Areas of focus
Education
Early learning and youth success programs equip kids for school, and beyond
Donations to United Way of St. Joseph County fuel programs such as Yo Puedo Leer (I Can Read), a bilingual preschool program at La Casa de Amistad in South Bend. The program promotes early literacy, increases opportunities for achieving developmental milestones, and encourages family engagement. Other recipients of UWSJC education grants in 2024 include the Center for the Homeless, Reins of Life, and Green Bridge Growers.
"I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Notre Dame employees for their faithful support of the United Way of St. Joseph County. Your generous contributions help us provide vital social services and educational programming that directly impact our Latino and immigrant youth and families. Together, we are making a meaningful difference in the lives of thousands of families. ¡Gracias! La Casa es tu casa."
~Juan D. Constantino Lara, CEO, La Casa de Amistad
Economic Mobility
Work-readiness initiatives improve job prospects, leading to financial security
In 2024, thanks to donations through the United Way campaign, Hope Ministries in South Bend provided 68 people with work-readiness classes through Goodwill Industries. The support included assistance with benefits applications, obtaining identification, achieving sobriety, and accessing donated vehicles to enhance work readiness. Since then, 20 members of the cohort have successfully completed the program and attained jobs paying a livable wage. Hope Ministries also receives United Way support for its community kitchen.
“Hope Ministries is very grateful for the Notre Dame community’s generosity. Your gifts to the United Way help fund Hope’s Community Kitchen, which serves over 90,000 meals each year to men, women and children living at Hope and to those who are unsheltered in our community. Feeding those who are hungry is one of our most basic callings as Christians and responsibilities as citizens, and we are grateful for Notre Dame’s support in doing so.”
~David Vanderveen, Executive Director, Hope Ministries
Safety Net Services
Covering the necessities helps people imagine and prepare for bright futures
Thanks, in part, to Notre Dame faculty and staff giving, United Way of St. Joseph County is able to provide neighbors with fundamental needs such as food and/or shelter. Studies show when a crisis is addressed, people are better equipped to imagine and plan for their futures. In 2024, United Way supported these nonprofits with their emergency services: LOGAN Community Resources, the Center for the Homeless, Hope Ministries, St. Margaret’s House, and the Youth Service Bureau.
“YSB is deeply grateful for the generous support shown from the Notre Dame community. Your generosity helps fund grants that support young people in our community. Because of you, young people in crisis have access to immediate safety, counseling, education, and life skills training that empower them to build brighter futures.”
~Christina McGovern, CEO, Youth Service Bureau of St. Joseph County
Health
When health needs are met, people can better manage other aspects of life
In 2024, United Way of St. Joseph County effectively met the needs of neighbors with various health concerns. For example, United Way was able to fully fund a diabetes medication assistance program offered by United Health Services and a wellness support program for cancer survivors through Riverbend Cancer Services. United Way funds also power Green Bridge Growers, a local nonprofit that grows sustainable fresh produce for the community while also providing vocational training to young adults with autism and other disabilities.
"I would like to thank Notre Dame faculty and staff for supporting United Way of St. Joseph County. Through our partnership with United Way, Green Bridge Growers provides vocational training on our five-acre farm to youth and young adults with disabilities, while at the same time, growing fresh, healthy food to combat food insecurity in our region. Through United Way, we have grown and expanded our programming to provide resources to those in need."
~Jan Pilarski, Co-founder and CEO of Green Bridge Growers