March 2024
Metro United Way Impact Tracker
This impact tracker is updated on a monthly basis to share highlights of the work that we do every day to help make our community better for everyone!
There’s nothing more important than making sure our community’s children have what they need to thrive. LEARN MORE
- We hosted our annual Celebration of Early Childhood Educators on Thursday, March 7 with over 200 community partners and child care providers in attendance. Recognition and awards were given to ten individuals who recently completed their CDA (Child Development Associate) and seven educators for their dedication to ongoing quality improvement for themselves and their classroom.
- It is a busy time of year in Indianapolis and Frankfort. Recently, the Indiana General Assembly completed its 2024 session; we are thankful for their continued focus on addressing access to child care. Indiana SB2 continues the positive momentum by addressing nonbudgetary barriers to increasing access and quality in the early childhood sector.
- In Kentucky, the General Assembly does not conclude until mid-April; we continue to work with coalition partners and policymakers to ensure that the Commonwealth’s budget reflects the needs of Kentucky families while maintaining local control and continuing the positive momentum of previous sessions. We invite all of our partners to join us on Monday, April 22 at Metro United Way to hear from members of the Louisville delegation on the wins and opportunities from the 2024 Kentucky General Assembly. Register HERE.
- Our Ages & Stages Developmental (ASQ) Hub saw the highest number of completed questionnaires in two years last month! 68 referrals have been provided for 28 children. This includes everything from parent/child enrichment opportunities, health specialists to child care.
- We are partnering with the University of Louisville’s Center for Social Justice Youth Development Research (CSJYDR) to launch a youth-centered social action project grant, to cultivate opportunities for youth in Louisville to be change agents in their communities. A Social Action Project is a project in which youth identify and develop a plan to address a social issue in their community. More details to come!
When we have strong households, we are creating pathways out of poverty to prosperity, which is a win for us all. LEARN MORE
- Our Homeownership Program in partnership with Salvation Army is currently serving 42 individuals who are working with their caseworker to create life plans that will help them become first time homeowners. Becoming a homeowner is the fastest way for a family to create generational wealth.
- Housing Safety and Rejuvenation work launched on Monday, March 25, 2024 and will address housing safety needs for current homeowners that are part of our ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) population ALICE 2023: COVID & Financial Hardship in Indiana (iuw.org)
- More families with children are receiving support to stabilize their income, housing, and education through our partnership with Siemer Institute to address housing and school instability. To learn more about this initiative, please click here
- We have connected our new Young Men United scholarship recipients with safe, functional, and affordable bank accounts through our partnership with BankOn Louisville.
- Our Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites have been serving thousands of families and remain open until Monday, April 15. We encourage individuals in our community to take advantage of this free program supported by Metro United Way which is available to households earning up to $66,000. To learn more or to schedule an appointment to have your tax return prepared, please visit this link.
- Our financial coaching partners continue to work with individuals and families to support their financial goals. Participants are gaining job skills certifications, securing employment, growing emergency savings, paying off debt, and building credit. Look for success stories coming soon!
- Young adults of color and employers continue to engage in dialogue regarding how we can create more inviting and inclusive workplaces to maximize the potential of our emerging workforce. A special thanks to LouCity and Racing Foundation and Republic Bank for participating in our most recent forum!
- Ninety members of YPAL (Young Professional Association of Louisville) gave their time put together 250 personal care kits.
- Our pilot initiative with 15 JCPS schools has been finalized for United Community. While all schools have access to the platform, we are investing time in 15 schools surrounding our priority neighborhoods to focus on eliminating barriers to student basic needs.
We envision the Greater Louisville region as a place where zip code doesn’t determine destiny and everyone has the opportunity to live up to their full potential. LEARN MORE
- Our second Black L.O.V.E. (Live, Vote, Own, Excel) Philanthropic Partnership (BLPP) RFP application closed on Thursday, February 22. The objective was to attract and support Black-led social change organizations that align with BLPP’s Live, Own, Vote, Excel principles. We received more than 50 submissions and look forward to selecting and launching a new cohort in April.
- Junior League of Louisville partnered with Metro United Way to bring the Racial Wealth Gap Simulation to their members at Roots 101 African American Museum, a Black Love Philanthropic Partnership member. According to data collected, 96% of participants rated the experience as valuable.
- Our first FundBlackFounders cohort members continue to operate their crowdfunding campaigns. To date, our founders have raised over $115,000 toward their campaigns with support from 1,800 community members. You can learn more about and support the local entrepreneurs HERE. Metro United Way will match the entrepreneurs’ campaigns up to $25,000. This innovative program supports early-stage startups founded by underrepresented entrepreneurs, helping them to bring their ideas to life and grow their businesses.