From strengthening local resilience to advancing health, education and financial well-being, United Way is mobilizing communities to action so all can thrive. Scroll down to find stories, segmented by market, illustrating local United Way impact in and across our four impact priority areas (spelled out below).
Youth Opportunity
All children and youth deserve pathways of opportunity, from their first day to their first day on the job. At United Way, we're working with partners to support parents, improve early education and child care, and help children and families overcome non-academic barriers to success. At the same time, we're supporting academic help outside school, preparing youth for transition to secondary education and the workforce, and connecting youth and families to short- and long-term resources and services.
Financial Security
Everyone deserves the opportunity to earn a living that can sustain a family and build security for future generations. Financial security can also increase access to quality healthcare, improve housing options and broaden educational opportunities. That’s why we’re helping people in crisis pay essential bills while connecting them with local resources for job training. We’re working with employers and educators to create pipelines for jobs that lead to economic mobility. We’re offering financial coaching and education. And we’re connecting people to food, housing, mental health services, and other available local resources.
Healthy Community
Everyone deserves the opportunity to live their healthiest life. At United Way, we help people overcome barriers to good health by improving access to nutritious food and quality health education and services, including preventative care, maternal and child health, mental health support, and more.
Community Resiliency
All of us know we must address urgent needs today for a better tomorrow. At United Way, we're doing that through 211, the 24-7 resource that connects people across the U.S. and Canada to local help. We also support emergency preparedness, disaster relief and recovery, and environmental stewardship and sustainability.
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Atlanta: Helping Families Get Housing
After nearly two years of living in a hotel, Tracye Neal and her three children have been able to transition from an extended-stay to permanent housing, thanks to the Motel-to-Home program.
Metro Atlanta has more than 2,083 homeless students, with 848 of these children living in motels. They face hardships that no one—especially children—should experience, and they do so with remarkable resiliency.
Motel-to-Home, modeled after United Way of Greater Atlanta’s Street-to-Home Initiative and part of its Economic Stability investment priority, aims to connect families living in motels to their own permanent housing. Since its inception in 2018, the initiative has housed nearly 2,000 families.
Supported by United Way, five nonprofits—Community Restoration Project, Crossroads Community Ministries, Frontline Housing, Inc., New Life Community Ministries, and St. Vincent de Paul Georgia—reach out to families in extended-stay motels or hotels in ZIP codes indicating low or very low child well-being. They offer housing and financial services, matching families with affordable housing and assisting with move-in costs. Today, Tracye works for one of those nonprofits, helping families like hers get housing services.
Across our global network, United Way is helping families like build a pathway to financial security.
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Chicago: Building Stronger Neighborhoods
In Chicago, stark zip code disparities reveal the profound inequality between white and Black residents. Chicago has the most significant outcome difference between these groups in the United States. To combat this, United Way of Metro Chicago employs a neighborhood approach, investing resources in individual communities based on their needs.
United Way’s model begins with clearly defining a neighborhood. It then incorporates affordable housing, family wraparound services, economic development, business ownership, and arts and culture.
A vital part of this strategy is the United Neighborhood Equity Fund, which provides crucial support to small, BIPOC-led organizations. To date, the Fund has granted $1.9 million, with each grantee receiving $50,000 and more than 55 hours of capacity-building sessions with DePaul University faculty and other professionals. Through these concerted efforts, United Way is not just transforming neighborhoods – it's leading efforts to transform lives.
United Way is working to help build stronger, more equitable neighborhoods. -
Canada: Supporting Women in Poverty
United Way British Columbia is taking a stand against period poverty – a widespread issue that affects many women in the community. Its Period Promise campaign is not just about collecting and distributing menstrual products; it's about making a real difference in the lives of those in need, particularly vulnerable populations who are increasingly unable to afford these essential health supplies.
Research conducted by United Way highlights the urgency of the problem. Approximately 51% of respondents reported struggling to purchase menstrual products, and 26% had gone through a period without access to them. This lack of access to menstrual products harms individuals’ health and forces them to miss work, school, and community activities, which only compounds their marginalization.
With community support, The Period Promise campaign has distributed over 3,000,000 menstrual products across British Columbia. This is helping more than 130 community organizations distribute free period products to their clients. 20 rural and remote community agencies are getting grants from the monetary donations to buy period products to distribute to their clients.
Across the world, United Way is supporting women in under-resourced communities.
