United Way 2024 Q1 Impact Report United Way 2024 Q1 Impact Report

Impact Stats:

211 starters kits packed by Board members and their families

applicants for this year’s Changemaker Challenge

More than supported on MLK DAY OF SERVICE

2,500

176

15,000

Impact story: The Gift of Time

“Don't be afraid or ashamed to ask for help. It worked for me, and changed my life.” - Jessica

We met Jessica in 2022 when we wanted to learn more about people who had received rental assistance through our STEP (Strategic Targeted Eviction Prevention) Program and how they were doing. When the pandemic hit, Jessica was out of a job (she used to teach art), and soon she was scrambling to cover her bills and rent. “It was absolutely terrifying,” she said at the time. She took a job in the service industry to get by, but it wasn’t what she wanted to do long-term. The manager of her apartment building told her about the STEP Program, so she applied—and received not only back rent, but three month’s future rent to help her get back on her feet. We caught up with Jessica recently when WBFF TV was looking for someone to feature in this commercial about how United Way helps hardworking people. Jessica’s now in a good place. The STEP assistance not only covered her rent debt but afforded her the time she needed to reassess her career path. “It gave me time—the time I needed to get back on track.” She and her cat, Broccoli, recently moved to a new apartment and she was thrilled to remain in Mount Vernon—a place she calls home. Jessica is now an administrative coordinator for the Enoch Pratt Free Library, and walks and bikes to work and venues in the neighborhood she loves. What struck us is that like so many of our clients, Jessica’s will, tenacity, and strength got her through her challenges—with support from United Way. She did everything she could to find assistance with food and housing and unemployment insurance, and she used the time that STEP provided her to get her life moving in the direction she wanted it to. With the final spending of federal dollars that fueled STEP, we’re proud to report this program, launched in late 2020, served more than 14,000 households and provided nearly $100 million in rental and utility bill assistance. Jessica is always willing to catch up with us and says she shares her story to be a voice for others. “I hope my story helps empower other people and gives them the confidence to reach out for help—because help and hope are there!”

Inspiring Innovators At United Way, we’re invested in fueling change. This quarter, we launched our fourth Changemaker Challenge with 176 applicants across Central Maryland. This year’s grantees will receive pitch coaching and one-on-one support from The Lonely Entrepreneur, and connect with 2021 Changemaker Challenge award winners. 2024 Grantees will also have access to The Lonely Entrepreneur’s learning community for one year. More than $600,000 will be invested in innovative ideas to drive social change -- with an additional $100,000 committed from the Howard Count Government to support changemakers in Howard County. WBAL supported this initiative as our media sponsor, and highlighted three former Changemakers: Dominiece Clifton, Marcus Alston, and Amy Greensfelder

highlights:

Building a State that Serves For the second consecutive year, we’ve partnered with the Moore Administration and this year, the Department of Civic Service and Innovation to host the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service.

Choosing Change In more than 60 meetings with Maryland state legislators, 35 volunteers and 18 United Way staff advocated for HB1254, “Childcare Providers – Criminal Background Checks and Abuse and Neglect Clearances,” a bill to streamline the processing background checks for childcare providers. Through our Voter Voice platform, 123 additional individuals offered their support to HB1254.

The Right MENtality In February, Emerging Leaders United, the next generation of United Way supporters and advocates, focused on Young Men United (our educational equity program) at their signature event, Taste & Toast. Taste & Toast was held at the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra and raised hundreds of dollars for Young Men United. Since Young Men United's inception, United Way staff, I Am MENtality (Young Men United's lead partner), and other organizations have facilitated more than 70 programmatic activities, including the CIAA’s Education Day and tournament in February. Check out WBAL’s coverage of Young Men United’s experience at the tournament here.

Celebrating Community-Centered Ideas ADD another photo here too, since this one is in the stats.

At United Way, we’re dedicated to forging stronger futures for our neighbors and the neighborhoods they call home right here in Central Maryland.

Community Impact Report

January - March 2024

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