United Way’s SparkPoint program is generating international attention. Last week, we hosted 20 visitors from the Netherlands, who toured SparkPoint Oakland to learn how our innovative, one-stop financial-education centers are helping struggling families move out of poverty. SparkPoint was stop number two for the group, which spent a week visiting poverty-fighting nonprofits and government programs [...]
Celebrate Outstanding Women this Mother’s Day
April 27, 2011 by
In my 30 years at United Way, I have encountered thousands of women who have made enormous sacrifices to provide for themselves and their families. I invite you to join me in celebrating these courageous Bay Area women this Mother’s Day. By making a Mother’s Day gift to United Way, you will support moms like [...]
MAKE IT BE on KMEL & KISS-FM
April 27, 2011 by
Many thanks to our partners at Clear Channel for helping us spread the word about MAKE IT BE, the Bay Area movement to tackle poverty. Tune in during April and May to hear Renel (98.1 KISS-FM ) and Chuy Gomez (106 KMEL ) share their visions for our community. You will also hear from their listeners [...]
Help Young Job Seekers “Dress to Impress”
April 26, 2011 by
Spring is here, which means it’s time for United Way’s annual spring Clothing Drive. Time to clean out your closets and donate your gently-used professional clothing to youth in need. Your clothing donations will provide young job seekers with appropriate attire for job interviews, summer internships and employment. Donated clothing will benefit youth who participate [...]
Capitol Day Success!
April 20, 2011 by
Great news for children and their families in California! In a recent blog post, we highlighted United Way’s visit to Sacramento for our annual “Day at the Capitol.” We have great news to report about our advocacy efforts: funding for First 5 California has been preserved! On Capitol Day (April 6), we met with several [...]
“MAKE IT BE” Hits the Airwaves
April 20, 2011 by
The next time you watch ABC-7 TV, keep an eye out for the new series of 10-second MAKE IT BE public service announcements (PSAs). MAKE IT BE is a movement of Bay Area citizens and organizations committed to building the vibrant communities we all want to live in. Get started by declaring your vision for our [...]
MatchBridge Gears Up for Summer
April 19, 2011 by
MatchBridge, United Way’s program that helps local youth find private-sector jobs, is getting ready for the summer hiring season, working hard to recruit both employers and new youth members. Last year, our program matched 184 youth with jobs and paid internships at 58 Bay Area companies. Here’s what employers are saying about MatchBridge: “While it [...]
Find Summer Camps for Kids: Call 211
April 19, 2011 by
Summer is almost here! Parents and caregivers can call 211 to obtain information about summer programs for kids throughout the Bay Area, including day camps, residential camps and therapeutic camps for children with disabilities or specific health conditions. 211 can also connect parents and caregivers with information about youth employment and internship programs, volunteer opportunities, [...]
Declare Your Vision! MAKE IT BE.
April 18, 2011 by
United Way has set an audacious goal – to cut the number of Bay Area families living in poverty in half by 2020. We know one program or expert can never solve the problems of poverty, so we’ve started the MAKE IT BE movement to harness the incredible energy and talent of the Bay Area. [...]
Tax season closes with a BANG!
April 18, 2011 by
Bay Area News Group (“BANG”) featured United Way’s Earn It! Keep It! Save It! tax program on the front page of today’s Contra Costa Times. The article, “Citizenship hope: Taxes,” highlights our efforts to make it easier for undocumented immigrants to participate in our nation’s tax system. Here’s an excerpt from the article: The United [...]
