WE’RE NOT YOUR GRANDMA’S UNITED WAY

United Way of the Wine Country has evolved. We acknowledge that racism and long-standing cultural biases have caused ongoing inequalities in our community. United Way of the Wine Country is working to break down these barriers. The question is how…

Right Now

United Way of the Wine Country runs essential programs that serve the individuals in our own backyard today:

2-1-1

2-1-1 is a free, 24/7 referral service that connects people directly with resources on everything from food, housing, and mental health to accurate information during times of disaster. Community members can access 2-1-1 however they’re most comfortable, by calling 2-1-1 to speak with an empathic and experienced specialist, over text message, or by using the 2-1-1 website to access our database of programs and services.

• Why? The real importance of 2-1-1 is that it provides a safe space for those in need to access the vital, culturally appropriate resources available to them quickly, securely and in a respectful way, so they can prosper in our community.  

Earn It, Keep It, $ave It

Earn It, Keep It, $ave It is our free tax preparation service that helps parents, young professionals, and seniors with households making $70,000 or less get their maximum refunds, as well as secure ITINs for migrants, refugees and asylees. 

• Why? Life changing refunds help pay bills, save for emergencies, and provide opportunity to repair historical systemic barriers, discriminatory policies, and limited access to wealth accumulation. EKS services bring millions of dollars back into our local economy. 

Workplace Giving

Workplace Giving partners with local corporations to launch and run employee giving campaigns, during which their employees can easily give to their favorite nonprofits via payroll deduction. 

• Why? Employees build a culture of giving and caring for others when they work collectively with the common goal and shared purpose of supporting our local community. Through our giving campaigns, we help local businesses meet their Corporate Social Responsibility goals and be a part of a larger movement to eradicate social and financial inequity.

Tomorrow and On

United Way of the Wine Country is committed to playing our unique role of connector among businesses, funders, nonprofits, and our community. Through the difficult conversations and tough decisions required to galvanize community support we will move toward erasing social and economic inequity in our community. 

We don’t know yet exactly how this is going to play out, but our approach has always been grounded in our understanding of historical, institutional and structural harm that underlies our community’s financial and racial inequity. Above all we are committed to a community-centric approach to fundraising and the programs we run.