UNITED WAY OF WHATCOM COUNTY

We fight to ensure that all Whatcom County residents have the tools and opportunities they need to become financially independent. We support a wide variety of programs designed to provide access to basic needs, increase economic mobility, and break the cycle of poverty in our community.

Together, with a network of non-profits, local businesses, and community stakeholders, we work to enable financial stability for every person in Whatcom County.

We fund 20+ local non-profit programs working to tackle the issue of financial stability from a variety of angles:

BASIC NEEDS:
- food security
- stable, attainable, affordable housing
- healthcare access

ECONOMIC MOBILITY:
- financial literacy training
- vocational readiness training
-adult education programs

BREAKING THE CYCLE OF POVERTY:
- affordable childcare and early learning programs
- academic programs to increase student attendance and achievement
- parenting support
- addiction treatment and recovery
- abuse prevention

United Way is the largest non-profit in America and each United Way plays an important role in building a stronger nation for us all.

United Way of Whatcom County is in a very strong and unique position to lead the charge in changing community conditions. We bridge the private sector, public sector, and non-profit sector. We currently have:
•6 permanent and highly dedicated staff members
•50 member volunteer Community Impact Panel to oversee our Community Impact Fund and ensure it is being invested in programs that are advancing Education, Income, and Health
•20+ Non-Profit Partner Agencies
•100+ participating work-places in our annual campaign
•100+ volunteers who help run their work-place campaigns

We collaborate with local nonprofits and funders to support critical work and services in Whatcom County. We support local school districts and child care organizations to support early learning programs. Working closely with our local hospital and health department we have been part of community-wide assessments to dig deeper in to the issues affecting all of us in Whatcom County. We are also part of the greater network of the United Way system, working closely with our statewide United Way organization and attending webinars and conference sessions with a variety of individuals from United Way Worldwide. This network builds our skills, strengthens our knowledge and helps us build a stronger community.

Each year our support and collaborations directly affect 50,000+ people in our community and the effects ripple out to touch all of us. Recent outcomes include:

- 398 individuals and families achieved safe, stable, and affordable housing
- 8,323 people achieved healthier lifestyles through exercise, nutrition, and overall better life choices
- 2,390 youth increased their academic success, improved their grades and were put on track to graduate from high school
- 1,873 kids gained crucial early learning skills and became prepared for school
- 34,902 individuals received food, necessities, or vocational skills to offset their monthly bills or increase their income
- 4,503 individuals received supports to better access healthcare services
- 2,154 parents and children received supports to build strong families
- 6,539 individuals and families received support to recover from or prevent violence or abuse