You can help the United Way of Wyoming Valley
Fight Childhood Poverty
Improving the Odds for Children & Families
Did you know that one-third of all children under the age of 5 in Luzerne County are living below the poverty line? For children under age 18, it's still a soaring 28.8%. Since 2000, the poverty rate for all children in Luzerne County has doubled.
To address this, United Way of Wyoming Valley has changed the way it helps the community. It's become an "issue-driven" organization, and research shows a leading problem in the Wyoming Valley is children living in poverty. Through its "Poverty to Possibility" movement, the United Way is focused on making lasting change by reducing poverty among children and their families in our community.
We intend to reduce it through our focus on education, income and health – the building blocks to a good quality life.
Imagine a community that fosters hope and opportunity for everyone through . . .
Education
Investments in opportunities that provide children and youth with quality learning and skill development.Income
Investments in programs that help families and individuals achieve greater self-sufficiency.Health
Investments in systems that remove health barriers preventing area residents from achieving education and employment successRight now, community experts in all three focus areas are working with key community stakeholders to help plan and develop strategies and outcomes that will help "move the needle" on reducing childhood poverty in the Wyoming Valley. All funded agencies will be invited to participate in this process.
The Community Impact model which lead to the development of the Poverty to Possibility movement is a historic shift for the United Way of Wyoming Valley that, over time, we hope will prove to be transformational for our community.
To find out how you can help the United Way reduce childhood poverty in the Wyoming Valley by donating, volunteering, or helping to shine a light on the problem, contact Bill Jones at bjones@unitedwaywb.org
The poverty level in a community influences academic achievement, workforce readiness, economic development, crime and safety, government spending, health and healthcare costs and many other issues.
Facts on Childhood Poverty:
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There are an estimated 11,535 children...
There are an estimated 11,535 children under the age of 18 in the Wyoming Valley who are living in poverty, an amount which has doubled since the year 2000.
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Children who live in poverty are less healthy...
Children who live in poverty are less healthy, trail other children in emotional and intellectual development, and are less likely to graduate from high school.
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Children who live in poverty are likely to...
Children who live in poverty are likely to become the poor parents of the future.
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The poverty level in a community influences academic achievement...
The poverty level in a community influences academic achievement, workforce readiness, economic development, crime and safety, government spending, health and healthcare costs and many other issues.
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