We have a pulse on the needs of our community. Our investment decisions are guided by research conducted through a comprehensive Community Needs Assessment and ongoing Community Report Cards, helping to ensure long-term transformation in our community.
50% of children start school without
the skills needed to succeed
30% of our citizens struggle
to make ends meet
32% of children in Erie County
are obese or overweight
Our key focus areas are the building blocks of life. The success in one area relies on the success of the others, requiring a comprehensive and collaborative approach to solving community issues.
United Way takes a leadership role in working collaboratively with businesses and organizations across all sectors to individually and collectively address risk factors in the following priority areas:
Helping people build the skills needed to achieve long-term stability
Helping people build the skills needed to live healthier & safer lives
United Way’s Advocacy Committee represents our region by advocating for a clearly defined set of health and human services issues to drive policy change at the federal, state and local levels.
We promote the support of critical legislation by working closely with policymakers, the business community, service providers, and engaged citizens and volunteers who share our common goal of addressing community need.
 |
supported provisions making the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) & Child Tax Credit (CTC) permanent |
5,300 |
low-wage earners were connected to the Earned Income Tax Credit |
$6.5M |
returned in tax credits to working families |
