Laura was born 17 weeks early. She weighed 1 lb., 10 ozs. Multiple birth complications put her at high risk for learning disabilities and cerebral palsy. Because of a highly compromised immune system, Laura lived her first two years isolated from all but her family and caregiver. At age 2, doctors told her mother, Lupita, that she was developmentally delayed by five months. A friend referred the family to Our Saviour’s Lutheran Child Care. Fortunately, her child care center is one of 75 sites using Success By 6®, a United Way initiative that gives parents and teachers the tools they need to help kids develop and succeed.
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It is hard to tell from his spirited personality, but before volunteering at Providence Hospital. Matt Schacklin says he had no friends, no job and nothing to do after school. He was bored and isolated from the world around him. Thanks to Work Opportunities, Matt now has lots of friends, a support system, and the ability to work and get along with others. Work Opportunities is one of many programs funded by United Way that helps people like Matt live more independent, happier lives.
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Joni, a single mother with two children, could not afford the basic needs for her family. Her annual salary of $20,000 put her just above the poverty line for a family of three—too much to receive public aid, but not enough to make ends meet. She had to arrange transportation just to get to work because she can not afford repairs or insurance for her car. She was referred to United Way’s free income tax preparation site. United Way’s free tax clinic puts money back into the pockets of the working poor.
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Jim knew he had talents and manpower that others needed. He turned to United Way’s Volunteer Center to find out how he could be a part of the solution. United Way’s Volunteer Center mobilizes people and resources to deliver creative solutions. “Before getting connected to these volunteer opportunities I knew there were problems, but didn’t know how or where I could help,” states Jim. “Now my family and I are connected to our community, using our resources and time for those who need it the most.”
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Zsolt and Zsofia Pasztor immigrated to Everett from Hungary to escape communism and to provide better opportunities for their growing family. Zsolt and Zsofia pregnant with their first child struggled, using all of their income just to pay rent. Today, thanks to United Way’s Individual Development Account (IDA) initiative, the Pasztor family exemplifies that you can have a better life. “This is finally a program that is not just a handout,” states Zsofia. “It provides the ability to get out of your situation and overcome difficulties.”
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Five years ago giving back was a foreign concept to Alissa. A typical teenager, she spent the majority of her time on the computer or on the phone with friends. She was more interested in being cool at high school than learning about her community. While exercising at her local YMCA she read a notice board announcing a Y-Teen Night and decided to attend. That experience, Alissa says, “changed my life.”
Read more about Alissa.