A win for someone struggling to succeed—to get an education, access health care and achieve financial stability—does a lot more than benefit that person. It’s a win for the community, too.

“Poverty imposes costs on the nation in terms of both programmatic outlays and productivity losses that can affect the economy as a whole,” states a report from the U.S. Government Accountability Office.

“[H]uman capital—that is, the education, work experience, training, and health of the workforce—is considered one of the fundamental drivers of economic growth. The conditions associated with poverty can work against this human capital development by limiting individuals’ ability to remain healthy and develop skills, in turn decreasing the potential to contribute talents, ideas, and even labor to the economy.”

In short, every person struggling to make ends meet means one more person unable to fuel our economy. United Way believes removing the barriers that keep those individuals from succeeding is an investment in success for all.

One Person Makes a Difference

Trying to care for her children while working a third-shift job and studying for a nurse assistant certification was a huge lift for Jakaria. Just a couple of unplanned expenses—a bug-infested apartment and a pricey car repair—put her at risk of eviction. Connecting with United Way partner programs through Housing Resources Inc., Siemer Institute for Family Health, and Goodwill Industries of Southwestern Michigan turned things around. Jakaria earned her certification and a full-time nurse assistant job, giving her a crucial financial boost. [Read Jakaria’s full story here.]

When even one person achieves financial stability, it makes a difference. “One person’s spending is another person’s income,” writes Neil Irwin, an economics correspondent for The New York Times. “That relationship, between spending and income, is at the core of how a capitalist economy works.”

When people are able to pay their bills, provide for their families and engage in their communities, the benefits grow even more. Crime is lower. People are healthier. Schools are better funded, meaning young people have the chance to learn more and earn more. Further, when we tackle the racial inequities that affect communities of color, we strengthen the economy and give all people the opportunity to succeed.

United Way’s Vision

At United Way, we strive for a vibrant community where all people can achieve their full potential. Realizing that vision demands focused strategies targeting the biggest barriers to individual and community success: a strong social safety net, access to educational supports from the earliest age, access to health care, opportunities for career development, tools to achieve financial stability, and eliminating inequities based on race.

No single organization can do that alone. This year United Way is working with 65 partner agencies supporting 95 programs, investing $5.57 million to advance the work in education, financial stability, health and basic needs. That’s just for starters. Our partnership is much broader—connecting nonprofits, businesses, local governments, education, health care providers, anti-racism leaders and many more who share our vision to make our community better.

A gift of money or volunteer time through United Way is much more than a charitable donation. It’s an investment in a measurably stronger community for every person.

What can you do?

An investment in United Way is an investment in our community. Please consider making a gift today.

MORE: See all the stories in this series.