With the sluggish economy, some local families are finding it difficult to purchase all the supplies their children need to start the school year. You can help us bring smiles to the faces of Bay Area kids by collecting backpacks and supplies in your workplace. United Way’s Backpack Drive will take place throughout the month [...]
Raising A Reader Creates a Love of Books
July 9, 2009 By
United Way’s Raising A Reader is a proven early literacy program that strives to break the cycle of poverty by empowering low-income families to create book-sharing routines. Research shows that sharing books with young children, age 0-5, promotes early brain development, stimulates social and emotional growth, and inspires a life-long love of learning and books. [...]
It Starts with One Child
June 24, 2009 By
Ten-year-old Julio threw frequent temper tantrums and refused to do his work when he was first referred to the Family Support Center at Belle Haven Community School. Belle Haven is one of several Bay Area “community schools” supported by United Way. The “community school” model brings support services – such as health services, counseling, mentoring, [...]
Call 2-1-1 for FREE Summer Meals for Kids
June 24, 2009 By
Communities throughout the Bay Area have started free summer meal programs for children, serving meals on weekdays throughout the summer at summer-school and community sites. All children 18 years old and younger are eligible, regardless of their families’ income. NOTE: Because of funding cuts, many school districts and community organizations that have previously served summer [...]
United Way Teams Up to Prevent Youth Violence
June 18, 2009 By
The 2009 San Mateo Warriors is a rugby team created by the Interfaith Collaborative program, which United Way has funded for 2 years. The team is comprised of kids who often can’t play sports because their grades aren’t high enough, but who are starting to run into real trouble with gang involvement, etc. This is [...]
Powerful New Online Tool: The Common Good Forecaster
June 2, 2009 By
Check out a new online tool that let’s you see how critical education is to your community. Recently, United Way of America and the American Human Development Project released the Common Good Forecaster that shows the connection between education and key economic and social measures. The Forecaster allows you to change the education levels of [...]
Teammates for Change
November 6, 2008 By
Opportunities for Better Health
September 13, 2006 By
United Way joined with Solano County leaders to establish a school-based health center at Elsa Widenmann Elementary School in North Vallejo. Readily accessible care is essential in Vallejo, since 20%, or one in five children is afflicted with asthma. The new health center will serve as a hub where children who lack insurance can receive [...]
Safe Spaces for Oakland Youth
September 7, 2006 By
Two years ago, Jasmin Huntsberry was playing tag on the front lawn of her grandmother’s East Oakland home, when gunshots rang out nearby. She snatched up her younger cousins and ran into the house to safety. Convinced that “kids can make a difference,” Jasmin, a student at Castlemon High School in East Oakland, has since [...]
Nurturing Opportunity
September 1, 2006 By
United Way has a multi-year commitment to Verde Elementary School’s Garden Academic Integration Program, which promotes academic excellence, fosters school-community connections, boosts attendance and prevents youth violence. “United Way’s support is making a positive impact,” said Paul Buddenhagen, of the school’s ‘VIP’ program (Verde Involving Parents). “State test scores have improved and student attendance has [...]
