When you give to United Way, your contribution helps foster both individual and collective success. Learn how your support helps us strengthen your community and many others across Southeast Louisiana.
Ben's Story
"In 2016, two-year-old Ben was diagnosed with Autism and a severe language delay with the receptive language of a three-month-old infant. He began receiving speech therapy and special instruction four times a week at Kingsley House, a United Way funded agency, and was eventually enrolled in the Parents as Educator Program. He had a phenomenal teacher who planned activities that engaged him while meeting some of his needs, but she thought there was a chance that Ben might flourish in a classroom setting with increased social interaction. In March 2017, Ben was accepted as a student on our main campus where he was exposed to a learning environment that allowed him to further develop, build his confidence, and motivate him intrinsically to interact with his peers. At first, his transition was a struggle. Ben was non-verbal using limited sign language to communicate, but with the continued support and unconditional love from his teachers and staff at Kingsley House, he began saying his numbers and the alphabet. And four short months later, Ben said, 'I love you.'" - Kingsley House
Lisa's Story
"Lisa, a 40-year-old single mother, came to the St. Bernard Battered Women’s Project with nothing but a few clothes and personal items after her abuser got rid of all her personal belongings. With help from her advocate, she found a job at a local restaurant and moved to the metro area. During her stay in our shelter, she was given all the resources she needed to become independent from her former abuser. She participated in all the program’s offerings and became self-sufficient enough to qualify for our housing program. Eighteen years later, Lisa has never missed a meeting or individual or group session. Lisa’s story and many others like hers are all possible thanks to the financial support of United Way." - St. Bernard Battered Women’s Project
Philip's Story
"We’ve recently been able to put a bigger emphasis on funding housing support for families and individuals, helping patients stay in their homes or helping patients who were homeless get into housing. Recently, we discovered that a patient was living in a barn’s horse stall. With the help of a social worker, he was able to find housing and CAGNO assisted with the initial fees to allow him to move into a safe and secure apartment thanks to funding from United Way. This gentleman is in the later stages of cancer and sadly will not survive, but he will not have to spend his last few months without a home." - Cancer Associate of Greater New Orleans
Clara's Story
"Since the opening of new kitchen and dining in Hammond, we have encountered many new clients that were not aware of our services before. One elderly client has eaten lunch with us every day since the first day we opened. She lives by herself, is on oxygen, and struggles to get by on her limited, fixed income. Cooking for herself is difficult due to her oxygen tank and her health. Now, she gets to have a wonderful hot meal, two days a week, cooked by volunteers. Many days there is a bag of fresh produces or baked goods to take home too. While the meals supply her nutritional needs, the socialization with other diner and our caring volunteers has been uplifting to her – all thanks to the support of United Way." - Our Daily Bread of Tangipahoa