United Way of San Luis Obispo County

Experts know that investing in a child’s success early on is critical. Research shows the tangible results – adults with greater success in life, fewer involvements in crime, higher incomes and higher education levels.  Therefore, it is necessary for parents and caregivers to realize the opportunities available each day to teach their children valuable lessons.  Born Learning takes early learning research and translates it into activities and educational tools for parents and caregivers.

Born Learning is built on three cornerstones: awareness, education, and action.  The educational materials for Born Learning are user-friendly and designed to help parents and caregivers understand how to begin the learning process right away, ensuring that childre prepare their children for school in natural, fun ways.  All materials are available to the public free of charge and can be easily downloaded from our website at https://www.unitedwayslo.org/born-learning

Participants learn about the community and make an impact through the allocation of grants to local youth-led, youth-serving programs. The board youth-led, and is open to all high school students with an interest in learning more about the community and a desire to make a difference.
The mission, as determined by the members of the Youth Board, is to develop youth leadership and opportunities in the community by building awareness and making an impact through involvement in the United Way decision making process through awarding grants to local organizations.

Individuals who made under $66,000 in 2018 can use MyFreeTaxes.org to safely file their taxes online for free.
For those who made less than $54,000 in 2018 and want a certified tax professional to file their taxes for them, we offer Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites. For more information visit https://www.unitedwayslo.org/tax-preparation-programs

Each child enrolled in the program receives a new, age-appropriate book every month from enrollment through five years of age. With United Way covering the cost of enrollment for many children, Imagination Library is especially valuable to low-income families who may find books to be an unaffordable luxury. Studies show that if a child can read at grade level by the time she or he is in fourth grade, they increase their chances of succeeding in middle school and graduating on time from high school. This program gets children excited about reading and before they even enter kindergarten, they can have their own personal library. It also helps strengthen families by encouraging positive interaction between adults and children through shared reading. For more information visit https://www.unitedwayslo.org/imagination-library

Money Talks volunteers increase the financial literacy of our high school students. Using material from the University of California Cooperative Extension Money Talks program and the National Endowment for Financial Education, United Way has prepared a series of five classes for high school seniors that present accurate, unbiased information and hands-on experiences in financial literacy; tools that young people can learn and take with them into early adulthood and through life. For more information visit https://www.unitedwayslo.org/money-talks-0

2-1-1 is an easy to remember three-digit phone number that brings people and services together. It is a non-emergency telephone number that connects individuals and families with information and community resources, available to more than 90% of those living in the United States. Confidential bilingual service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. To access the 2-1-1 directory, visit https://www.unitedwayslo.org/2-1-1/search-2-1-1-slo-county

United Way of San Luis Obispo County has partnered with VolunteerSLO.org to provide a one stop resource for volunteer opportunities. The online database links organizations with community members looking to get plugged into service openings across San Luis Obispo County. On VolunteerSLO, local agencies post upcoming volunteer opportunities and events throughout the year making them easily accessible for people to find and serve at as the demand is needed.