GOAL: Improving health and well-being for all.
LOCAL IMPACT
- Access to basic care can be a challenge for individuals with limited health care coverage, like many ALICE households. United Way's investment helps sustain programs who meet health needs of underserved populations - meaning improved access to care and increased quality of life.
- United Way's investment in partner programs helps seniors access the care and support they need - meaning they can retain a high quality of life while living independently as long as possible.
- 1,643 seniors in south Wood & Adams counties received support services through partner programs to improve their quality of life in 2024.
- In 2024, south Wood and Adams counties residents saved $48,395.76 on prescription costs using SingleCare.
- 11,760 Help Guides were distributed in south Wood and Adams counties in 2025.
- 2,717 individuals received access to programs and services to improve physical fitness and well-being in 2024.
- Many ALICE households, despite struggling financially, do not qualify for FoodShare benefits due to their income. United Way's investments in partner programs means food programs in south Wood and Adams counties have the resources and support to help ALICE families in times of need.
- In 2024, partner programs & Healthy Community Coalition partners provided community members access to food 62,324 times.
- Nearly 1/3 of financially struggling households report not having enough food for their children to eat. United Way helps ALICE families keep food on the table by investing in backpack programs which provide families with ingredients for weekend meals.
- 6,820 people received weekend meals through backpack meal programs in 2024.
- 6,347 pounds of food were donated to local food programs from United We Can in 2024.
- 10,334 individuals received access to food from Adams County partner programs in 2024.
- Over 22,625 pounds of food was provided to seniors with financial need through the Stockboxes program in 2024.
- Over 100 volunteers made an impact through Stockboxes, United We Can, and the Healthy Community Coalition in 2024.
Source: FamilyWize.org, Healthy Community Coalition, United Way of South Wood & Adams Counties, UWSWAC Partner Program, UWSWAC's Volunteer Center
SUCCESS STORY
When Sarah's husband was injured at work, this hardworking mother of three was suddenly faced with not enough money for rent, bills, or food. Nervous but determined, Sarah turned to a United Way partner food pantry for help.
Sarah was warmly welcomed in by volunteers offering fresh produce, dairy, and pantry staples to ensure her family had balanced meals. More than just food, the United Way partner provided Sarah with a sense of relief knowing her family wouldn't go hungry. With the immediate worry of hunger lifted, Sarah could focus on rebuilding. Within months, she found a stable job and her husband began to heal.
Now, with her family back on their feet, Sarah volunteers at the pantry that once helped her. "The food pantry gave us more than just meals—it gave us hope, strength, and a fresh start," Sarah said. Thanks to United Way's support, families like Sarah's find not just relief, but the power to rise and the inspiration to give back.