United Way of Cass-Clay
Programs
Community Impact Initiatives
United Way of Cass-Clay (United Way) improves lives by activating resources to solve complex community issues and create lasting social change. We seek to make measurable progress toward increasing access and reducing barriers for underserved, at-risk, and vulnerable individuals, and families to achieve our Bold Community Goals:-Prevent Hunger & Homelessness-Prepare Children to Succeed-Strengthen FamiliesUltimately, these goals collectively help to lift families out of poverty. By focusing on our Bold Goals, we look to improve lives and create a better tomorrow for everyone in Cass County, ND, and Clay County, MN. We do this by increasing access and reducing barriers to much needed supports and services including stable housing, living-wage employment, mental health services for students, and providing affordable, quality childcare. Bold Goal 1 - Prevent hunger for families and children- Prevent homelessness for youth and families with childrenWhy we invest: We know a family in poverty cannot reach success without stable housing and can't be healthy without access to nutritious food. At United Way we are working with local experts to find root causes to both homelessness and hunger to keep families and children from ever experiencing these traumas. We also provide funding to shelters and food pantries, with a focus on all family needs to try to break their cycle of poverty for good. The Issue:- Approximately 1,000 people experience homelessness on any given night in our community- Last year, of those experiencing homelessness in our community, approximately 20% were children- Of the approximately 16,000 people experiencing food insecurity in our community, 37% are childrenThe Results: - 12,559 families received food assistance (over 4.5m pounds) - 1,881 individuals prevented from homelessness (of which 75% maintained housing) - 242,688 meals served to children on weekends and during the summer - $443,128 saved through the Housing Navigation Program Spotlight: The Housing Navigation Program has seen tremendous success in housing families who have experienced chronic homelessness and keeping them housed with collaborative, comprehensive supports and resources. Not only is the program the right thing to do for families, but it has also saved our community over $2.3 million in community services such as detox admissions, ambulance transports, jail time, emergency room visits, and emergency shelter stays. Bold Goal 2 - Children enter school ready to succeed- Students are successful as they progress through school and upon graduation are ready for their next stage in life like post-secondary education, workforce, armed services, etc.Why we invest: We believe our community's kids deserve to have the support they need to reach their full potential. We know children who have high-quality, early childhood education and enter kindergarten socially, emotionally, and academically ready have a higher chance of being successful throughout school and graduating. This important milestone helps children reach adulthood with every choice and opportunity available to them. The Issue:- 1 in 7 children under 5 live in poverty - Only 37% of children under 4 are enrolled in early education - Children in poverty are 3x more likely to experience poverty as adultsThe Results: - 454 children enrolled in high-quality, early childhood education - 1,679 children received extra support, outside of school, such as mentorship, tutoring, reading support, and after school programs- 285 children received mental health support at school - 6,000+ children received backpacks during the School Supply Drive Spotlight: By placing dedicated resources at local schools, we are helping children in poverty access services like mental health, food, safe homes, early education, and more - right where they are. This helps ensure barriers like transportation or parents' work schedules don't stop children from accessing the services they need. Because when we change the outcome for a child in poverty, we change that family for generations. Bold Goal 3- Increase employment and income to family-sustaining levels- Increase family and social support necessary to maintain independenceWhy we invest: United Way focuses on a two-generation model to provide opportunities for low-income families to obtain family sustaining employment and build the support systems and social capital needed to thrive. Research shows that a focus on a two-generational model improves outcomes for children and parents and can stop the cycle of generational poverty. Getting and staying out of poverty is not easy. Not having access to, or the skills to maintain things such as housing, a job, education, stable mental health, food, transportation, basic needs, childcare, a bank account, credit, language, etc., can collectively keep a family from rising above poverty and finding a better life for themselves.The Issue: - 1 in 9 people (in our community) live in poverty - Poverty is a family of 4 living on less than $27,750 a year - Over 2,000 New Americans lack English language proficiency The Results: - 589 individuals secured employment - 2,000+ families accessed supportive services- 100 individuals attended English Language Learner (ELL) classes- 6,300+ rides provided through TapRide (an on-demand, public transportation that helps people access jobs at the Fargo Industrial park) Spotlight: Most parents in poverty have goals and dreams of being able to provide for their family, but don't have the support to take the next step and move forward. United Way supported community partners in establishing workforce navigators, called Career Coaches. These caring, knowledgeable advocates provide the guidance to obtain and maintain jobs and reduce the barriers that can disrupt their success.GeographiesNot indicatedDatesJan 1, 2022 – Dec 31, 2022Source990No causes providedNo populations provided–$4.7MWomen’s Leadership Programs
