COVID-19
response
what your gift does
Impact
Areas
Membership Groups
Creating Lasting Change for a Brighter Tomorrow
Step-Up
Programs
United Way of Central Maryland lives and breathes this region. Thanks to our extensive network of partners, supporters, and volunteers, United Way is prepared like no other organization to translate philanthropy into meaningful, lasting change. We create stronger communities, healthier families, and better lives.
We cultivate real change that strikes at the root of our communities’ issues, removing barriers to education and housing, promoting employment opportunities, combating health inequality, and more.
Let us connect you with the causes you care about most and ensure your dollars go as far as possible for our Greater Baltimore communities and neighbors in need.
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OUR RESPONSE TO COVID-19
United Way STories
The impact of COVID-19 on our neighbors and neighborhoods has brought with it cascading needs: more people need food, more people are at a high risk of losing their homes, more students are falling behind in school, and more people are calling our 211 Helpline. We're responding to immediate needs, helping our communities as they begin to recover, and looking at long-term, sustainable solutions to rebuild. We’ve been able to help Central Maryland in so many ways, including:
Learn more about how United Way is responding to help the families, businesses, and organizations impacted by this pandemic.
3,500+
neighbors remained in
their homes
$290K+
distributed to prevent hunger
206K+
calls were answered through the 211 Helpline
$382K+
to bridge the digital divide
Join a powerful network of members representing a wide variety of age groups, backgrounds, workplaces, and interests who are committed to improving our region.
GET INVOLVED
See who you help.
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AFFORDABLE, ACCESSIBLE
CHILDCARE FOR COLUMBIA
Did you know childcare in Howard County for two children averages $2,000 a month? Over the years, the cost of basic needs has increased more than wages in Howard County—one of those needs is...
LEADERS UNITED:
THE WAY HOME PROJECT 2021
Fueled by Leaders United, UWCM’s recent Way Home Project assisted those who have experienced long-term homelessness...
THE TRUE MEASURE
OF A HERO
Micah entered the Veterans Treatment Court at one of the lowest points in her life—after an opioid overdose. With the help and support of the VTC’s service providers and her family, Micah…
MORE STORIES
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impact areas
We make communities more livable, opportunities more equal, families more stable, and lives better for those who call Central Maryland home. We focus on what’s needed, where it’s needed, investing in programs and people making a difference in Baltimore and the surrounding regions.
Click on an icon below to see more detail.
HEALTH
HOUSING
EDUCATION
ECONOMIC ADVANCEMENT
211 MARYLAND HELPLINE
LOCATIONS
We provide food and access to healthy meals to families in need and help families learn about wellness and nutrition. Through community partnerships, we distributed more than $290K in 2020 to address immediate community needs.
health
Did you know childcare in Howard County for two children averages $2,000 a month? Over the years, the cost of basic needs has increased more than wages in Howard County—one of those needs is childcare. Nearly 30% of households in Howard County can't afford the basics, and higher than average childcare costs make it tough for families with children who are already struggling to make ends meet.
That’s why UWCM is focused on providing multi-generational support through our Neighborhood Zones located in Columbia, Brooklyn, and Poppleton. Providing social, economic, and educational advancement, UWCM’s Neighborhood Zone located in Columbia offers an on-site Family Center, providing quality childcare, as well as training and support for parents, and support for children with special needs. The Neighborhood Zone in Columbia will help to change the narrative for families experiencing economic hardship and strengthen workforces throughout Howard County.
Watch our Realities of Inequity session in which Howard County leaders talk about what this Family Center will mean for residents and the local economy.
AFFORDABLE, ACCESSIBLE CHILDCARE FOR COLUMBIA
Fueled by Leaders United, UWCM’s recent Way Home Project assisted those who have experienced long-term homelessness make their way home. The Way Home Project was a team effort, uniting our donors and members across Leaders United, Emerging Leaders United, Women United, and our own internal team to fill 20 apartments at the new Four Ten Lofts in downtown Baltimore with much-needed home goods for new residents.
