Black History Month is a time to celebrate influential leaders and impactful moments of the past. But celebrating Black history is not enough.  

United Way continues to work toward a future where Black Americans have equal access to employment, education, health care and housing.

United Way believes that an individual’s race, ZIP code, or income should never be a barrier to quality health. We work to address health inequity by: 

• Fighting for improved access to health care coverage 
• Creating exercise and recreation opportunities in low-income and segregated neighborhoods 
• Making it easier for people to access substance abuse programs 
• Setting up mobile food pantries 
• Supporting the mental health needs of veterans 

United Way fights to shift the odds for students of color and those in low-income areas. Our work includes: 

• Recruiting volunteers to read with preschool and elementary students 
• Providing after-school programs and extracurricular activities and clubs 
• Supporting middle and high school students through graduation 
• Connecting students with volunteer mentors and tutors 

United Way battles chronic unemployment, homelessness and financial illiteracy; issues which disproportionately affect Black Americans. In April, United Way Worldwide created a relief fund for Black Americans harmed by the financial devastation of the pandemic. Our ongoing work includes: 

• Providing free tax preparation services for middle- and low-income families 
• Offering financial education and coaching, especially to unbanked individuals 
• Training adults for careers in thriving industries, like health care 
• Providing job counseling and application assistance to the unemployed

To learn more about how UWCF is making a difference in our community, join our monthly newsletter.