United Way of Lewis County is a lead sponsor, fundraiser, and developer of community projects. United Way has shifted from its roots as fundraising organization to a critical community impact organization. United Way mobilizes, county partners - including businesses, community leaders, school districts and community residents - to break the cycle of poverty by expanding tangible programs and creating opportunities for people to become self-sufficient.
STRIVING TO END INTERGENERATIONAL POVERTY
30 BY 30
Early experiences influence rapid brain development and set a foundation for lifelong success.
Children are constantly learning from the moment they are born. A young child's brain grows to 90% of its capacity by age five (80% by age three).
A child’s earliest experiences – before they even enter school – can determine their ability to succeed for the rest of their lives.
In Lewis County, only 56% of children enter Kindergarten ready to learn.
This is our greatest challenge AND our greatest opportunity.
United Way of Lewis County and our community partners are committed to ensuring every child in Lewis County has access to high-quality early learning experiences.
The Data
A student not reading at grade level by the end of 3rd grade is 4 times more likely to drop out of high school. Add poverty into the mix and that same student is 6 times more likely not to finish high school.
Research shows that children whose parents have low skill levels have a 72% chance of being at the lowest reading level themselves.
In Lewis County, the number of child care providers has dropped from 54 with capacity for 1,113 children in 2013, to 46 providers with capacity for 1,264 children in December 2017. (CLICK HERE for Child Care Aware of Washington report)
On average, the cost of child care for families in Lewis County represents 35% of their budget.*
To learn more about our Early Childhood Education partners and programs, click here to visit our Early Childhood Education page!
Studies show that if a child is not reading at grade level by 3rd grade, when they reach the stage where they need to “read to learn,” it greatly impacts their ability to graduate on time.
The Data
A student not reading at grade level by the end of 3rd grade is 4 times more likely to drop out of high school. Add poverty into the mix and that same student is 6 times more likely not to finish high school.
Research shows that children whose parents have low skill levels have a 72% chance of being at the lowest reading level themselves.
To learn more about our Elementary Reading partners and programs, click here to visit our Elementary Reading page!
Strengthening Community Bonds Through Volunteerism and Collaboration
At United Way of Lewis County, we believe in the power of community to create lasting change. Our Connecting Community Initiative is dedicated to fostering volunteerism and enhancing collaboration among local organizations to address the needs of our community. As the lead convener for Lewis County Volunteerism and through our quarterly Partner in Impact Meetings, we bring together individuals and organizations committed to making a difference.
To learn more about our Connecting Community Initiative, click here to visit our Connecting Community page!
Building a Foundation for Lifelong Success
At United Way of Lewis County, we recognize that education is a vital pathway out of poverty, especially for our A.L.I.C.E. (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) families. Our A.L.I.C.E. Education Initiative is committed to fostering early childhood development and improving reading proficiency, ensuring every child in our community has the opportunity to succeed.
To learn more about our A.L.I.C.E: Education Initiative, click here to visit our A.L.I.C.E: Education page!
Providing Safe and Stable Housing for Our Community
United Way of Lewis County is dedicated to supporting A.L.I.C.E. (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) families by addressing their housing and shelter needs. Our A.L.I.C.E. Housing/Shelter Initiative focuses on providing safe, stable, and affordable housing solutions through programs like Scholars Haven and Scatter, ensuring that every family has a place to call home.
To learn more about our A.L.I.C.E: Housing/Shelter Initiative, click here to visit our A.L.I.C.E: Housing/Shelter page!