OUR WORK
The United Way of Indiana County envisions a community where people thrive, live healthy lives, and everyone has the opportunity to reach their full potential.
We are working to address root causes and create long-term solutions to the challenges facing our community. That is why we invest in the building blocks of a stronger community: youth opportunity, healthy community, financial security, and community resilience. These are the foundations of strong families, healthy lives, and a supportive community.
We invest in programs and local organizations that are equipped to help meet our collective community impact goals. Our partners are on the ground every day, delivering programs that align with our mission. Through these partnerships, we are able to leverage the expertise, dedication, and results-driven impact already present in our community.
Our work continues to respond to the needs of our community, helping to strengthen lives and create positive change for our neighbors. United, we are caring for one another and building a healthy, safe, and strong community for all.
VISIT OUR COMMUNITY NEEDS ASSESSMENT
Annual Campaign
The United Way of Indiana County’s annual campaign is its primary, community-wide fundraising effort held each year—typically in the fall—designed to bring together individuals, businesses, and organizations to support local needs.
Through a mix of workplace giving campaigns, special fundraising events, volunteer opportunities, and direct donations, the campaign raises funds that stay in the community and support local partner agencies and programs. These efforts help ensure that individuals and families in Indiana County have access to resources that promote health, financial stability, and overall well-being.
In short, the annual campaign is how the organization mobilizes the community to give, volunteer, and make a lasting impact on the lives of local residents.
Find out how you can support our community through concentrated, purposeful annual campaigns. Click here.
OUR FOCUS AREAS:
YOUTH OPPORTUNITY
Expanding pathways to education, skills, and leadership so all young people can reach their full potential.
At the United Way of Indiana County, creating youth opportunity means ensuring every young person has the support, resources, and encouragement they need to succeed—both in school and in life.
We invest in programs that help children and teens build a strong foundation for the future. This includes supporting early childhood education, after-school and summer enrichment programs, mentoring opportunities, and initiatives that promote positive youth development. By working with local partners, we help provide safe spaces where young people can learn, grow, and develop critical life skills.
We also recognize that youth opportunity extends beyond the classroom. Many children face barriers such as food insecurity, limited access to healthcare, or unstable home environments. Through our network of partner agencies, we help address these challenges so that every child has the opportunity to focus on learning and reaching their full potential.
OUR FOCUS AREAS:
HEALTHY COMMUNITY
Promoting physical, mental, and social well-being for thriving individuals and families.
At the United Way of Indiana County, supporting a healthy community means creating an environment where individuals and families have access to the resources they need to live safe, stable, and healthy lives.
We invest in programs and partnerships that promote physical and mental well-being, expand access to healthcare services, and provide support for those facing crisis or hardship. From funding local organizations that offer health and wellness programs to connecting residents with critical services through 211, we work to ensure no one has to navigate challenges alone.
A healthy community also means addressing the conditions that impact overall well-being. That includes access to nutritious food, safe housing, and supportive services that help individuals and families maintain stability. By collaborating with local partners, we can respond to immediate needs while also working toward long-term solutions that improve the quality of life across Indiana County.
Through these efforts, we are building a stronger, more connected community—one where people feel supported, cared for, and empowered to live healthier lives.
OUR FOCUS AREAS:
FINANCIAL SECURITY
Improving financial stability and creating pathways to economic opportunity for individuals and families.
At the United Way of Indiana County, advancing financial security means helping individuals and families build stability today while creating pathways for a stronger tomorrow.
We invest in programs and partnerships that support employment, financial education, and access to essential resources. From workforce development and job readiness programs to budgeting assistance and financial literacy education, we work to equip people with the tools they need to manage their finances, increase income, and plan for the future.
We also recognize that many in our community—especially ALICE households (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed)—are working hard but still struggling to make ends meet. Through our network of partner agencies, we help connect individuals and families to critical supports such as housing assistance, utility relief, food resources, and childcare services that ease financial strain and prevent crises.
By addressing both immediate needs and long-term stability, we are helping individuals move toward greater independence and resilience. When families are financially secure, our entire community is stronger, more stable, and better positioned to thrive.
OUR FOCUS AREAS:
COMMUNITY RESILIENCE
Building strong connections, prepared systems, and resources to withstand and adapt to changes.
At the United Way of Indiana County, supporting community resilience means helping individuals, families, and neighborhoods withstand challenges, adapt to change, and emerge stronger.
We invest in programs and partnerships that provide critical support during times of crisis while also building long-term stability. Whether it’s connecting residents to essential services through 211, supporting access to food, housing, and emergency assistance, or funding local organizations that respond to urgent community needs, we are there when it matters most.
Community resilience also means preparing for the future. By strengthening local nonprofits, fostering collaboration among community partners, and addressing the root causes of instability, we help create a network of support that can respond quickly and effectively to both everyday challenges and unexpected hardships.
