The North Texas Area United Way is committed to affecting system change and funding programs that contribute to the following outcomes:

• Increasing financial literacy and life skills among low to moderate-income individuals and families.
• Connecting Individuals and families to coordinated support services that reduce barriers to achieving resilience and financial stability.
• Build and sustain assets among low- to moderate-income individuals and families.

Why are we focusing on improving financial stability?

• In the NTAUW service area o ver 20,839 people (approximately 20% of the population) live in poverty. An estimated 18,000 households (36%) in Wichita County alone earn less than a living wage. A growing number of families who leave welfare and enter the labor force are finding that their wages do not cover the cost of their family’s basic needs.
• Low wage earning families are often working for small firms and in occupations that do not offer employer-based benefits such as health insurance and paid sick days. As a result, individuals and families rely on public benefits to aid them in meeting the family’s basic needs. Research informs us that families transitioning from TANF cash assistance who receive child care subsidies or publicly sponsored health insurance, for example, are less likely to return to the welfare system than those who do not receive assistance.
• Obtaining job training and education is a means for adults with language barriers, limited education or lack of job skills or experience to increase their incomes. Seventy seven percent (77%) of individuals in the NTAUW service area have not completed any post-secondary education.
• 85 % percent of replacement positions and new jobs in the region will require education beyond a high school diploma. These types of jobs are more likely to be provided by employers who offer benefits as well as offer opportunity for advancement, influencing the adults earning potential.
• Living in poverty has a significant affect on children. There is a fundamental link between poverty and a range of negative outcomes for children including illness, academic failure, and early pregnancy.