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Dallas: Working to Stop Child Abuse
United Way of Metropolitan Dallas works to prevent child abuse and neglect before it ever begins. With its partners, United Way is providing support services and educational resources to parents to foster healthy, caring home lives. Two of its programs focus specifically on supporting families with young children.
Child abuse remains far too common in Texas. In Dallas County during 2023, approximately 5,702 children—equivalent to about 15 children per day—were confirmed victims of child abuse and neglect.
With its partners, United Way is providing support services and educational resources to parents to foster healthy, caring home lives. Two of its programs focus specifically on supporting families with young children:
- H.O.P.E.S (Healthy Outcomes Through Prevention and Early Support), which helps local parents create home environments in which young children can thrive; and
- Texas Home Visiting, which provides direct support from a trained professional for soon-to-be-parents and those with children under the age of five.
Through H.O.P.E.S., community organizations and hospitals offer parent education, home visiting, support services, and connections to local community resources. To date, more than 350 families have participated in home visiting, 878 families have accessed supplemental services, and 1,500 North Texans have attended community events.
As part of Texas Home Visiting, soon-to-be parents and those with children under five work with a trained home visitor who answers questions, offers valuable advice, provides support, and teaches parents how to prepare their kids for kindergarten. So far, 550 families received parenting education services.
Every United Way around the world is working to ensure that children have what they need to thrive.
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Detroit: Fueling Child and Youth Success
In Detroit, poverty is a significant issue, particularly affecting children. The poverty rate in the city is roughly 30%, nearly three times higher than the national average. Even more concerning, the child poverty rate in Detroit is even higher, standing at more than 43%.
At United Way for Southeastern Michigan, a key focus is helping families help their children succeed.
- It starts in the early years, ensuring kids have high-quality, affordable early childhood education. Through the Connect4Care Kids program, United Way has served 1,065 families, providing immediate relief by helping parents understand their child care options and providing tools like developmental screenings and children's first books.
- Good child care teachers are critical. United Way supports childcare providers in earning their Child Development Associate certification, which improves the quality of care and facilities. The Early Childhood Support Network offers education and assistance to parents and childcare providers, ensuring children receive the best possible start.
- For school-aged children, United Way’s Community Schools initiative transforms classrooms into student success hubs focusing on academics, wellness, and engagement. By supporting parents, educators, and schools, the initiative helps students prepare for life after high school.
- Through Discover Your Spark, United Way connects families with after-school and summer programs, ensuring year-round learning opportunities. So far, over 60,000 books were distributed to kindergarten through 12th-grade children, and 115 devices were provided through the Tech United program.
United Way is working to shift the odds for children.
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France: Coaching Youth to Success
In France, United Way is laser-focused on youth education, especially for youth from lower-income families.
Called Alliance Pour l'Education (Alliance for Education)-United Way, the organization is building a coalition of employers, educators, government, NGOs and philanthropists to serve young people in working-class neighborhoods.
Its Défi Jeunesse program is one example, targeting students from 6th through 12th grade. United Way helps students get excited about and map out their job path, then helps them walk the path with education, tutoring, coaching, job preparation workshops, and more. And United Way connects youth to services and supports, and gives them a bird’s-eye view of the kind of jobs available in their communities.
As of 2023, Defi Jeunesse has helped over 14,000 students and engaged 1,100 employee volunteers to work with them. The program has mobilized 23 companies and partnered with 43 associations.
United Way is fueling strategies to help young people get job training, job coaches and ultimately, good jobs with a path to financial stability, -
Ghana: Empowering Survivors to Combat Human Trafficking
As we take steps towards building a fairer world, we must confront the global crisis that is human trafficking. With an astounding 50 million people, including children, caught in this cycle of forced labor, sexual exploitation, and forced marriages, there is an urgent call for action.
United Way Ghana is responding in powerful, innovative ways. They’ve launched the Courageous Crew, a self-named, survivor-run advocacy group. Survivors of human trafficking, armed with their unique understanding of the issue, are stepping up to lead local anti-trafficking initiatives in Central Ghana. This is not just about recovery but about empowerment and transforming painful experiences into a force for change.
Jerry has found community as a leader of the Courageous Crew. This survivor advocacy coalition engages in community education at local schools to prevent further incidences of child trafficking in the community. Jerry is not the only person who has benefited from United Way Ghana’s anti-trafficking efforts. With the help of the local school district and teacher volunteers, school-age survivors have been equipped with school supplies and after-school tutoring to reach grade-level reading milestones.
