2015 Community Report

CHANGING THE ODDS: OUTCOMES OF OUR WORK

Education, Financial Stability & Health

Watch our "Changing the Odds" video

Thanks to the generosity of individual donors, corporate campaigns, foundations, volunteers, organized labor, and other supporters, United Way of Long Island achieved these outcomes in collaboration with our partners in 2015.

IMPROVING EDUCATION

  • 95% of the 6,500 children participating in United Way-supported early learning programs showed an improvement in school-readiness.
  • 80% of the 9,954 children participating in United Way-supported tutoring and homework assistance programs improved their grades. Of this number 91% improved their attendance after participating in academic and social enrichment activities.
  • 100% of the 56 teens participating in D.R.E.A.M.S. for Youth and other scholarship initiatives experienced greater success in school.
  • 3,000+ students received school supplies through the Stuff-A-Bus Campaign. 

FINANCIAL STABILITY

  • $2.0 million in Earned Income Tax Credits (EITC) were returned to 13,000 low-income earners.
  • 750 families on the brink of eviction were enrolled in homelessness prevention programs.
  • 8,514 people were provided with services in order to remain housed and 98% remained housed.
  • 71% of the 1,655 people provided with services that would lead to gainful employment found jobs. Of this number, 95 combined young adults and post-9/11 veterans acquired career skills and credentials for better jobs by participating in YouthBuild and VetsBuild. 
  • 1,414 families (2,680 adults and 1,582 children) received emergency utility assistance through Project Warmth. 
  • 2,800+ veterans received emergency financial assistance, case management, PTSD counseling, and other services to maintain self-sufficiency.
  • 1,000+ low-income families participated in financial coaching and began saving for college, homeownership or retirement.

HEALTHY LIFESTYLES

  • More than 200,000 healthy meals were distributed to low-income families.
  • Nearly 100% of the 127,000 people provided with health care services experienced positive health results.
  •  Approximately 3,200 individuals received supportive services through the Ryan White Part A/MAI program, managed by United Way.
  • 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 health needs of families.

SUPERSTORM SANDY:  OPERATION RECOVERY & REBUILD

  • Over the past 3 years, $7.142 million in combined support and grants have been deployed to support community-based collaborations, nonprofit organizations and impacted families. The resources have fueled recovery and rebuilding efforts across Long Island. 100% of the contributions have been directed to help communities & families.

2-1-1 LONG ISLAND CALL CENTER

  • Approximately 10,000 calls for help were answered by the 2-1-1 Long Island United Way Call Center.

* Individuals may participate in more than one program.

Data and statistics are to date as of December 30, 2015.