Housing is one of many areas of focus for United Way of Central Maryland, because we believe having a place to call home is a basic and essential human need. United Way is working on multiple fronts to address housing needs, making great strides to rapidly rehouse those who have lost their home and prevent homelessness for countless others. The Way Home Project is another great example of our continued focus to help those who need it most, especially during this time of crisis.
Micah entered the Veterans Treatment Court at one of the lowest points in her life—after an opioid overdose. With the help and support of the VTC’s service providers and her family, Micah embraced the substance use treatment that put her on the road to recovery. Having battled the obstacle of addiction, she was connected to employment resources through the VTC so that she could once again care for her family. She got not just a job, but a new career, and one that she quickly excelled at. Micah’s now employed full time and graduated from the VTC with the tools, outlook, and motivation to live a drug-free life—without a criminal record.
Upon successful completion of the program, charges can be removed from the participant’s record. A clean record is important, because charges can prevent someone from getting a job, a lease, or a mortgage.
The Veterans Treatment Court program is supported by a grant from the Maryland Judiciary’s Office of Problem-Solving Courts.
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LEADERS UNITED: THE WAY HOME PROJECT 2021
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We work to rapidly rehouse those who have lost their homes and prevent homelessness for countless others. Our Strategic Targeted Eviction Prevention (STEP) Program provides rent relief to tenants impacted by the pandemic. This nationally recognized program has helped thousands of tenants in vulnerable communities remain housed and has provided millions of dollars in back rent since its inception in 2021.
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Our education work touches multiple phases of a student's journey—from advocating for quality early education to helping more students graduate high school. We also support projects bridging the digital divide to ensure students are equipped with the technology needed to succeed.
Our On Track 4 Success program provides a blueprint for helping more at-risk students stay and succeed in school. Together, we are putting more students on the path to feeding their curiosity, earning their diploma, and achieving their dreams.
education
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We work with our neighbors to reduce the need for public assistance and remove obstacles keeping them from a job that pays the bills. Our economic advancement programs include specialized work initiatives with veterans and those experiencing homelessness.
Through GED instruction, job readiness training, career mentoring, and apprenticeships, we put people on track to gain the self-sufficiency we all desire and deserve—and that will allow them to attain a stable, healthy life for themselves and their families.
ECONOMIC ADVANCEMENT
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Our 24-hour, free, confidential helpline answered 206K+ calls during the COVID-19 pandemic, helping us direct our efforts to meet the evolving needs of our community. The 211 Maryland United Way Helpline and website connects people of all ages from all communitites to the essential health and human services they need.
211 MARYLAND HELPLINE
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For more than 95 years, we’ve worked tirelessly to improve Central Maryland and its neighborhoods by building deep and trusting relationships with our neighbors—engaging, listening and taking action. United Way of Central Maryland serves Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Carroll, Harford, and Howard County and Baltimore City. We provide support with housing assistance, education, and community services to create lasting change for a better tomorrow.
United Way of Central Maryland’s Changemaker Challenge invites individuals and local non-profits to elevate, accelerate, and activate big ideas to make our communities even better. This initative
aims to help residents and communities recover from the
pandemic and tackle the inequities it exposed.
locations
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Also, listen to our Breaking Barriers Podcast episode.
Locked out and Shut Out: The Eviction Crisis in
Greater Baltimore
211 Call of Duty
Who are You Going to Call? The 411 on 211
Also, listen to our Breaking Barriers Podcast episodes.
Emerging Leaders United
Emerging Leaders United (ELU) champions young professionals to strengthen communities in Greater Baltimore. ELU members are inspired professionals who amplify their impact by connecting with other members through professional development, volunteering, and fundraising.
Emerging Leaders United
Leaders United
Women United
Emerging Tocqueville Society
Tocqueville Society
Leaders United is a powerful network of more than 2,500 people representing a variety of age groups, backgrounds, workplaces, and interests. The group makes an incredible impact on our communities, focusing on issues of housing and homelessness and supporting hands-on projects that help families make ends meet.
