United Way of Lewis County

United Way, locally and worldwide, brings people, organizations, and communities together around a common cause, a common vision, and a common path forward. In many communities, United Way is the only nonprofit building up the foundations of education, financial stability and health-and the only nonprofit bringing people together from all walks of life to be a part of local solutions. The mission of United Way of Lewis County is connecting people and resources to improve the quality of life in Lewis County. For over 56 years, United Way of Lewis County has supported local programs that have addressed a variety of worthwhile needs in the community. From hunger to homeless, we have provided a hand up to individuals and families facing hardship.

United Way of Lewis County is helping to change the story for families with children living in poverty. Far too many children are growing up in poverty and households that are financially struggling. In Lewis County, over 3,300 children don't have enough to eat, a consistent place to sleep, or access to a doctor when they are sick. Research shows that children who grow up with this kind of economic hardship are at greater risk of experiencing levels of toxic stress so severe it can affect them throughout their lifetime. Such stress impacts their emotional development, their future academic achievement, and the chances they will raise their own children in economic hardship as well. Children are more likely to thrive when their parents are thriving. For 24.5% of youth in Lewis County, poverty is impeding their educational success.

As needs in our community change, so must the Way we address them. Through extensive research and community surveys, United Way of Lewis County has adopted a strategic focus that will create long-term stability for families and children. Our new strategic area of impact focuses specifically on lifting families out of poverty, with the bold goal of moving 30% of families out of poverty by 2030, (equates to over 3,400 families in Lewis County). This significant transformation comes at a time where 47% of Lewis County struggles to meet their most basic needs. Lifting families out of poverty is a unique and complex issue that United Way of Lewis County has adopted to create long term social change and brighter futures for generations to come. United Way of Lewis County is currently developing strategies that serve both children and their parents intentionally and simultaneously, leading to positive outcomes for families. Our community impact approach is unique - we work towards changing systems to that individuals and families can overcome challenges altogether. It is about investing in the present and the foundation, as well as, the future. A healthy community learns well, earns well, and lives well. We believe that every family deserves a fighting chance at success. With your support, together, we can change the story for struggling families in Lewis County. United Way of Lewis County's new "cradle to career and beyond" strategic direction supports programming in early childhood education, elementary reading, middle and high school success, college and career readiness, and continuing education. Our goal is to help create a culture of inclusive educational opportunities to foster lifelong learning in Lewis County.