Did you know the poverty rate in Dayton is 28.6%? United Way of the Greater Dayton Area’s (UWGDA) Strong Families program helps families navigate and prevent financial crisis by helping them stay in their homes, become financially stable, and supporting children’s success in school.
Supporting our community is our purpose, which is why we partner with UWGDA. Our goal is to raise $300,000 by December 8 for United Way’s Strong Families initiative.
Read the stories below of just a few of the families who have benefitted from the support provided by UWGDA and its partners, and consider donating.
How to donate
There are two ways to give to the United Way campaign
- Donations can be made online by clicking here.
- If you are unable to donate online, download, fill out, and email completed donation form to Tammy Erickson at tammy.erickson@ketteringhealth.org.
Click here to learn more about United Way and the work they are doing in our community.
Meet Ron
Ron entered the emergency homeless shelter after previously experiencing homelessness, struggling with addiction, and losing custody of his child. Ron was connected with a case manager who helped him find employment, receive outside supportive services, and get signed up for a personal wellness class. This was the help Ron needed to help overcome his challenges.
After maintaining employment, Ron was approved for Rapid Rehousing, a program to help individuals and families quickly exit homelessness. Ron continues to work diligently with multiple programs and is on track to reunite with his son.
Meet Caitlyn
Caitlyn, a single mother of one, left an abusive relationship and got laid off of her job.
With finances tight due to her layoff, Caitlyn was in need of assistance. Caitlyn was able to call HelpLink 211, a 24-hour lifeline where you can talk to a free, confidential, and compassionate professional who will review your situation and connect you with resources to meet your needs. Through HelpLink 211, Caitlyn was referred to UWGDA-supported programs and received assistance with her utilities and rent. She was able to keep her family in their home as a result.
Meet Brittany
Brittany knows firsthand how UWGDA and their partners can work together to help those in need achieve financial stability and thrive again.
She and her son came to Family Promise, a nonprofit providing emergency shelter and programs to help homeless families get back on their feet and into permanent housing. She arrived with only a bag of clothes.
She began to take parenting classes, enrolled herself into school, and got a job. Every day while at Family Promise, Brittany would walk to drop her son off at daycare and then go to work.
She was so motivated that other moms looked up to her as a role model and would come to her for advice. Brittany even earned the nickname “Mama B.”
Today, Brittany has her own home with her son and is thriving. She continues to work hard to provide for her family and build the life she deserves.
