Ed's Story
Edward Henderson worked for the same company for 21 years and earned a good wage. An accident resulted in acid burns that required skin grafts on his arms legs and torso. Medical expenses
and time away from work quickly exhausted his savings.
In 2006, United Way programs offered rent or mortgage assistance to 12,579 families in need. Case managers combined that financial help with counseling services and appropriate referrals.
With short-term help from United Way programs, Mr. Henderson eventually recovered from his injuries and was able to return to work.
More than 90% of the hardworking families who receive financial assistance made it through the crisis and were still in their homes six months later.
“I never had to ask for help before my accident,” Mr. Henderson said. “My family is grateful for the help that got us through this difficult time.”
United Way programs measure sustainable results. We help keep families strong.
Charlie's Story 
Charlie was born premature, weighing 2lbs and 14 ounces; she fit in the palm of her parent’s hand. Because of her prematurity she was referred at four months of age to the Achievement Academy’s Birth to Three Program, which is funded by United Way. One of their early interventionist visited her home on a monthly basis to help give her parent’s developmental activities and techniques to enhance Charlie’s development. Through United Way dollars, developmental toys and equipment were given to the family to help Charlie reach her goals. Charlie had a rough start to life and many obstacles to overcome. Learning to crawl and walk took a little extra time for her, she began to crawl at age one and not walk until she was two. Charlie is now three years old and is a shining light in her mother’s eyes. Her parents are thankful to United Way and the Birth to Three program. They feel if there had not been a program like this Charlie may have been further behind in her development.
This program is free of charge to any family who has a child birth to three who may be at-risk for developmental delays.