Leaders United
Women United is a dynamic group of more than 1,400 local women committed to helping our neighbors in need and families facing poverty, with a special focus on education. Members work with community partners to build resources needed to create long-term social change that produces healthy, educated, and financially stable individuals and families.
Women United
Emerging Tocqueville Society is a new route to membership in United Way’s Tocqueville Society. Created for those who are committed to supporting meaningful and lasting community impact, members connect with people of diverse backgrounds and beliefs in pursuit of a shared vision for a better tomorrow.
Emerging Tocqueville Society
Tocqueville Society improves the lives of countless individuals and families through extraordinary financial gifts, volunteerism, and advocacy. For members, it is an opportunity to have a more influential and hands-on role in solving the challenges facing Central Maryland to create a better future.
Tocqueville Society
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Additional Areas of Impact
BECOME A MEMBER TODAY WITH OUR FAST TRACK step-up PROGRAM
Join a powerful network of members representing a wide variety of age groups, backgrounds,
workplaces, and interests who are committed to improving our region.
Leaders United
Donate a minimum of $500 to immediately reach the $1,000 Leaders United/Women United giving level. (Leaders United membership includes membership in Women United.)
*A minimum donation of $100 is required for each designation, or it will be directed to United Way of Central Maryland. Designations must be to a 501(c)(3) organization. A five percent fee will be deducted on designations, subject to a $5 minimum and a $500 cap. Please visit uwcm.org/designate for more information and frequently asked questions on our designation policy
Leaders United
Emerging
Tocqueville Society
Tocqueville
Society
Jane B. Meyerhoff
Society
Emerging Tocqueville Society
Donate a minimum of $2,500 to be recognized among Tocqueville Society members. At Step-Up completion, members can take advantage of the Tocqueville Society Step-Up Program. This program includes membership in Women United – Tocqueville.
Tocqueville Society
Donate a minimum of $5,000 to immediately reach the $10,000 Tocqueville Society giving level. This program includes membership in Women United – Tocqueville.
Jane B. Meyerhoff Society
Thanks to the generosity of Robert E. Meyerhoff, donors can immediately reach the $25,000 Jane B. Meyerhoff Society giving level. The program is designed for those who make a minimum gift of $15,000 in the first year. This program includes membership in Women United – Tocqueville.
Neighborhood Zones
Focused on multi-generational support, our Neighborhood Zones located in Brooklyn, Poppleton, and Columbia support social, economic, and educational advancement. Offerings include on-site Family Centers, housing and employment assistance, dropout prevention programs, mental health services, and more.
Veterans Treatment Courts
Our court-supervised, voluntary mentor program in Baltimore City and Anne Arundel County serves those who have served us. Program partners create strategic plans to help veterans overcome mental health issues, substance abuse, homelessness, unemployment, and other struggles to live lawfully and independently.
Equity & Social Justice
We apply an equity lens to our neighborhood initiatives to ensure those representing different backgrounds maintain equitable access to services and support. We partner with neighborhood leaders and organizations focused on addressing racial inequity to bring about real change. Read our full Equity Statement for more information about how we are helping to create a more equitable Baltimore.
There are many ways to get involved and meet other people who share your passion for positive change – one of which is by joining a United Way membership group. By donating your time and energy in the community and advocating to help advance our work, you’ll play an active role in bringing about change from the ground up.
All of United Way’s membership groups include networking events, volunteer opportunities, and personal and professional development workshops.
$30
$60
$75
$150
$250
$600
$1,000
$1,500
$3,000
provides a haircut for interview preparation in our Economic Advancement program
buys six healthy, nutritious meals for a family in need
provides comprehensive dental care, including x-rays, and emergency and preventative care
gives five area kids computer tablets to help them bridge the digital divide
buys sets of scrubs, safety glasses, and stethoscopes for 10 students enrolled in our CNA/GNA program
Provides a full set of dentures to eat properly, gain employment, and create happier smiles
covers one month of rental assistance
equips a classroom with computers and internet access
$30
$60
$150
What your gift can do
We cultivate real change that strikes at the root of our communities’ issues, removing barriers to education and housing,
promoting employment opportunities, combating health inequality, and more.
