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United way improves lives by funding programs that directly impact individuals and families
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United Way in Waukesha County is a non-profit organization that mobilizes community resources to achieve a goal of improving the lives of Waukesha County residents. This goal is clearly stated in its mission - "Building a stronger community by uniting people and resources to measurably improve lives." To do this, United Way uses two approaches:
- One approach is Direct Impact. Direct Impact is the traditional approach United Way has used for more than 75 years to improve lives in the community. It uses resources to fund and support programs that directly address the needs of children, families, seniors, the disabled and the needy. The programs include family counseling, family abuse shelter, drug and alcohol prevention programs, and more. The programs are funded based on community need and results produced.
- United Way's second approach is Community Impact. This approach uses all necessary resources to identify, focus on and impact the root or underlying causes of community-wide problems. United Way currently supports three Community Impact initiatives:
- Helping Kids Succeed - Partnering with school districts and other community organizations this initiative is directed at parents and guardians to become more involved in their children's lives to help them become more successful.
- Transportation Access - A broad community collaborative provides the means for low-income individuals and families without resources or friends, to obtain transportation to and from critical services, such as doctor's appointments, physical therapy, job interviews, and more.
- 211/First Call for Help - A 24 hours a day, seven days a week information, referral and crisis helpline available to all Waukesha County residents by dialing the three-digit number 2-1-1. This service helps individuals and families get help before their problem becomes a crisis. (Cell phone users can reach 2-1-1 by calling 262 547-3388.
- United Way is a non-profit, community-based organization. It operates with a full-time staff of 13 and the countless hours of nearly 700 volunteers.
- United Way has formed partnerships with nearly 40 Waukesha County agencies and provides funding for nearly 90 programs that address the health and human service needs of the community. United Way also works closely with schools, government policy makers, businesses, organized labor, financial institutions, and community development corporations to establish an agenda for community change.
- United Way in Waukesha County supports programs in three impact areas: Meeting Basic Needs - food, shelter and emergency services, Strengthening Families- drug dependency counseling and youth development, and Increasing Self-Sufficiency- community outreach and respite programs.
- United Way supports initiatives that impact the root causes of community problems.
- United Way conducts a number of activities throughout the year, including an annual fund drive and an ongoing process that allocates the dollars raised.
- All of United Way's activities - Board of Directors, Allocations, Marketing, and Campaign - are governed by volunteers
- United Way focuses on results. For example: it is not how many clients are served in a homeless shelter in a year, it is about how many clients were able to obtain permanent housing after six months of being in the shelter.
United Way in Waukesha County is an efficient and effective organization. Nearly 86 cents of every dollar donated is invested back in the community (12.6% overhead). This figure compares favorably with the suggested Better Business Bureau guidelines of up to 35% for overhead costs.
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OFFICE : 1717 Paramount Dr, Waukesha, WI 53186 • MAIL: P.O. Box 1041, Waukesha, WI 53187-1041
PHONE: (262) 547-8459 FAX: (262) 548-8945 |
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