's racial divide. For many families, all it takes is a sudden job loss or an unexpected medical expense to spiral into long-term financial instability and despair. Across our region, United Way responds to people's critical needs when they don't know where else to turn. We work every day to prevent personal suffering and preserve human dignity.
Moving to financial stabilityfor many families, just making ends meet every month can feel overwhelming. Like The single mother who lives in fear of a major auto repair bill. Or The family who can't overcome a sudden reduction of work hours. United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania helps create a path to a more financially secure future with practical tools such as access to childcare and budget planning so they can better provide for themselves and their family long term. Along with our community partners, we work to remove barriers for people of all abilities to secure meaningful employment. We help young mothers adjust to life as a parent and older adults with support they need to live alone. In addition, we assist veterans as they navigate their unique challenges assimilating back to society.
Building for success in school and lifeevery child should have The opportunity to learn and achieve to The best of their ability. But while many children grow up with The support and structure needed to succeed, not every child is as fortunate. United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania works to address disparities in educational and social opportunities that often fall along racial lines. We are there to help The daughter of a working single mother be school-ready going into kindergarten, as well as The teen who needs a safe space after school and a positive role model to help him reach his potential, earn a diploma, and plan a career.
Community services: other program support:united Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania invests in community support and volunteerism. These investments include support for strategic community partnerships and projects, disaster relief efforts, technical assistance to nonprofits and volunteer initiatives focused on engaging The community to make a positive difference.