UNITED WAY OF CENTRAL MASSACHUSETTS INC

United Way’s vision for Central Massachusetts is to LIVE UNITED by investing in educational opportunities, supporting strong families and building healthy communities. For 100 years United Way has been connecting people and resources to improve the community. Our work is future-focused around access to education, family economic opportunity, and physical and mental health supports as well as being committed helping people of all ages with the critical issues of today.

EDUCATION Strategies:
EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION AND DEVELOPMENT
• Increase assessment and screenings for the early identification and support of children with developmental or behavioral concerns;
• Increase the number of children who improve in identified ways so they are ready to learn when they enter school;
• Increase the number of children 0-K who participate in high-quality center-based, or formal home-based programming.
YOUTH DEVELOPMENT
• Adopt early warning indicators such as monitoring attendance, behavior, and academic course completion to assess whether children are on track or in need of additional supports or interventions;
• Relatedly, ensure that students who are identified with developmental delays, behavioral or mental health concerns, or other identified risk factors are provided with an individualized plan of prevention, intervention, and enrichment services that include family engagement and support;
• Increase the number of children reading at grade level by third grade;
• Increase the number of students who score proficient or better on statewide academic assessments;
• Increase the number of children and youth with access to on-site mental and behavioral health services;
• Increase the number of youth ages 5 to 19 with formal mentors; affordable, high quality out-of-school time; and academically enriched summer learning programs;
• Increase the number of youth ages 14-19 engaged in leadership development or civic engagement programs and summer and year-round employment.
HEALTH Strategies:
HEALTHY EATING
• Amplify efforts to increase year-round access to nutritious foods for families, particularly fruits and vegetables.
PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND WELLNESS
• Increase opportunities and spaces for physical exercise and play for both children and adults that are free from crime, violence, and pollution;
• Reduce barriers to accessing mental and behavioral health supports.
RISK PREVENTION
• Increase evidence-based prevention programs for youth/adults to avoid or reduce risky behaviors (e.g. alcohol, drug abuse, unprotected sexual activity)
FAMILY STABILITY Strategies:
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
• Successful completion of adult basic education, ESL, HiSET (GED) and/or workforce training programs;
• Increase access for high-need families to career development/career advancement services;
• Increase the number of post-High School age youth who successfully transition to college or career.
FAMILY SUPPORT
• Increase supports to high-need families such that they are able to maintain a stable household and to build assets;
• Increase access for high-need families to enhanced financial management services that would include education about EITC, financial literacy, banking, and benefits eligibility.

United Way serves as a convener, leader, volunteer mobilizer and advocate for these issues, as well as a funder. We identify and work with community partner organizations to perform the direct serve work in each of these areas.