United Way Sacramento Area

In 2016, United Way California Capital Region made a 20-year commitment to reduce poverty in the Greater Sacramento Region.

Creating a more socially just Capital Region will help reduce local poverty. We do this by:

1) Building capacity in undervalued communities.
2) Creating meaningful partnerships.
3) Seeking equity in education.
4) Making social justice investments in families.
5) Advocating for new policies to change old systems.

United Way has dedicated Community Program Officers working on each issue area, soliciting community input, reviewing research and consulting with experts in the field. United Way plays the unique and critical role of convening all of the stakeholders on a particular issue and identifying how we can leverage each other's work, investments, and skills to create a larger impact in the community. We also utilize evaluation and data collection tools data reporting system for our partners who are implementing programs. This allows us to review reports and monitor our investments in the community to ensure the greatest progress possible. Strong community partnerships with key stakeholders, government agencies, community-based organizations, nonprofit agencies, policymakers and the business community make it possible for United Way to lead or influence the success of social change solutions.

Building Capacity in Undervalued Communities:
Long-term, sustainable community development is crucial for neighborhoods to rise from poverty. We held 21 one-on-one meetings with Marisol Village Housing residents during redevelopment, identified 7 power group leaders to meet with stakeholders and gave 6 community presentations and trainings to support sustainability.

Creating Meaningful Partnerships:
We partner with 300 companies and 160 nonprofits to impact communities. Currently, we are partnering with the City of Sacramento, City of Rancho Cordova and SMUD to address the local digital divide that disproportionately affects people of color and low-income populations. Together, we are offering free internet, computer equipment and digital literacy training for households.

Seeking Equity in Education:
Ending poverty starts in school, ensuring all students receive the support they need to graduate and succeed. In January 2021, we launched STARS, a virtual online tutoring program that pairs volunteers with children needing literacy help. The program has hosted 454 tutoring sessions and students have gained 28 reading levels.

Making Social Justice Investments in Families:
We have an established track record of providing direct financial empowerment to local families through programs including Free Tax Prep, Kindergarten to College Savings and COVID-19 relief. In summer 2021, we are investing directly in families in under-resourced communities through the Direct Investment Program in Sacramento. 100 qualified families will receive guaranteed monthly funds to go back to school, become homeowners, start a business or more.