When children succeed, when families are stable, when individuals stay healthy, the DuPage area is stronger. That’s why United Way focuses on Income, Education and Health—the three building blocks of independence.

INCOME

Achieving Financial Stability
As many as one-third of working Americans do not earn enough money to meet their basic needs. These individuals are walking a financial tightrope — they are barely able to get by, with no ability to save for college, a home, or for retirement. With your help, United Way is working to cut in half the number of lower-income families who are financially unstable. If we’re successful, by 2018 1.9 million working families will be on the road to economic independence. Learn More about United Way’s Ambitious 10 year Goals.

Income in our community:

Over the past year, the DuPage area has seen a 30% increase in foreclosures and a 70% increase in Notices on Default.

PROBLEM: People in our community need to make enough money to support themselves and their families. This includes staying out of debt and being able to budget for housing costs on a regular basis.

SOLUTION: By helping people become more financially literate, find and keep jobs and generate savings, United Way creates opportunities and puts financial stability within the reach of people who
seek to become self-sufficient.

How United Way is helping people in the DuPage area reach financial stability:

• Financial literacy classes
• Tax preparation assistance opportunities
• Job training programs
• Skills training for persons with disabilities
• Work support services
• Training on savings and asset building
• Career resources to help working families increase income
• Mainstream banking opportunities

Meet Sue: A United Way Success Story