United Way of Central Illinois advances the common good by focusing on protecting services vital to the immediate basic needs of the most vulnerable members of our community; while making long term investments in education, financial stability and health, because these are the building blocks for a good quality of life.

We bring together people and organizations from all across the community who bring the passion, expertise and resources needed to get things done. UWCIL accomplishes this goal by targeting resources to a determined set of priorities that were selected and are continuously reviewed by Vision Councils with the help of the community, requiring consistency in outcome measurement and striving towards community wide shared metrics, and gradually increasing the proportion of funding directed toward BIG community change.

Below is information regarding United Way’s Strategic Investment Plan and Community Priorities for financial stability. The Strategic Investment Plan and related information outline a multi-year funding plan that was developed in partnership with community leaders and service providers which will track community level indicators and the effectiveness of United Way funded programs.

United Way and its partners identified priorities, strategies and aligned outcomes to direct our work. Together, we identified and are working toward key indicators of success. We hold ourselves and our partners accountable to achieving success by using concrete metrics, based on local, state and federal data to measure our progress. We will adjust our programs and approaches as needed to ensure that we are making the most effective use of available resources.

Financial Stability Priorities

Adults are equipped to support themselves and/or their families in a financially stable environment.

Measuring Community Progress:

• Number of individuals demonstrating improved financial stability
• Number of individuals/families improving their housing situation will increase
• Number of individuals obtaining and maintaining a living wage job will increase
• Number of individuals reporting improved credit will increase

United Way Strategies

Strategy 1: Provide case management, coaching, mentoring, and/or other methods to help individuals obtain safe and affordable housing (housing of choice)

Strategy 2: Provide case management, coaching, mentoring, and/other methods to help individuals overcome barriers to employment

Strategy 3: Provide case management, coaching, mentoring, and/or other methods to help individuals increase their money management skills

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Seniors are supported to lead independent lives

Measuring Community Progress:

• Number of seniors safely remaining in their homes
• Number of seniors practicing effective money management

United Way Strategies

Strategy 1: Provide case management, coaching, mentoring, and/or other methods to help seniors sustain safe and affordable housing

Strategy 2: Provide case management, coaching, mentoring, and/or other methods to help seniors effectively manage their money

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Unfunded Priority: Children are equipped with the skills needed to make financially smart decisions throughout their life

Measuring Community Progress:

• Number of clients accessing free financial education courses through depository institutions
• Number of high school students reporting an increase in Financial Literacy and Money Management Skills
• Number of High School Students who are utilizing banking institutions
• Number of High School Students reporting knowledge on managing credit
• Number of High School Students reporting knowledge on how to avoid predatory lending situations

United Way Strategies

Strategy 1: High School students will have access to high quality/evidence based financial literacy and money management training as supported by banking institutions

Strategy 2: Provide coordination of CRA financial education courses to help organizations serve their clients

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Download a full copy of the Strategic Investment Plan for Financial Stabilty.

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2021-2022 Financial Stability Investments

Total Investment: $158,888

Funded Programs

• Helping Hands of Springfield, Inc.
  Helping Hands Representative Payee Program – $10,175
• Memorial Behavioral Health
  Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness – $31,658
• MERCY Communities, Inc.
  Permanent Supportive Housing – $21,935
  Transitional Living Program – $33,696
• Senior Services of Central Illinois
  Comprehensive Elder Assistance Services – $41,220
• Springfield Urban League, Inc.
  The Empowerment Program – $20,204