Divya
“Are we thriving? Are we collaborating? Are we supporting those who are in hard times? All of that is engrained with the fabric of what a healthy community looks like.” Divya knew at an early age that she wanted to be a doctor, even to the point where she completed a...
Martell
“My son is the main reason why I try to get out of the house. I do not want him secluded in the house like me. Every chance I get, I take him out and I let him get some sunlight—let him go out and play with other folks.” A year into his football scholarship at the...
Alberto
“I believe in United Way because it’s an effective organization in helping meet the needs of others. It’s been very effective in getting together diverse groups, identifying problems within our community and providing leadership and solving those problems.” Alberto...
Bernard
“When you’re talking about our neighbors, we’ve got to look at other underlying issues that cause people to live in poverty … but one organization, one entity, can’t do it alone. We have to come together. Leave the egos outside the door. Come together, sit at a table...
Keyaundra
“I’m optimistic about my future. I’m really excited. I’ve come so far from being homeless to doing drugs, getting my GED, working to become a mortician, hopefully next: a home.” Keyaundra is studying to be a mortician. She says she’s been fascinated with the art and...
Pamela
“I love the work that we do at Renewal House. There are days when I don’t really feel like I’m working. I’m giving back to my community and the people who need services. That’s why I do what I do.” Pamela found her purpose as a college intern at a children’s emergency...
Shawnta
“I want my kids to know that it starts with them. I want them to remain consistent and let them know that when they set a goal, the baby steps that they’re taking will eventually help them accomplish their goal. Everything that they’re doing now affects their future.”...
Tim
“I think if we just put all of our ideas, our preconceived notions, whatever it may be—whether it’s being homeless or being HIV positive or being hungry—I think if we put all those aside and simply help people, I think it just cuts through everything. That changes...
Marilyn
“I can go back in my life and name the mentors … the home economics teacher, the shop teacher. They planted the seed that education is important. They planted seeds along the way and those seeds replaced all the things in my head that I was told … that I was dumb,...
LaNessa
“By working together through United Way, we can take a lot of dollars and combine them to make a major impact on the community.” LaNessa became a top supporter of United Way when she led a workplace campaign a few years ago. She’s worked in information technology at...