2014 Community Impact Report

2014 COMMUNITY IMPACT REPORT

In 2014, United Way of Long Island’s network of care assisted 300,000 individuals, or approximately 1 person out of 10 on Long Island.  Thanks to the support of more than 20,000 individuals, 600 companies, organized labor, private, corporate and government funders United Way of Long Island was able to invest $16.9 million among 110 community-based organizations and programs resulting in measurable impact in the interconnected areas of Education, Income and Health.  Together, we are creating a stronger and more vibrant region.

IMPROVING EDUCATION

  • $4.3 million or 25% of United Way funding was invested in programs that help children to succeed in early grades, encourage positive youth development, advance the study of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) among students at all grade levels and increase the percentage of students who graduate from high school.
  • 6,500+ children participated in United Way-supported early learning environments.
  • 9,954 elementary and middle school students participated in after-school programs to improve learning outcomes. Of this number, 148 teens experienced greater success in school through the D.R.E.A.M.S. for Youth Scholarship Program.
  • 3,000+ students received school supplies through the Stuff-A-Bus Campaign.
  • 1,054 students re-engaged in high school working toward graduation.

advancing income

  • $2.5 million or 15% of United Way funding was invested in programs that promote stable employment, support affordable housing, provide emergency shelter and increase the percentage of families who are financially self-sufficient.
  • 19,603 individuals received workforce training, completed high school equivalency diplomas and made progress toward a college degree. 
  • 1,305 employment placements and workers upskilled for better jobs.  Of this number, 104 young adults and veterans acquired career skills and credentials for better jobs by participating in YouthBuild and VetsBuild.
  • 13,079 individuals received affordable housing assistance.
  • 7,500+ individuals received shelter and transitional housing for the homeless.
  • 1,179 families received emergency utility assistance through Project Warmth.
  • 109 veterans received emergency financial assistance and case management services through the Military Family Assistance Project.
  • 12,900 tax returns for low-income Long Islanders were completed free of charge at VITA sites, returning $1.8 million to the community in Earned Income Tax Credits (EITC).
  • 1,000+ low-income families participated in financial coaching and began saving for college, homeownership or retirement.

HEALTHy lifestyles

  • $7.9 million or 47% of United Way funding was invested in programs that help individuals to adopt healthy lifestyles, provide access to healthcare, support strong families and promote independent living.
  • 126,948 children, families and seniors accessed United Way-supported health related services including those for autism, home health care and pre-natal care.
  • 98,508 nutritious meals were served by shelters or home delivery programs.
  • 3,201 individuals received supportive services through the Ryan White Part A/MAI program managed by United Way.
  • More than 15,000 individuals received savings of $730,000+ through the FamilyWize Discount Prescription Program.
  • 5 United Way-supported housing projects were built to address the residential and health needs of families in Nassau and Suffolk Counties.

superstorm sandy:  operation recovery & rebuild

  • $2..2 million or 13% of United Way funding was invested in programs providing disaster recovery. 100% of the contributions are being directed to impacted families and community-based organizations providing long-term assistance to help families rebuild their lives.

2-1-1 Long Island CALL CENTER

  • 2-1-1 Long Island received 9,155 calls from Nassau and Suffolk County residents related to a broad range of health and human service needs.  43% of calls were for programs providing basic needs (food, shelter and utilities). The 2-1-1 Long Island website received 249,909 unique visits, a 20% increase from the previous year. 

* Individuals may participate in more than one program.