give it forward get it back - United Way of Greater Portland

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For more than 86 years,
UNITED WAY OF GREATER PORTLAND
has improved lives and built stronger communities
by focusing on education, financial stability, and
health —the building blocks of a quality life. We unite
individuals, businesses, and organizations to create
long-lasting, measurable change — making Greater
Portland even greater.
JOIN US.
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better EDUCATED youth
more FINANCIALLY STABLE neighbors
a HEALTHY community
EDUCATION
WHY WE GIVE IT FORWARD
Children who start kindergarten behind often stay behind. Those not
reading at grade level by the end of third grade are
more likely to not
finish high school. - The Annie E. Casey Foundation
4x
Maine’s socio-economic gap
in reading skills has widened
significantly in the past decade.
- Maine KIDS COUNT Data Book
2/3 of Maine 4th graders
do not read at grade level
- Maine KIDS COUNT Data Book
Low grades and absenteeism
rates up to 3rd grade are strong
predictors of not finishing high
school. - Attendance Works and the
Campaign for Grade-Level Reading
EVERY DOLLAR COUNTS
$1 per week provides one week of after-school activities
that help improve social skills and academic achievement.
WHAT WE GET BACK
17,465
Children participated in United Way-funded
programs that help them stay on track
60%
597
83%
Improvement in letter
recognition after 5-week
Kindergarten Jump Start
Children mentored
through United Wayfunded programs
Westbrook High School
Class of 2014 graduation
rate (79% in 2010-11)
High school graduation is the most powerful predictor of whether
someone can break the cycle of generational poverty.
FINANCIAL STABILITY
WHY WE GIVE IT FORWARD
Child poverty costs the United States $500 billion per year in lost
productivity, and extra health and criminal justice costs. - Poverty and Education,
Finding the Way Forward
15.7% of children in
Cumberland County live below
the U.S. poverty level
Poverty is defined as a person earning
less than $11,700 or a family of four
earning less than $24,000.
50% of single-parent households
in Cumberland County with children
under the age of 5 live below the
U.S. poverty level
- American Fact Finder
EVERY DOLLAR COUNTS
$5 per week supports initiatives that save households
an average of $200 in tax preparation and filing fees, and helps
them claim tax credits like Earned Income Tax Credit.
WHAT WE GET BACK
544,369
1,006
Emergency meals served by
United Way-funded programs
Households warmed through
Keep ME Warm
3,856
Referrals to housing services
in Greater Portland through
2-1-1 Maine
$1.2M
Federal and state income tax
refunds returned to the community
with CA$H Greater Portland
HEALTH
WHY WE GIVE IT FORWARD
One in five adults has a mental illness. Serious mental illness costs
America
$193 billion in lost earnings every year.
- The American Journal of Psychiatry
64,000 adults and children
in Maine live with a serious mental
health condition
2/3 of Mainers with
a mental illness do not
receive treatment
26% of homeless adults25%in
shelters live with a serious mental
illness
- National Institute of Mental Health
EVERY DOLLAR COUNTS
$25 per week provides a year of mental health
counseling to support the well-being of someone in need.
WHAT WE GET BACK
31,586
19,000
People received help for mental illness and substance
abuse issues through United Way-funded programs
Youths participated in
sexual assault and domestic
violence prevention
education through United
Way-funded programs
118
359
$1.5M
Seniors and people with
disabilities remained
independent at home
Saved monthly because
the 359 people above
are not in assisted living
Let’s Go! sites in Greater Portland working to help
children and families make healthy choices and be active
STRENGTH
IN NUMBERS
Join the 14,333 donors, 1,500 leadership donors, 2,500
volunteers, 100+ community partners, and 416 companies
making Greater Portland even greater. With United Way, your
dollars are invested strategically and effectively in programs
and initiatives that are proven to make lasting change.
DOUBLE
IMPACT
This year’s gift to United Way of Greater Portland goes even
further, helping more individuals and families. Thanks to
the generosity of the John T. Gorman Foundation, all new and
increased gifts to United Way will be matched 100% up to
$250,000.
WILL YOU
Make a donation • Give a little
(or give a lot) • Share your time •
Use your muscle • Connect with us
online • Share your talents • Use
your voice • Spread the word • Help
our youth and our seniors • Make
Greater
Portland
even
greater.
JOIN US?
great things happen when we
LIVE UNITED
unitedwaygp.org