Success Stories
“A few years ago, my son Ashton had early signs of autism. We weren’t even sure he would ever speak. Now he’s thriving.”
When Ashton began displaying early signs of autism, his mother Lisa brought him to a United Way-funded program at Little Red School House, an agency that advances the quality of life for children with or at risk of developmental delays and disabilities. Through the program, Ashton learned critical behavioral and learning skills.
As a young single mother, Hope’s dream of pursuing a nursing degree seemed just that—a dream. “The idea of 40 hours a week for school was daunting. I wouldn’t have been able to work or afford daycare. I almost gave up,” said Hope.
Just before giving up on her nursing degree, Hope learned about United Way’s Individual Development Accounts (IDAs), which encourages participants to save and learn money management skills.
In 2008, Joni walked into a United Way Free Tax Preparation Site in Everett, and walked out with the largest refund she had ever received. With that money, she was able to pay her bills, financially support her two teenage daughters and, for the first time, give back to the community.
Aaron grew up with abuse and neglect. “When I was 15, my dad put me in the hospital,” says Aaron. “That’s when I left.” Aaron “couch surfed,” staying briefly with friends. Finally, he ended up living under a bridge, setting his alarm clock each night so he could get to school the next morning.
Every second is precious in the development of a young child. United Way’s Early Learning Initiative prepares kids to succeed from the start, providing tools and training for teachers and families of more than 600 infants, toddlers and preschoolers.
One of those is five-year-old Anginay Jackson. Living with her grandmother, Pamela, Anginay rarely sees her parents and came to the Everett YMCA’s Child Care “clingy and prone to throwing fits.”
Bob and Sandy call Mukilteo home. They feel fortunate to have a roof over their heads, considering 35% of Snohomish County families can’t afford to rent an average two-bedroom apartment. Because “the real basic needs never go away” according to Bob, he has made United Way’s mission his own: to improve people’s lives with his time, talents and treasure.
As a toddler, Hunter knew how to walk, talk and attract negative attention. According to mom Leslie, screaming and biting were daily occurrences.
“His tantrums affected all aspects of our lives,” she says.
Hunter’s behavior had him on the verge of being expelled from preschool; Leslie and her husband Ryan were desperate.
When Lethia and her husband, Pierre, were both laid off, things looked bleak. The Individual Development Account (IDA) program helped Pierre get a commercial driver’s license and a second-hand truck to launch Abracadabra Movers.
Read more about Lethia and Pierre »
Mar’s perfect world is one where everyone is prepared: ready for school, ready for life, ready in case of a disaster. A Snohomish resident, she LIVES UNITED by advocating for preparedness and relief efforts.
A long-time resident of Lynnwood’s Lynnview Apartments, Nancy was comfortable in her modest home. It was “her space” until August 2010 when a fire took it all away.
Coaching takes patience, enthusiasm and persistence. So does creating lasting community change. Kimberly-Clark employee Robert does both.
A longtime Everett resident, Robert relishes the opportunity to hike and bike, taking his son, Gabe, along for the ride. When not out on the trail, you’ll find them on a local field, court or in a classroom—Robert is always coaching his 10-year-old son on to victory.
One in 10 teenagers in our county is overweight; Saira, 9, doesn’t want to become a part of this group like her three older siblings.
Christine can’t take her children to the library—four-year-old Christopher’s physical impairments make it impossible. Christine can’t afford to buy books, either. So United Way and Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library send books to them.
With four children, Juan and Clara Gutierrez stretch Juan’s paycheck as a truck driver as far as possible. United Way’s help with filing their income tax return goes a long way. “I trust United Way to do the best for me,” said Juan.
Mike Dunn loves solving puzzles. That’s why he LIVES UNITED by preparing income taxes for low-income families. Mike was one of 135 volunteers preparing 2010 taxes at United Way tax preparation sites. Since 2007, volunteers have prepared 6,259 returns for $10.3 million in refunds for low-income families.