Editor’s note: Scott Lawrence, Marketing Manager, Neurosurgical, at Stryker recently took part in a United Way Impact Bus Tour. Struck by the community need and the impact of United Way’s partnerships, he shares his thoughts in the following blog.

Many of us have and will commit dollars to the United Way annually. If you’re like me, you have questions about where your money goes, how much of an impact does it make, and what’s the benefit of donating to the United Way versus directly to a charity supported through the United Way. The United Way Impact Bus Tour not only answered those questions, it inspired me and my team to support the work monetarily and through volunteering.

Observing the impact of the United Way directly at Ministry with Community, YWCA and New Genesis was overwhelming and life-changing. Being a father of two young children, I was brought to tears as I watched 20 young children of displaced families feel secure enough to take a nap. I feel a new level of commitment. Starting in August, Team Neuro will be volunteering once a month at various regional charities supported by the United Way.

What’s more, the bus tour proved to me that the United Way, very much like Stryker, is focused, committed and goal-oriented. In the past, United Way supported lots of charities and causes. Today, understanding the top regional issues are too big and complex for a single organization to drive real change quickly, they adapted their strategy to truly move the needle.

Issues include infant mortality rates, which are worse than in some developing countries; and the fact that fewer than half of African-American students graduate from high school. United Way’s strategy is simple: Use their vast network and organizational talents to concentrate efforts to charities dedicated to their four pillars—Basic Needs, Health, Education, and Income/Financial Stability.

Providing financial support is just one way they make an impact. I am truly impressed with the caliber of United Way staff people who relentlessly strive to organize and align partner agencies, programs and strategies to tackle these pillars in lock-step. They attend meetings and offer their skill sets to drive results. In short, the dollars you donate not only go to the local charities, but a portion makes it possible for United Way to bring this staff expertise to organizing, arranging and activating charities to move the needle.

Everyone has causes that are important to them. However, solving one issue does not address the community-wide issues that affect us all. Giving dollars and/or time to the United Way is a great way to make a positive impact.