United Way Of Anchorage

Programs: Income: strong, financially stable families are the foundation of a vibrant community. Our goal is that all anchorage residents are housed, financially stable and have the opportunity to increase their income and save for the future. When an individual or family becomes homeless, the consequences expand exponentially for the individual, the family and the community. By providing needed housing quickly and identifying the specific needs of each individual and/or family and tailoring supports, united way of anchorage and its partners work to make homelessness as rare and brief as possible. To help keep families from slipping into homelessness in the first place, efforts to prevent having to choose between basic needs and housing expenses included the distribution of 9. 4 million pounds of food in fy17. Overcoming obstacles, such as a lack of job skills or money management skills that prevent hardworking families from getting ahead financially are key to long-term stability and independence. In fy17 over 2,000 individuals participated in financial management programs, nearly 4,000 participated in a variety of workplace skills development programs. The collaborative tax prep services effort saved 5,313 anchorage residents over $1 million in tax prep fees and delivered nearly $7 million in refund dollars that make a difference in a familys ability to pay their bills and stay housed. In fy17 we expended a total of $992,636 of which $264,354 was from grants or restricted contributions. Alaska 2-1-1: when alaskans need help finding help, they turn to alaska 2-1-1. Operated by united way of anchorage, alaska 2-1-1 is the single, comprehensive statewide provider of health and human services information and referrals. By dialing the easy to remember telephone number 2-1-1, callers connect with trained specialists who can assess their needs and refer them to the appropriate resources in their area. During fy17, 22,759 people called 2-1-1 for assistance and referrals, saving both frustration and time for those already in stressful situations. Alaska 2-1-1 is a resource for collaborative efforts that address social service needs, working with local, state and federal government and tribal organizations. Examples include alaska 2-1-1 acting as a central information resource for the collaborative work around free tax preparation, for health insurance marketplace assisters and for alcohol addiction and recovery information for recover alaska. A total of $355,260 was expended in this program during fy17 of which $349,994 was from grants or restricted contributions.

education: every child deserves the opportunity to succeed. With a cradle to career strategy that focuses on the milestones that predict success, united way of anchorage acts as backbone of the 90% by 2020 community partnership, uniting providers, businesses, government and others around the goal to increase the anchorage high school graduation rate to 90% by 2020. Beginning with ensuring children are kindergarten ready, united way of anchorage and its partners provide support for parents and families of children newborn to 5 years old, promote quality early care and education programs, and provide early interventions for developmental issues. In fy17 more than 108,000 free books were distributed to children and over 1,200 children received developmental screenings. Because 80% of the factors for student success are actually community based not what is happening in the classroom united way of anchorage strategically supports the most at-risk students in the community. In fy17 more than 14,000 youth benefited from safe, productive after-school environments designed to develop the skills, attitudes and behaviors that lead to success in school and life. Since shining the spotlight on graduation 11 years ago, the high school graduation has climbed from 59% to 81. 4%. The cost of the education program during fy17 was $1,950,181 with $342,765 from grants or restricted contributions.

health: healthy communities are strong communities which is why united way of anchorage focuses on expanding access to quality health care and encouraging all anchorage residents in practicing healthy behaviors. For the 14 percent of anchorage residents who live without health insurance, even a small health issue can have big consequences. Thats why making sure all anchorage residents have access to health care is a priority for united way of anchorage and why together with its partners, more than 14,000 individuals were screened for health issues in fy17. In addition, more than 32,000 people received health education and health care visits were arranged for more than 13,000 individuals covering medical, dental, substance abuse, emergency, mental and womens health needs. Hundreds of uninsured and under-insured alaskans also saved more than $320,000 on the cost of needed medications through our participation in the familywize discount prescription drug card program. When people have access to good medical care, they are more likely to succeed in school and work and to have a better quality of life, resulting in a stronger community for everyone. During fy17 a total of $925,762 was expended on the health program. $745,646 was from grants or restricted contributions.