United Way Ghana supports local young adults like Jerry with apprenticeship opportunities, vocational and entrepreneurship training, and university enrollment support.
Through these initiatives, United Way Ghana is addressing survivors' immediate needs and fostering long-term growth and resilience. Their holistic approach ensures that survivors and vulnerable individuals have the tools and resources to rebuild their lives and contribute positively to their communities.
United Way is committed to fighting human trafficking and supporting survivors.
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India: Tackling Environmental Challenges
Working in communities across India – with local United Ways in Bangalore, Baroda, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Ahmedabad – United Way brings people together to build stronger communities where everyone can thrive.
For example, United Way Mumbai engaged partners to improve schools and infrastructure in 25 rural villages, impacting 7,000 women and children. United Way has also facilitated environmental volunteer opportunities for corporate partners, organizing opportunities to clean storm water drains, gathered trash, planted 300 trees and cleaned up Bannerghatta Biological Park and making and distributing paper bags to street vendors to reduce use of plastic bags in the community.
United Way's global reach and hyper-local impact means local solutions are led by local leaders to address local problems.
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London: Boosting Childhood Literacy
United Way of the UK, based in London, is working to give every child the opportunity to succeed. But some 800,000 children in the UK don’t have books of their own at home, and 20 percent of primary schools don’t have libraries.
That’s why United Way started its Reading Oasis program, to address early childhood literacy challenges and give more children the opportunity to develop a love for reading. This positively affects children's ability and potential throughout school and beyond.
The program focuses on children from disadvantaged backgrounds as they face the highest risk of being caught in a poverty cycle. Those with poor literacy levels have a higher likelihood of experiencing financial instability and unemployment later in life.
The United Way Reading Oasis places books into the hands of disadvantaged children through donating an entire library to schools that lack reading resources, where 30% or more of pupils are eligible for free school meals. Designed in collaboration with teachers, educational experts and children, every Reading Oasis includes:
- A safe, inviting space within the school where children can enjoy reading. The library has specially designed furniture to encourage children to pick up a book, sit down, and read.
- Hundreds of new books from United Way’s partner, Scholastic.
- A book for every child to take home and keep.
- A book a month for a year, for every child at the school nursery.
- Resources for parents, child care providers and teachers with tips on reading with their children.
The Reading Oasis program has already installed more than 20 school libraries, donated more than 20,000 books and impacted more than 4,500 children across the UK. At the Nightingale Primary School Oasis the percentage of children reaching expected standard reading in their SAT results in 2023 was 93%, compared with 60% before the opening of the library.
Childhood literacy is a priority for a majority of United Ways across our global network.
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Memphis: Breaking the Cycle of Poverty
In Memphis, United Way of the Mid-South has developed a strategy to break the cycle of poverty in underserved neighborhoods, called Driving The Dream. The goal is to tackle the underlying issues affecting generational poverty by mobilizing and aligning community resources to create equitable access to education, financial stability and mobility and health supports for families in poverty. It’s a complex challenge, with no quick and easy solutions.
For example, Deangelo was in crisis – no housing, no job, irregular meals and lacking life skills to move himself out of poverty. He’d grown up in similar circumstances and couldn’t see a way out. But one of the six nonprofit agencies partnering with United Way referred him to Driving The Dream, where a care coordinator sat down with him to help identify his challenges, as well as short- and long-term community solutions. His primary goal was to find a safe place to sleep, but he needed a job to get stable housing. After completing a six-month, intensive job training and placement program, he was able to find a job that paid a livable wage. He’s now paying rent in an apartment and is on his way to realizing his dreams.
In 2023, United Way of the Mid-South received an $18.2 million state grant. This two-year investment allows United Way to expand services to more low-income families, helping to drive financial and social mobility for thousands of individuals participating in Driving the Dream.
Tackling the underlying issues causing society’s – and individuals’ – most pressing problems is a priority for United Way.
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Mexico: Investing in Our Youngest Citizens
The first few years are critical ones for children to development a foundation for success in school, work and life. United Way of Mexico is fueling United Way's Born Learning program across Mexico, a United Way initiative that helps parents, caregivers and early childhood education professionals give children the resources and support they need to start school ready to succeed.
United Way supports more than 188 child care centers and four allied institutions, building capacity and offering training to the teachers and staff (and aligning with local primary schools). So far, more than 28,500 children and adults have been impacted in this long-term strategy.