$250
$600
$1,000
$1,500
$3,000
Your donation will improve lives and
neighborhoods across Central Maryland.
Thank You!
Click here to donate
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uwcm.org
Stories
provides coursework support
for a student in our
On Track 4 Success program
$75
Click to watch Leaders United at The Way Home Project 2021
THE TRUE MEASURE OF A HERO: One graduate of
United Way's Veterans Treatment Court
Click to watch our 211 Caller video.
Click to watch our Housing video.
Click to see our impact.
The impact of COVID-19 on our neighbors and neighborhoods has brought with it cascading needs: more people need food, more people are at a high risk of losing their homes, more students are falling behind in school, and more people are calling our 211 Helpline. We're responding to immediate needs, helping our communities as they begin to recover, and looking at long-term, sustainable solutions to rebuild. We’ve been able to help Central Maryland in so many ways, including:
Learn more about how United Way is responding to help the families, businesses, and organizations impacted by this pandemic.
Did you know childcare in Howard County for two children averages $2,000 a month? Over the years, the cost of basic needs has increased more than wages in Howard County—one of those needs is childcare. Nearly 30% of households in Howard County can't afford the basics, and higher than average childcare costs make it tough for families with children who are already struggling to make ends meet.
That’s why UWCM is focused on providing multi-generational support through our Neighborhood Zones located in Columbia, Brooklyn, and Poppleton. Providing social, economic, and educational advancement, UWCM’s Neighborhood Zone located in Columbia offers an on-site Family Center, providing quality childcare, as well as training and support for parents, and support for children with special needs. The Neighborhood Zone in Columbia will help to change the narrative for families experiencing economic hardship and strengthen workforces throughout Howard County.
Micah entered the Veterans Treatment Court at one of the lowest points in her life—after an opioid overdose. With the help and support of the VTC’s service providers and her family, Micah embraced the substance use treatment that put her on the road to recovery. Having battled the obstacle of addiction, she was connected to employment resources through the VTC so that she could once again care for her family. She got not just a job, but a new career, and one that she quickly excelled at. Micah’s now employed full time and graduated from the VTC with the tools, outlook, and motivation to live a drug-free life—without a criminal record.
Upon successful completion of the program, charges can be removed from the participant’s record. A clean record is important, because charges can prevent someone from getting a job, a lease, or a mortgage.
For more than 95 years, we’ve worked tirelessly to improve Central Maryland and its neighborhoods by building deep and trusting relationships with our neighbors—engaging, listening and taking action. United Way of Central Maryland serves Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Carroll, Harford, and Howard County and Baltimore City. We provide support with housing assistance, education, and community services to create lasting change for a better tomorrow.
United Way of Central Maryland’s Changemaker Challenge invites individuals and local non-profits to elevate, accelerate, and activate big ideas to make our communities even better. This initative
aims to help residents and communities recover from the
pandemic and tackle the inequities it exposed.
We work with our neighbors to reduce the need for assistance and remove obstacles keeping them from a job that pays the bills. Our economic advancement programs include specialized work initiatives with veterans and those experiencing homelessness.
Through GED instruction, job readiness training, career mentoring, and apprenticeships, we put people on track to gain the self-sufficiency we all desire and deserve—and that will allow them to attain a stable, healthy life for themselves and their families.
The impact of COVID-19 on our neighbors and neighborhoods has brought with it cascading needs: more people need food, more people are at a high risk of losing their homes, more students are falling behind in school, and more people are calling our 211 Helpline. We're responding to immediate needs, helping our communities as they begin to recover, and looking at long-term, sustainable solutions to rebuild. We’ve been able to help Central Maryland in so many ways, including:
Our education work touches multiple phases of a student's journey—from advocating for quality early education to helping more students graduate high school. We also support projects bridging the digital divide to ensure students are equipped with the technology needed to succeed.
Our On Track 4 Success program provides a blueprint for helping more at-risk students stay and succeed in school. Together, we are putting more students on the path to feeding their curiosity, earning their diploma,
and achieving their dreams.
