Promoting Financial Stability and Independence.

Every day, low-income families make tough decisions to cover the rising costs of housing, child care, food, transportation, utilities and health care. These members of our community are often one pay check away from falling behind. One unanticipated event such as an emergency room visit or car repair - can create a ripple effect that spirals into debt, missed housing payments, even loss of insurance.

There is a cost to inaction. Research tells us low incomes translate into a much broader landscape of human service issues in our community. If a family is lower wage earning, children are not often successful in school. They move frequently. They are less likely to have health insurance coverage. They choose not to treat a minor illness or visit the emergency room. There are no easy financial decisions, and every path can have long-term consequences.

United Way in Action…

Here are just a few examples of United Way's impact on our community:

• Parents are able of maintain employment with the assistance of child care being offered by Jefferson City Day Care Center.
• Over 22,000 people in emergency situations were helped with food, clothing, shelter, and utilities through Salvation Army.
• 109 women were provided encouragement and appropriate clothes for interviewing in addition to a week's worth of clothing to wear once they started their new job.
• Individuals with disabilities were provided transportation to their jobs at Capitol Projects (Sheltered Workshop).
• 119 individuals were provided shelter to escape the effects of domestic violence through the Rape and Abuse Crisis Service. An additional 427 clients were helped through counseling and advocacy.
• 137 individuals with disabilities were provided job training through Capitol Projects (Sheltered Workshop).