35 Under 35 Leadership Program:United Way of Cass-Clay's 35 Under 35 Women's Leadership Program's mission is to inspire local women to make a difference, help them realize their leadership skills and energize their collective power as women in our community. Since 2009, 490 local women have participated in the leadership program. Participants meet monthly to focus on various issues pertinent to young leaders. Each session is led and presented by local leaders and includes training and discussion as well as goal setting, communication, personal growth, board leadership, public speaking, conflict management, and several additional leadership topics.Employers of United Way 35 Under 35 Women's Leadership Program participants benefit greatly from the experience. Participants are able to: -Connect with a diverse network of dynamic young women and local leaders-Expand knowledge of the community and opportunities to serve in leadership positions-Become re-energized, motivated, and equipped to sharpen their skill set-Gain confidence and skills to lead in current and future positions at their companies/organizationsWomen UNITED Leadership Team:The Women UNITED Leadership Team is a powerful network of women who strengthen our community through an investment of:-Community service-Fundraising-LeadershipThe United Way Women UNITED Leadership Team is comprised of twelve members living and or working in Cass-Clay counties, to create a diverse group of women with varying leadership capabilities, careers, and backgrounds. The Women's UNITED Leadership Team is dedicated to supporting United Way's work across our Bold Goals, with all fundraising from Women UNITED events benefitting local families and children living in Cass or Clay Counties.Emerging Leaders Program:Emerging Leaders is a network of community-minded professionals who are working together to give, connect, build skills and volunteer to lead the change for a better tomorrow for our community. Nearly 900 members strong, Emerging Leaders have access to professional development events where local people can come together and grow as leaders to affect change for decades to come.GeographiesNot indicatedDatesJan 1, 2022 – Dec 31, 2022Source990No causes providedNo populations provided–$41.3KSchool Supply and Support Programs
School Supply Drive:2022 marked the 24th year of the annual School Supply Drive, which provides students in need with a new backpack filled with supplies so they can start the school year confident, ready to learn and prepared to succeed. In 2022, 6,000 local students were equipped with a backpack and set of school supplies thanks to the generosity of our community! Students enrolled in every school district across Cass & Clay Counties received backpacks and more than 675 volunteers helped in collecting supplies, preparing backpacks, and distributing them to students in our community. Home for Good:Every day, United Way helps individuals and families stop the cycle of homelessness. This year we invited the community to help welcome families home - for good.Through the support of community donations, 120 Home for Good baskets were provided to individuals and families in our community who were once homeless, but with the help of our community partners had the opportunity to obtain stable housing.As people transition out of homelessness, they are often starting over, and many are moving into their new home with little to no personal or household items. United Way Home for Good baskets are designed to provide basic household necessities and the essential supplies needed to help them be successful. Imagination Library:United Way has enjoyed supporting Dolly Parton's Imagination Library for over 15 years. Starting in January of 2020 United Way is no longer accepting new registrations for the program but will continue to honor and maintain all prior registrations. Those enrolled in the program receive a free book in the mail each month to help spark a love for reading. In 2022, 34,680 books were distributed to approximately 2,969 local children monthly. Additionally, United Way is proud to sponsor the following community programs:-Since 2014, United Way has invested $10,000 annually to two Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) programs. It's more than providing people with education and resources about financial stability; it's giving them support and encouragement and creating connections in our community. In 2022, 1,014 individuals received services and had tax returns completed. Overall, federal and state refunds totaled $2,400,814 with a savings in tax preparation services of $228,150.GeographiesNot indicatedDatesJan 1, 2022 – Dec 31, 2022Source990No causes providedNo populations provided–$140.7K
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