Impact Areas

2008 Impact Areas

The United Way is your partner in building a better community. We do what no other can – bring together a diverse mix of resources and invest them strategically to help more people live better lives.

Because of our history in Elkhart County, we are able to forge smart, strategic solutions to our community’s most critical needs through the combined efforts of our community impact partners, businesses, foundations and local government.

The United Way’s Impact Areas serve as on-going focal points for community investments. The Impact Areas were developed through a planning process that drew upon the views and experience of a wide range of community leaders.

families matter.

Assisting people in the pursuit of better lives

Strategies include life skills training, educational initiatives, kindergarten readiness and home ownership.

kids matter.

Helping kids grow up great

Strategies center on after-school programs, mentoring and high school graduation.

independence matters.

Helping everyone, regardless of age, disability or illness, be an active part of the community.

Strategies include transportation, advocacy and assisted living.

a safety net matters. Making sure a temporary crisis doesn't become permanent.

Strategies include emergency food, shelter and disaster services.

WHY LIVE UNITED.

When we reach out a hand to one we influence the condition of all.

When you give to the United Way, you're lending a hand to your neighbors, family and friends who live right here in Elkhart County.

When we LIVE UNITED... Elkhart County does more... it's that simple.

EDUCATION.

Helping children and youth achieve their potential.

Kindergarten Readiness
Readiness to succeed in school means children enter kindergarten developmentally on track.
Elementary Readiness
Reading on grade-level by fourth grade means elementary students are prepared to succeed in later grades and to graduate from high school
High School Graduation
Academic achievement is reflected in one-time high school graduation rates

Click here to see how we're meeting these goals.

INCOME.

Promoting financial stability and independence.

Adult Education
How can adults best engage with post-high school learning opportunities to, in two years or less, move from a low-skill job to a middle skill job?
Financial Literacy
How can a family best learn the fundamental money skills they need to successfully meet their basic needs?
Savings & Assets
How can a family best develop the assets they need to remain financially stable during changes in income, illness or other events.

Click here to see how we're meeting these goals.

HEALTH.

Improving people's health.

Dental
Untreated dental health problems interfere with the ability to learn, eat and work.
Hunger
If a person is hungry, everything else in life becomes a challenge.
Medical Self-Advocacy
How can a family best learn the fundamental skills they need to successfully navigate a difficult diagnosis?

Click here to see how we're meeting these goals.