We fight poverty – the kind that traps families for generations. Why? Because poverty determines a child’s educational experiences, healthcare, nutrition and life expectancy. Because a child born into poverty is more likely to raise her own family in poverty one day. Because this cycle of poverty severely limits our region’s potential.  

Intergenerational poverty looms as the most pressing challenge facing our region, which is home to Philadelphia, the nation’s poorest big city, and some of the poorest areas in southeastern Pennsylvania and southern New Jersey. In our region alone, more than 705,000 adults and children struggle to survive a life of poverty every day.

At United Way, we Live United against intergenerational poverty by fighting for the success of every child and the stability of every family in our region.

Research shows that children succeed when their parents or caregivers succeed. That’s why we take a two-generation approach to help people break the cycle of poverty with an emphasis on three proven areas of focus:

• Early Learning
• Career Pathways & Pipelines
• Economic Empowerment

We can’t do this work alone. That’s why we invest in nonprofit partners that deliver education, financial stability, health and basic needs outcomes that support the development of youth success and family stability for the long term.

Making the case for United Way