But United Way also helps the families of Mexico with strategies to lift themselves out of poverty – focusing on job training, literacy classes, and connecting people to services. Technical training for the unemployed and opportunities with allied institutions has created a path of financial opportunity for more than 2,617 people so far.
United Way is galvanizing communities so that children from low-income families can thrive.
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Miami: Helping Struggling Workers
In Miami-Dade, 488,100 households are ALICE® (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed), representing hardworking community members who are employed yet struggle with the rising cost of living. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated this issue, with 13,986 more households unable to afford necessities in 2021 compared to 2019.
United Way Miami is committed to supporting ALICE families through comprehensive programs that address immediate needs and provide resources for long-term financial resilience. The organization invests in nearly 100 community programs and supports 14 additional initiatives and direct services, all centered around the proven pillars of success: education, financial stability, and health. Partner contributions have a direct and significant impact on these families and their communities.
United Way Miami offers immediate solutions like food assistance, housing, daycare, healthcare, and financial support to prevent families from falling into poverty. For long-term empowerment, the organization provides high-quality early education for young residents and upskill individuals to secure in-demand jobs, leading to economic mobility.
In 2023, United Way Miami provided employment training and placement services to over 6,300 unemployed and underemployed individuals. Their early education programs trained nearly 900 educators and served over 5,900 children. Additionally, their health programs reached over 22,500 people, offering access to care, including screenings, to improve physical, mental, and emotional well-being. The financial stability programs provided emergency shelter and food assistance to 63,000 individuals.
United Way improves conditions for the growing population of families living paycheck to paycheck.
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Twin Cities: Housing Vulnerable Youth
Despite understanding the risk factors contributing to homelessness, existing support systems often respond only after a crisis. Greater Twin Cities United Way launched Pathways Home in 2023 to prevent homelessness among young people in transition, helping them build stable lives.
Pathways Home supports nonprofits working to prevent homelessness for foster youth and adults transitioning from incarceration. This initiative builds on the success of previous programs, tackling complex system gaps requiring deep mobilization.
The first phase, launched in summer 2023, supports a cohort of 11 organizations over 18 months. These organizations collaborate to provide coordinated services, taking a collective action approach. Pathways Home ensures young people transitioning out of foster care or incarceration receive seamless support.
The initiative expands access to trauma-sensitive and diverse-responsive supports, improving health and opening opportunities for employment and education. Partners provide services such as family reconnection, mental health support, and culturally relevant food and coach young adults in skills development and employment.
United Way granted $1.2 million to 11 nonprofit organizations serving youth exiting foster care or transitioning from incarceration. The initiative includes training and peer-to-peer learning in a Community of Practice. Leading corporate supporters include 3M, Securian Financial, and Wells Fargo.
United Way is providing new resources and support systems to prevent homelessness for those most at risk.
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Moline, IL/Quad Cities: Building Financial Security
In Moline, IL, United Way of the Quad Cities In Moline, IL, United Way of the Quad Cities is fostering a community-wide effort to empower more people with the skills and tools to achieve financial stability. Together with community partners, They've set 10-year goals to drive change and advance racial equity in education, income, and health, inviting everyone to be part of this transformative journey.
One goal is to increase by 20% the number of Quad Cities young adults who earn a living wage. United Way partners and invests in various programs that put residents on new career pathways, giving them the skills and resources to improve their economic mobility and provide them with necessities in emergencies. At the same time, United Way and its partners are working to stabilize people facing hunger, homelessness, or financial crises. United Way funds efforts that provide access to hunger relief and emergency shelters to help low-income individuals and families obtain and maintain safe, affordable, stable housing and provide emergency financial assistance.
In 2023, more than 112 volunteers at seven VITA sites prepared over 3,300 tax returns, generating $3.08 million in refunds to people who made $60,000 or less, those with disabilities, older adults, and limited English-speaking neighbors. The average refund of $934 could cover seven months of utility bills, three weeks of groceries, or one month of rent for a family of four living in the Quad Cities.
United Way Quad Cities invested $884,000 in 24 carefully selected partners to provide residents with basic needs in emergencies, put them on the path to stable careers, and empower them to improve their economic conditions. This investment led to significant outcomes:
- 450 individuals secured jobs thanks to United Way-funded programs and support.
- 137 unemployed and underemployed neighbors earned a certificate or degree to jumpstart their careers.
- 401 individuals received support that kept their families in their homes during challenging economic times.
