United Way Of Bergen County

Programs: 2-1-1nj 2-1-1 is our nationally accredited information and referral system available via phone, chat, email and text. We handled 458,134 requests for help in 2016/17; representing a 26% increase in volume over the previous year. Much of that increase is attributable to reachnj. In january, 2-1-1 was tapped by governor christie to power the state's opioid addictions helpline. An ibm impact grant has helped to measure impact and outcomes. 18,600 people have been connected to treatment and/or support services since the launch of the program. Much of that impact is attributable to our trained and experienced community resource specialists who respond to every call with compassion and the tools needed to make the right connections. Those connections are made using our resource database (also searchable online at nj211. Org). It includes important details, eligibility requirements and program specifics that are updated annually for 3000 agencies providing more than 10,000 different services. 2-1-1 is free, confidential, multilingual and always open. The compassion fundthe compassion fund is the largest source of direct and timely financial assistance for people struggling to make ends meet in our community. In 2016/17, 987 individuals and families were assisted. The average gift was $897. 64. In all cases, homelessness was prevented and all remained in their homes. Compassion fund social workers work one-on-one with individuals and families in a personal or community-wide crisis to ensure that their most basic needs of safety and security are met. Direct service includes help paying utility bills when faced with shut off, medication and healthcare costs for those without insurance, and rent payments to prevent eviction. Relief funds and case management are also available to support those affected by fire, flood or natural disasters, such as hurricanes or tropical storms. When the immediate crisis is stabilized, we connect individuals to 2-1-1's network of resources to help them rebuild.

very special homesin partnership with the non-profit affordable housing developer, the madeline corporation, we are building very special homes that profoundly affect the lives of the working poor families, seniors and individuals with developmental disabilities who call them home. In 2016/17, we completed our 22nd development in fort lee, welcoming 13 new tenants who are now living independently for the first time in their lives. Four more developments are under construction in montvale, wyckoff, new brunswick and mahwah (the senior housing is the final phase of the project). Assisting residents to reach their fullest potential and to lead a life of dignity and self-reliance is demonstration of our impact. Inclusion and integration; assuring their rightful place as community members, as well as individual choice and control of life decisions and daily living activities are the drivers that compel us. Our model represents a full continuum from congregate living to rental apartments where consumer choice prevails.

we are innovators of charitable giving women united in philanthropy (wuip) is the first women's giving circle in new jersey. In 2016/17, members awarded $65,000 in pooled grant funds to "project speak up," a program designed to provide evidence-based education and training to teachers, students, administrators and the community at-large to help eradicate sexual violence against women and girls. Wuip calls upon women to educate themselves and be purposeful in their efforts to make a difference; to use philanthropy as a tool for change. Since 2006, the circle has collectively launched 12 new programs by providing large impact grants totaling over $770,000 to change the lives of women and girls today and tomorrow.