Through these efforts, we are building a community that is not only able to recover from difficulties, but one that is stronger, more connected, and better equipped to support one another—no matter what comes our way.
UNITED WAY STUDENT LEADERSHIP TEAM:
The United Way Student Leadership Team is a collaborative coalition of youth leaders from schools all over Indiana County designed to create community change, foster unity, and provide a voice for students. The program focuses on developing leadership skills, engaging in community service, and addressing local needs.
Key Aspects of the United Way Student Leadership Team:
Mission: Brings together students from across Indiana County to promote unity and youth representation.
Activities: The team participates in collaborative projects, such as holiday celebrations, team-building, and community-focused tasks.
Development: The program acts as a, new collaborative coalition aiming to foster a "spirit of service" and leadership skills.
Organization: It operates under the United Way of Indiana County, which focuses on youth opportunity, healthy community, financial security, and community resilience.
The team is part of the broader United Way of Indiana County efforts, often engaging in activities that highlight community needs.
ADVOCATING FOR ALICE
The United Way of Indiana County is at work helping our ALICE community.
ALICE stands for asset-limited, income-constrained, employed. The United Way of Pennsylvania Report revealed that on average, 30% of households in our county have income that falls below what is needed to pay for basic necessities such as housing, food, childcare, healthcare, technology, and transportation.
What is the United Way of Indiana County doing to help ALICE?
MOBILIZING THE CARING POWER OF OUR COMMUNITY
The United Way works to build communities of stable households and thriving children, and volunteers are critical to this mission. We connect individuals, corporate teams, and community groups to meaningful volunteer work, giving every person a way to give back year-round in ways that enhance their lives and the lives of our neighbors.
When you volunteer through the United Way, you are joining people who are giving back so others can get ahead. Use your time and talent to create social change where you work and live - join our community of game changers!
ADDITIONAL COMMUNITY RESOURCES
The United Way of Indiana County supports 211, a free, confidential service that helps people find the local resources they need 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Every day, people across our county turn to 211 for information and support - whether financial, domestic, health, or disaster-related. 211 is a free, confidential referral and information helpline and website that connects people of all ages and from all areas to the essential health and human services they need.
211 can be accessed by phone, text, or online. A toll-free call to 211 will connect you to a caring community resource specialist who can put you in touch with local organizations that provide social services that can help. Visit here for more information.
The Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) was established on March 24, 1983, with the signing of the "Jobs Stimulus Bill". That legislation created a National Board, chaired by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) that consisted of representatives of the American Red Cross, Catholic Charities USA, The Jewish Federations of North America, National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA, The Salvation Army and United Way Worldwide.
EFSP funds are intended to respond to the changing hunger/homeless needs; not to maintain the status quo. The intent of EFSP funding is to address hunger/homeless needs to make a difference - not to simply spread dollars among all eligible applicants. Additionally, the National Board encourages Local Boards, the decision-making local bodies, to place special emphasis on the identification of and the assistance to the elderly, families with children, Native Americans and Veterans.
EFSP funds are typically available yearly. United Way of Indiana County publishes a press release once the National Board notifies us regarding the availability of funds. The press release will explain how to apply for funding. Funding comes directly from the federal EFSP fund and is managed locally by the United Way of Indiana County.
Applications are closed. For more information, please contact us at 724.463.0277.
The United Way of Indiana County offers summer funding through its micro-grant program for eligible non-profit organizations that demonstrate a solid programmatic plan for meeting human service needs. A United Way grant project can be defined as one that addresses youth opportunity, healthy community, financial security, and community resilience in Indiana County.
For more information and access to guidelines and applications, visit here.
Don't pay someone to get your taxes done.
The United Way provides a secure, do-it-yourself service available for individuals and families. This service is easy and 100% free for those filing a simple tax return. Get the assistance you need. File online by visiting here. Need help? Call 1-866-698-9435.
Nearly 45 million Americans have student debt. These debts burden household budgets, keep borrowers from achieving their financial goals, and can even lead to wrecked credit scores and garnished tax refunds.
The good news is help is available. The United Way is partnering with Savi, an online student loan debt management platform, to help people freely and easily access student loan debt relief. Users receive individualized student debt recommendations, can easily enroll in government repayment and forgiveness programs, and can help resolve student default challenges.
The average Savi user reduces their loan payment by $156 per month and saves an average of $28,000 over the life of their loans. Get relief today!
SingleCare is a free prescription savings program that helps people lower the cost of their medications.
In simple terms, it provides coupons you can use at pharmacies to get discounted prices—sometimes up to 80% off—on thousands of prescription drugs. It’s not insurance, but you can use it whether you have insurance or not, and choose whichever option gives you the lowest price.
You just look up your medication, compare prices at nearby pharmacies, and show the coupon when you pick up your prescription. For more information or to sign-up, click here!
FOLLOW US!
