There’s nothing more important than ensuring our community’s children have what they need to thrive.

Safety - Love - Belonging

A child who thrives is happy, healthy, and has a strong sense of well-being. They feel secure and unconditionally loved, while also being heard, having hope for the future, and knowing they belong. They are allowed to explore, play, and dream big as they envision their own future and the future of our community.

But, children in our community face a range of challenges that impact their well-being, educational success, and ability to transition into adulthood. This is because of inequities in opportunities as well as systemic injustices. Metro United Way is working to address barriers and gaps in services and systems to create a cohesive network addressing all challenges to unlock kids’ potential so they may thrive.

The Need

Kentucky

40th in the country for child well-being

43rd in family and community factors

21% of children live in poverty

61% of 3 and 4-year-olds not in preschool

44% of children enter kindergarten ready to learn (42.8% in Jefferson County)

The child care system in Jefferson County lacks space for an estimated 4,759 children whose families want care

An average of 1,177 children are born with low birthweights each year in Jefferson County which means higher chances of health conditions later in life

Jefferson County has an average of 1,634 annual births to mothers without a high school education

Indiana

24th in the country for child well-being

31st in family and community factors

16% of children live in poverty

60% of 3 and 4-year-olds not in preschool

67% of fourth graders not proficient in reading

Sources: 2024 Kids Count Data Book, aec.org, JCPS Brigance, Louisville Metro Public Health, 2021 U.S. Census American Community Survey, MUW data analysis

View the 2023-2024 Louisville Early Learning Workforce Study

Key points from the report include:

30% of early learning teaching staff and 30% of family child care providers have a total family income of less than $30,000
11% of teachers and 13% of assistant teachers, working full-time, said they must work another job to make ends meet
47% of teachers left their center in the past year
22% of teachers said they “probably will not” or “definitely will not” be in the field in three years

What We're Doing Together
To Help

Focusing on PUBLIC POLICY and ADVOCACY for kids and families.
Leading collaboration of 100+ EARLY CARE and EDUCATION ORGANIZATIONS.
Equipping families with FREE CHILD DEVELOPMENT SCREENERS and individualized referrals and supports.
Offering early childhood educator TRAINING and PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT.
Supplying BOOK ACCESS in targeted neighborhoods.
Providing nearly 200 YOUTH-SERVING ORGANIZATIONS with:
- INVESTMENTS to trusted and effective organizations empowering children outside of the classroom
- TRAINING and PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT for youth leaders/employees.
- MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORTS for youth leaders/employees.
- CAPACITY BUILDING and data supports, including youth outcome data.
Empowering neighborhood youth groups to identify and work on SOCIAL ACTION PROJECTS that improve their community.
BUILDING BEDS for kids who need them.
Creating BARRIER-FREE PATHWAYS for YOUNG BLACK MEN to reach their academic and career goals.