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L I V E U N I T An EDUCATION Success story... “Lauren” was a youth in need of after school supervision. She struggled in school and had behavioral difficulties within her community and educational environment. Thanks to a United Way-funded program, Lauren was provided with a safe space to work on homework, receive a hot meal, and develop life skills. As Lauren’s self-confidence increased, she began to work harder in school and explored a multitude of career paths. Once Lauren reached high school, she began volunteering to work with youth who had experienced similar lifestyles. After Lauren graduated from high school, she eventually landed a full-time job in the Erie community, where she still continues to volunteer to help others learn, grow, and reach their full potential. “Lauren” was just one of the thousands of children and youth who were helped by United Way last year. United Way funds more than 20 different programs and initatives working to end the cycle of poverty by preparing more children to graduate from high school on time and with the skills necessary to succeed in education beyond high school. An INCOME Success story... When “Jill’s” husband died unexpectedly, she was not financially prepared for the sudden loss of income. Jill had been using her credit cards to finance ongoing expenses and had maxed them out. She desperately needed assistance, as she was being sued by the plumber, was behind on her taxes, and was in danger of losing her home. Jill went to financial education classes funded by United Way. The counselor was able to help Jill restructure her debt so that she could pay off her bills. She enrolled in a financial literacy class designed to help her set and reach a financial savings goal. When 6 | United Way of Erie County
E D 2 0 2 5 Jill reached that goal, she was able to completely pay off past debt. Jill also brought her children to classes as part of the process so that they, too, could learn good financial habits. She and her children now live within their means and are self-sufficient, all thanks to this program that was made possible through United Way funding. United Way is focused on helping 9,999 more families like “Jill’s” reach self-sufficiency, so they can meet their basic needs without any form of public of private assistance. In addition to funding a variety of programs and initiatives, United Way of Erie County also worked hard to successfully advocate in opposition to legislation that would allow the reintroduction of the payday lending industry in Pennsylvania. These payday lenders offer predatory financial products that trap low-income families in an inescapable cycle of debt. A HEALTH Success story... “Alan” experienced severe burns after an explosion in his home and his injuries required extensive medical attention. He had been recently unemployed and did not have health insurance at the time of this explosion. Upon his return home, Alan learned that he was about to be evicted. Through programs funded by United Way, a social worker was assigned to assist Alan in obtaining insurance and accessing resources for food and shelter. He received extensive care from registered nurses and learned to independently care for himself. Eventually, Alan was able to remain in his home and return to a higher level of functioning. More than 25,000 other men, women and children in Erie County received help like “Alan” through United Way’s funding of various Health programs and initiatives. This funding is designed to encourage preemptive healthcare while also offering support to individuals in crisis situations that often can lead to them to fall into poverty. 2013 Annual Report | 7
Page 1 and 2: REDUCING POVERTY IN ERIE COUNTY Adv
Page 3 and 4: Dear Supporters: Imagination. It wa
Page 5: E D 2 0 2 5 ADVOCATE With our focus
Page 9 and 10: g volunteers Karen L. Grettler John
Page 11 and 12: 2012 CAMPaign cabinet John Skory, C
Page 13 and 14: LEADERSHIP GIVING United Way’s Le
Page 15 and 16: ING SOCIETY Debra Mack Ann and John
Page 17 and 18: S SOCIETY Ronald Habursky** Jason H
Page 19 and 20: LEADERS Corporate donors continue t
Page 21 and 22: LOYAL CONTRIBUTORS Loyal Contributo
Page 23 and 24: TRIBUTORS Donald H. Fuller Hal and
Page 25 and 26: TRIBUTORS Kelly A. Montefiori John
Page 27 and 28: TRIBUTORS Matthew L. Vandervort Jul
Page 29 and 30: CONGRATULATIONS 2013 Tocqueville Aw
Page 31 and 32: OUR LEADERSHIP UNITED WAY OF ERIE C

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