How to work with the United Way

By FAYE NORTHCUTT-KNOX

United Way is working toward advancing the common good by focusing on the building blocks of a good quality life - education, income, and health.

We all have a stake in making sure that today's children grow up to be productive citizens who give back to the community. And the best thing we can do to get them off to the right start is to focus on education. One of every four students does not graduate high school on time and that has a significant consequences for all of us. To have strong and productive communities, to develop a skilled workforce, to compete in the global economy, to curb criminal behavior, and so on, we need to put a stake in the ground on education and commit to cutting dropout rates in half by 2018.

Is there anything more fundamental to the quality of life in a community than good health and wellbeing?
We all recognize the components of a healthy community that supports healthy choices by individuals and families. And United Way grant partners in Cannon County, the Food Backpack Program a ministry of Woodbury First United Methodist Church and the We Care Cannon initiative recognize the stakes we all have in advancing the good with proper nutrition and the right start to focus on education.

United Way is also focused on reducing the number of low-income families who are financially unstable with approaches like reducing barriers to low-cost financial services, increasing access to affordable housing, and innovative approaches to job training. One building block of a strong community is financial stability.
The partner agencies of United Way of Rutherford and Cannon Counties also partner with their communities to support these building blocks. Access information on available on services by contacting your local United Way.