UNITED WAY OF PORTAGE COUNTY INC

COMMUNITY IMPACT PROGRAMS: UNITED WAY OF PORTAGE COUNTY WILL FOCUS ON THREE KEY AREAS OF COMMUNITY IMPACT: EDUCATION, FINANCIAL STABILITY AND HEALTH. THE UNITED WAY VISION OF THESE FOCUS AREAS INCLUDE: EDUCATION - FROM PRENATAL THROUGH YOUNG ADULTHOOD, (CRADLE TO CAREER), EDUCATION PROVIDES THE BASIS FOR INDIVIDUAL DEVELOPMENT, ADVANCES AN INCLUSIVE AND CULTURALLY DIVERSE MINDSET, SUPPORTS TRANSITION TO FAMILY-SUSTAINING EMPLOYMENT, AND BUILDS A STRONG COMMUNITY. FINANCIAL STABILITY - FINANCIAL SECURITY AND CAPABILITY IS VITAL TO SUPPORTING INDIVIDUAL AND FAMILY LIFE, MAINTAINING EMPLOYMENT, ACHIEVING CAREER ASPIRATIONS, AND BUILDING ASSETS FOR THE FUTURE. HEALTH - GOOD MENTAL AND PHYSICAL HEALTH IS FUNDAMENTAL TO AN INDIVIDUAL'S CAPACITY TO ENJOY THEIR LIVES, PROVIDE FOR THEIR FAMILIES, CONTRIBUTE TO SOCIETY, AND REALIZE THEIR DREAMS. A HEALTHY COMMUNITY IS BUILT UPON A FOUNDATION OF HEALTH EQUITY THAT FOSTERS SAFE, STABLE, AND NURTURING RELATIONSHIPS FOR ALL COMMUNITY MEMBERS. IN ORDER TO FULFILL THESE VISIONS, UNITED WAY OF PORTAGE COUNTY SUPPORTS 28 LOCAL NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION PROGRAMS AND INITIATIVES, INCLUDING ITS OWN LEARN FOR LIFE PROGRAM. A COLLABORATION BETWEEN UNITED WAY OF PORTAGE COUNTY AND PORTAGE COUNTY SCHOOLS, THE PROGRAM IS DESIGNED TO HELP INCREASE READING ACHIEVEMENT IN THE COMMUNITY. IN ADDITION, UNITED WAY OF PORTAGE COUNTY SUPPORTS THREE INVESTMENT TEAMS THAT IDENTIFY SPECIFIC PRIORITIES IN EACH AREA AND DEVISE STRATEGIES TO AFFECT COMMUNITY CHANGE. INCLUDED IN COMMUNITY IMPACT IS THE UNITED WAY OF PORTAGE COUNTY'S IN-A-FIX AND DIAPER DRIVE PROGRAMS. THE IN-A-FIX PROGRAM PROVIDES MONETARY ASSISTANCE FOR CAR REPAIRS AND/OR TIRE REPAIR AND REPLACEMENT FOR INCOME ELIGIBLE INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE EMPLOYED AND LIVING IN PORTAGE COUNTY. ASSISTANCE IS LIMITED TO $500 PER CALENDAR YEAR WHILE FUNDS LAST. THE DIAPER DRIVE PROGRAM FILLS A NEED MANY LOCAL AGENCIES IDENTIFIED AS A TOP ISSUE FACING STRUGGLING FAMILIES-NOT BEING ABLE TO PROVIDE THEIR CHILDREN WITH DIAPERS. THIS CAN OFTEN RESULT IN HEALTH ISSUES FOR INFANTS AND TODDLERS WHOSE DIAPERS ARE NOT CHANGED AS FREQUENTLY AS THEY SHOULD.

VOLUNTEER CENTER: UNITED WAY OF PORTAGE COUNTY'S VOLUNTEER CENTER MATCHES PEOPLE TO VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES, PROVIDING MORE THAN $50,000 WORTH OF VOLUNTEER SERVICE. THROUGH ITS VOLUNTEERSROCK.ORG WEBSITE, THE VOLUNTEER CENTER CONNECTED PEOPLE TO HUNDREDS OF LOCAL VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES, INCLUDING THOSE WITH PROJECT FRESH START AND MAKE A DIFFERENCE DAY. RESEARCH SHOWS THAT WHEN MORE PEOPLE VOLUNTEER, THE BENEFITS AND IMPACT ON THE COMMUNITY ARE MEASUREABLE. IN 2025, THE VOLUNTEER CENTER CONTINUES TO OFFER STRATEGIC VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES AT AREA EMPLOYER BUSINESSES. THE VOLUNTEER CENTER WORKS WITH LOCAL BUSINESSES TO HELP THEM PROMOTE EMPLOYEES USING THEIR VOLUNTEER TIME OFF.