United Way has always worked to meet immediate needs, but we’ve come to understand that treating symptoms alone is not enough. Through long-term initiatives, we are addressing the conditions that create social challenges to build a better community.
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Income Initiative
North Dakota is fortunate to be experiencing strong economic times. However, right here in our community, poverty still exists and we have many neighbors in need. More than 16% of area children, ages zero to four, are living in poverty. Even more staggering, 45% of children with a single parent, most of whom are single mothers, live in poverty.
There are many challenges that prevent individuals and families from being able to meet their basic needs, let alone plan for their futures. Lack of affordable childcare, reliable transportation, and appropriate skills or education are common obstacles that make it difficult for people to secure and maintain family-sustaining jobs.
Taking a proactive response to our growing community, MSA United Way invested in its first Income Initiative. Partner agencies funded under this Initiative have solutions-driven approaches to increase self-sufficiency of people for the long-term. Through programs and services that build job skills and remove barriers to employment, vulnerable people in our community have the opportunity to break free from the cycle of poverty. Men and women who are homeless will get back on their feet and become independent. Families struggling to survive will have consistent tools and resources they need to clearly focus on the future.
What’s more, helping people ensure a steady source of income doesn’t just mean food on the table. It often also translates into better health, academic achievement, less delinquent behavior, and fewer emotional problems at home.
United Way is tracking the collective progress of our Income Initiative, so that we can report on our shared successes as we empower more people in our community to make it through hard times and come out ahead. Living United, we will help move people from surviving to thriving.
On the Horizon
Education. Income. Health. The building blocks of a successful life.
At MSA United Way, we believe that our whole community thrives when people have a quality education, sufficient income, and good health. And we’re not alone. Research shows that education is linked to fewer crimes, better physical and mental health, and greater tolerance for others. Having enough income ensures people can end the cycle of financial dependency and focus on the important things – like their families and future aspirations. Good health generates success in school, contributes to job stability, and decreases complications during the aging process. Each building block is closely intertwined.
Our current Income Initiative focuses on the root causes of financial instability. Partner agencies who received Income Initiative funding will collectively measure their progress in 2013. Through programs and services that build career skills and remove barriers to employment, vulnerable people in our community will have the opportunity to secure brighter futures for themselves and their families.
This year, with the help of local data, as well as donor and partner input, we will also develop and invest in our Education and Health Initiatives. Addressing these additional building blocks with preventative approaches will produce positive change for greater Bismarck-Mandan, even as our community grows.
We are all connected and interdependent. Strong communication and collaboration are required to meet the needs of our community most efficiently, but we know this is necessary to make a lasting impact.
Show your support of the Bismarck-Mandan community and give today.
For more information visit msaunitedway.org.
