Our New
Way Forward

A movement with a mission

Any one person has the potential to make a difference. But at United Way, we believe real, transformative change only happens when we work together. Because together, we have the opportunity to build a movement-one that brings the right people, resources and solutions together to solve our region’s most entrenched inequities, create economic prosperity across races and ethnicities and uplift those who have been historically marginalized.

OUR MISSION

Our Approach: Uniting the Doers

ADVANCE

systemic change through multi-faceted grantmaking

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ADVOCATE

for changes in policy and practices

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LEAD

thought leadership and research

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DELIVER

tangible outcomes in 5 interrelated impact areas

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DRIVE

population-level change by investing in 12 communities

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IN THE PURSUIT OF PROSPERITY

We believe economic justice fuels opportunity. Our work focuses on creating systemic change in five key impact areas that are all essential to unlocking avenues of prosperity and uplifting everyone across all races and ethnicities.

Our Impact

Our Impact Areas

Economic Inclusion & Wealth Building

Advancing economic prosperity across all races and ethnicities.

Building financial confidence is the first step to empowering economic prosperity. By improving access to resources designed to help people increase income, build credit and savings, and reduce debt, we can support individuals and families on their journey to achieving financial well-being and close the racial opportunity and wealth gap.

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EARLY EDUCATION & OUT-OF-SCHOOL TIME

Giving young learners and their families more opportunities to thrive.

Investing in early childhood development and education is a significant way to begin building generational wealth. We are developing programs and initiatives that are more focused on providing affordable and accessible high quality care, family engagement opportunities and early childhood development support.

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PATHWAYS FOR YOUNG ADULTS

Opening pathways to success for disconnected youth and young adults.

Due to factors out of their control, disconnected young adults are at risk of being sent down a path that makes it harder for them to thrive. But providing access to the support they need can alter their course completely. Our work is designed to unlock avenues that connect these young adults to education and career pathways that lead to fulfilling and sustaining careers.

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SAFE & STABLE HOUSING

Creating opportunities for individuals and families to find a stable home.

A safe and stable home provides the foundation we need to become successful in all areas of our lives. We are building a continuum of housing resources for youth, individuals and families that improve housing stability and make homelessness a rare, brief, one-time event to ensure everyone has a healthy place to call home.

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COMMUNITY-CENTERED CRISIS RESPONSE

Bettering our response in times of tragedy.

A public crisis can start a devastating ripple effect in any community, but those who are hit the hardest are low income households. We are working to better identify and prioritize marginalized communities and their trusted networks when distributing resources for immediate relief and long-term resilience.

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Economic Inclusion & Wealth Building

Advancing economic prosperity across all races and ethnicities.

EARLY EDUCATION & OUT-OF-SCHOOL TIME

Giving young learners and their families more opportunities to thrive.

PATHWAYS FOR YOUNG ADULTS

Opening pathways to success for disconnected youth and young adults.

SAFE & STABLE HOUSING

Creating opportunities for individuals and families to find a stable home.

COMMUNITY-CENTERED CRISIS RESPONSE

Bettering our response in times of tragedy.

IMPACT THAT MATTERS

families or individuals in crisis who avoided homelessness last year

dollars is the average increase in emergency savings for families receiving financial coaching

children enrolled in early education and care or receiving support services

youth supported in out-of- school time and college and career pathway programs

dollars in crisis response funds raised for Massachusetts Migrant Families Relief Fund

CHANGE THAT'S CLOSE TO HOME

To create the most impact, we are focusing our efforts in the cities with the highest number of households excluded from financial well being. From a child in Dorchester learning to read or a family in Lowell saving enough to buy their first home, we are creating an economically just region by focusing our efforts in the communities with the greatest need.

OUR FOCUS COMMUNITIES

SEE WHAT WE'VE BEEN UP TO

News
May 21 2025

United Way launches search for Chief Development Officer

READ

Blog
May 20 2025

A Legacy of Service: The Impact of United Way’s AmeriCorps Program

READ

CHANGE TAKES ACTION

Together, we can become a powerful engine of doers that have the power, perseverance and passion to build a more equitable future for our communities. Join the movement by getting involved today.

GET INVOLVED

COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP

A powerful way to join the movement is to join the conversation. From informing action plans and policy changes to empowering underrepresented individuals and future leaders, we foster and protect platforms for advocates to give historically silenced communities a voice.

GET INVOLVED

PHILANTHROPY

With generous philanthropists like you by our side, we can create a community all united in our mission to make an impact. Find out how your support can help us create real change and meaningful impact in our most vulnerable communities.

GIVE BACK

IMPACT PARTNERS

Thanks to our wide network of corporate partners, we can bring the right people together to bring about meaningful change. Learn more about our work with our partners and see how you can join us.

JOIN US

VOLUNTEER

We connect people with opportunities to make a difference in their community. Whether you’re an individual looking to give back or an organization seeking the right cause, we can help you find volunteer opportunities in your community.

VOLUNTEER

GIVE

The work we do would not be possible without your support. Your gift helps fund our efforts to develop diverse programs, initiatives and opportunities designed to unlock avenues of economic prosperity and uplift communities that have been marginalized for far too long.

DONATE

COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP

PHILANTHROPY

IMPACT PARTNERS

VOLUNTEER

GIVE

STAY UNITED

LET'S UPLIFT
COMMUNITIES TOGETHER

DONATE

Our NewWay Forward

Our Approach: Uniting the Doers

IN THE PURSUIT OF PROSPERITY

CHANGE THAT'S CLOSE TO HOME

CHANGE TAKES ACTION

STAY UNITED

Our New
Way Forward