- 81,142 nights of emergency shelter were provided to individuals and families seeking a safe place to stay.
- 784 families received emergency shelter when they needed it most.
- 296 individuals and families received and maintained adequate housing for at least one year.
- 29 individuals successfully transitioned from temporary to permanent housing for at least six months.
United Way is committed to empowering people through education, job training, and financial support, helping them build a stable and prosperous future.
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Montreal: Improving Living Conditions
Centraide of Greater Montreal (United Way Montreal) has made a substantial impact in the community, investing $73,198,057, with 88% of the money raised directly supporting local initiatives. This investment has benefited 375 agencies and projects, addressing critical issues such as housing, food security, and financial literacy.
For decent living conditions, Centraide’s investments focus on:
- Access to decent and affordable housing
- Food security
- Budgeting and financial literacy
- Support for people experiencing homelessness
A significant portion of the investment, $19.2 million (26% of the overall investment), has been allocated to 136 agencies and projects supporting these goals.
Marie’s story shows us the effect of Centraide’s support. At age 41, this mother of three decided to start her own business, but a stroke and subsequent separation from her spouse turned her life upside down. With no insurance, Marie faced immense financial hardship. Now, more than 20 years after her stroke, she is still struggling to regain stability. She manages her finances on a monthly income of $1,295, with $795 going towards rent, leaving her with just $50 a week for groceries after other expenses.
“My rent is $795 a month. If you do the math, I spend over 60% of my income on rent,” Marie explains. The financial strain has left her feeling like “a little dog swimming hard, trying to keep her nose above water, just before she sinks.”
Fortunately, Centraide-funded organizations like the Association coopérative d’économie familiale (ACEF) Rive-Sud provide essential support. ACEF counselor Vicky Parashuk works closely with Marie, reviewing her monthly budget and helping her manage her finances. This support has been a lifeline for Marie, helping her navigate her financial challenges and offering hope for a more stable future.
According to the Financial Anxiety Index created by Centraide of Greater Montreal, 41% of Quebec respondents who spend more than 50% of their income on housing experience food insecurity. This highlights the critical need for continued support and investment in affordable housing and financial literacy programs.
Many United Ways target investments and provide comprehensive support to people boost their financial security.
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New York City: Meeting Food and Shelter Needs
United Way of New York City is committed to addressing immediate food and shelter crises for struggling New Yorkers. Its Food & Benefits Access team connects families with assistance critical to economic mobility, improving food equity and access by providing community-based organizations with high-quality, culturally appropriate foods, nutrition education, and technical assistance.
United Way aims to ensure:
- Emergency food is accessible to all New Yorkers, and there is a sufficient supply of healthy food in neighborhoods with the highest food insecurity.
- All New Yorkers have economic mobility through dignified access to free supplemental food and benefits resources.
- Community-based organizations have adequate funding and educational, logistical, and technical resources to provide essential services.
In the past year, United Way referred 13,598 individuals to other benefits and services and distributed 14.1 million pounds of food. With trusted relationships with over 600 community-based organizations, United Way supports rent, mortgage, and utilities relief, among other services.
Through the Food Access initiative, United Way funds, builds capacity, trains, and develops leadership in more than 500 community-based organizations. Essential programs include the Hunger Prevention Nutrition Assistance Program (HPNAP), Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP), and Nourish NY, which provide nutritious food to pantries and soup kitchens.
United Way continues to innovate to build communities where all residents can thrive.
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San Francisco: Making Housing More Accessible
The cost of living is 71% higher in San Francisco than the rest of the U.S. Rising coats of food, gas and other essentials makes it increasingly difficult to get by.
United Way of the Bay Area has pioneered innovative solutions: one-stop centers that help struggling families meet their basic needs, increase income and savings, build credit, and reduce debt. At United Way’s SparkPoint Centers, financial coaches work one-on-one with clients to set goals, brainstorm strategies, and map out realistic action plans.Services are free, including credit and debt counseling/repair, budgeting, financial planning, tax prep, job skills training, job search assistance, career development, education counseling. Centers also have a food pantry, benefits screening, rental assistance, connection to housing resources and homeownership assistance. Each SparkPoint Center is a collaborative of multiple nonprofit and government entities working together in a single location to make it easy for families to access services.
To date, SparkPoint Centers have:
- Served 29,152 low-income families in the Bay Area
- Helped 80 percent of them improve income, credit, savings and reduced debt after enrolling in SparkPoint
- Empowered 62 percent to achieve their own financial goals
Across the world, United Way equips people to build financial security.
