Quick Facts

.20 cents per day ($1.36 per week) enables a child, with challenging circumstances, such as, a family in crisis, a need for a caregiver when both parents need to work, a child with a disability, or a child who has social emotional issues to attend summer camp.

.31 cents per day ($2.15 per week) provides a day at a homeless shelter, where a comprehensive range of supportive services to address the causes of their homelessness is addressed and enable them to move towards economic self-sufficiency and stable housing.

.36 cents per day ($2.52 per week) provides emergency services to military personnel and their families and to individuals who have suffered a disaster and are in need of immediate relief services.

.63 cents per day ($4.41 per week) provides one-day counseling contact for 365 abused women and children due to domestic violence to help restore the victim’s sense of dignity, power and control and to reclaim safety in her life.

.67 cents per day ($4.69 per week) provides one hour of counseling a month to vulnerable adults, “at risk” families, and disenfranchised teens.

.77 cents per day ($5.39 per week) provides mentoring services to a youth who is at-risk of academic or social failure or of engaging in harmful behavior.

.84 cents per day ($5.85 per week) provides three days of services for a female resident in drug/alcohol rehabilitation which includes comprehensive treatment, case management and services designed to empower and create options.

United Way of Bucks County … doing what matters and getting results.

Here are some examples of the United Way of Bucks County Community Care fund in action:

Problem: In times of war, families are separated for extended periods of time creating both emotional and financial hardship.

Action: United Way of Bucks County funds the American Red Cross Armed Forces Emergency Services Program which provides 24 hour emergency communication with service men and women who are fighting abroad and financial assistance.

Result: Last year over 260 Bucks County service members were able to talk with their families in times of crisis and received the financial assistance to get them through the hard times.

--------------

Problem: For many, life is tough enough. Add to that a family break-up, unemployment or other economic hardship and homelessness is around the corner.

Action: United Way of Bucks County helps keep the American Red Cross Shelter operating at full capacity for 70 people a day, 365 days a year providing support to help catch people when they fall.

Result: That totals over 25,000 days of shelter for homeless singles and families.

--------------

Problem: Bucks County is a tough place to be poor. For a family of three, earning less than $22,000 per year, breaking the cycles of hardships to earning a self-sufficient wage can seem insurmountable.

Action: United Way of Bucks County supports the Bucks County Opportunity Council Economic Self-Sufficiency Program designed to help low income families remove obstacles and solve problems on their own.

Result: Graduates of the program increase their income by an average of $20,249 and 100% achieve specific employment goals.

--------------

Problem: Battered women are in crisis. The batterer gains a sense of control by battering, the victim looses it.

Action: Through a safe, confidential hotline, as well as direct counseling programs for women and their families. United Way of Bucks County agencies help victims regain control of their lives.

Result: Over 16,000 calls were taken in 2002/03, providing a vital lifeline to women in crisis. Over 12,000 hours of counseling helped build the victim’s strengths, helping them heal and begin the road to recovery. 92% of the clients feel more in control.

--------------

Problem: When a disaster like a fire or flood strikes, will you be ready? For most, the answer is No.

Action: United Way of Bucks County provides significant funding to the American Red Cross to ensure you and your family can get the help you need, when you need it.

Result: 24 hours a day, seven days a week, a hotline is in place to respond to emergency crisis. Hundreds of Bucks County community volunteers are trained and ready to respond at a moments notice.

--------------

Problem: Due to challenging life circumstances, some kids lack the self-esteem, guidance, and tools to make the right choices, limiting their ability to reach their full potential.

Action: United Way of Bucks County funds the Boy Scouts Special Needs Program to reach out to targeted populations traditionally not involved in scouting.

Result: Over 220 kids coming from largely low income and minority populations can join other scouts and benefit from proven programs that serve as a strong foundation for life.