Advancing

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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.
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