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South Africa: Empowering Youth
For United Way South Africa, its Providing Equal Educational Opportunity for the Youth program has been a cornerstone of community-based solutions, offering a path forward for youth from disadvantaged communities. Since its inception in 2021, the program has expanded to serve the KwaZulu Natal province.
One example is Bevan Thomas, a 12th grader at Clairwood Secondary School in the Ethekwini Montclair region. Bevan was among nearly 1,000 students who participated in the program, focusing on skills assessment, soft skills development, performance improvement spaces, motivational support, and mental health. United Way's program recognizes the critical role of mental well-being and addresses stress management, emotional resilience, and the importance of seeking professional help. It also fosters a supportive community where students can discuss and address mental health challenges.
All participating students underwent mental health education and skills assessment, followed by a career fair where 9th graders met with employers to discuss potential careers, jobs, scholarships, and leadership opportunities. This comprehensive approach prepares students for their future careers and equips them with the necessary mental health tools to navigate the challenges they may face.
Some 300 students connected with organizations in various fields, including health science, engineering, finance, logistics, IT, military, education, humanities, safety and security, hospitality, aviation, arts and culture, and business management. Bevan graduated with distinctions and received a scholarship to go to college. He is preparing for his mid-year examinations in his third year of studying engineering at the University of KwaZulu-Natal.
Follow-up sessions at Clairwood and Tembisa (Ivory Park) focused on mental health, with professionals from various disciplines, including the police, providing comprehensive support. A key lesson for United Way South Africa has been the importance of continuous engagement and support. Regular mental health workshops and accessible resources are crucial. Creating a safe, non-judgmental environment where young people feel comfortable sharing their feelings and concerns is essential for parents, schools, and communities.
United Way empowers youth through education and mental health support, providing tools and community resources for success.
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Toronto: Closing Opportunity Gaps for Children
Poverty has severe repercussions for people of all ages, but for children, the effects are particularly devastating. Research shows that poverty impacts children from birth, affecting their cognitive functioning, health, and overall development.
In Toronto, at least one in four children live in poverty. Indigenous, newcomer, and racialized children are especially vulnerable. The need for support is critical.
United Way of Greater Toronto aims to close opportunity gaps caused by inequality and poverty by giving children early opportunities that provide a foundation for success. Focusing on early learning and parenting support, United Way offers programs that strengthen bonds between children and their parents or caregivers. These programs promote social interaction among children ages 0 to 4 years with their peers and families.
In the past year, United Way supported 36,978 children and families in early learning and parenting programs, helping to build a foundation for future success. Additionally, 24,415 families improved their understanding and skills in child development and parenting, while 13,161 children received early intervention support needed to thrive.
United Way is targeting investments to support the most vulnerable among us.
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The Netherlands: Supporting Immigrants
Amidst the turbulence of war in Ukraine, approximately 100,000 refugees sought sanctuary in the Netherlands. Disconnected from their homes and communities, these refugees faced not just displacement but also mental health issues. The Dutch healthcare system struggled to adequately support the refugees due to congestion, language barriers, and licensing complications.
Recognizing this pressing need, United Way (of) the Netherlands initiated an innovative approach. They contacted Ukrainian therapists, recruited them as "counselors," and connected them to those in need through social media channels like Telegram. This strategy offered refugees solace and guidance in their native language.
After fleeing her war-torn home and resettling in Amsterdam, Olena, a refugee from Kyiv, accessed counseling services provided by Ukrainian psychologists through this initiative. The support she received was a crucial lifeline as she navigated the challenges of displacement and trauma.
The program, active in Amsterdam, has rented and refurbished a consulting space in central Amsterdam for individual and group sessions. Around 40 counselors have shown interest, four have already signed up for the pilot project, and 33 specialists are on the waiting list. Requests from municipalities outside Amsterdam highlight the need to scale up operations.
United Way Netherlands plans to collaborate with Erasmus University Rotterdam and Amplio Health to scale up services, including remote mental healthcare and referrals. According to a survey, primary mental health issues faced by Ukrainian refugees include anxiety, panic attacks, insomnia, and more.
Since its inception, 90% of clients have reported an improved ability to cope with their circumstances. United Way Netherlands aims to extend its scope to other displaced communities, demonstrating that connection to one's home, culture, and language is a powerful tool for mental health support.
United Way leverages the strength of community to address today's complex challenges.