Our Initiatives at United Way Southwest Louisiana are designed to tackle our communities' most pressing challenges, including Youth Opportunity, Financial Security, Healthy Community, and Community Resiliency. These Initiatives are crucial because they provide targeted solutions that empower individuals and families to improve their living conditions and build a brighter future. By focusing on these key areas, we address immediate needs and lay the groundwork for long-term growth and stability. Each Initiative is a step towards creating a more inclusive and thriving community, where everyone has the opportunity to succeed and contribute meaningfully to society.
Our Initiatives fill critical gaps not addressed by other nonprofits in the region, ensuring that the unique needs of our community are met. Many organizations focus on specific areas, but United Way Southwest Louisiana takes a comprehensive approach that combines various resources and services under one umbrella. By integrating efforts across multiple domains, such as educational pathways, financial literacy, and health accessibility, we create a holistic support system tailored to the specific challenges faced by individuals and families. This integrated model allows us to respond quickly and effectively to emerging needs, ensuring no one is left behind in our pursuit of community well-being and resilience.
YOUTH OPPORTUNITY
LITERACY KITS
Distributed to children across Southwest Louisiana, each kit includes books and volunteer- designed props or games to make the reading interactive
READING FOR SUCCESS
Supports children and families by expanding access to books and literacy programs that inspire a love of reading and prepare children for success in school and beyond.
SUCCESS BY 6
Addresses the lack of access to quality early education childcare for working ALICE families by funding a year of learning for the child with goals and objectives for the parents
SUMMER OF SERVICE
Specifically designed teen volunteer program has human services projects each summer that focus on community members most in need and illustrate the value of serving
WRITESTART PROJECT
Provides school supplies, admin fees and necessary support to children and teachers in need. Providing supplies year-round ensures teachers and students can focus on learning
HEALTHY COMMUNITY
833.TXT.TEEN (833.898.8336)
This texting platform for teens serves anyone ages 13-22, in any type of crisis. It provides confidential access to 24/7 support from professionally-licensed counselors
BORN LEARNING TRAIL
Bilingual interactive signs installed on trails or playgrounds that offer engagement and learning opportunities for young children and their families or caregivers
CRISIS CHAT
A confidential online chat operated by licensed crisis counselors for anyone going through a difficult time, having thoughts about suicide or just needs to talk
HUMAN TRAFFICKING
Addressing the epidemic of human trafficking in the region through partnerships and Initiatives
UNITED AGAINST CHILD HUNGER
Weekend Food Packs are created for the Summer Feeding Programs in Southwest Louisiana so children have access to easy-to-eat foods over the weekend
FINANCIAL SECURITY
ALICE - ASSET LIMITED, INCOME CONSTRAINED, EMPLOYED
Our report on families working and earning above the Federal Poverty Level yet unable to afford basic expenses, rarely qualifying for assistance
BANK ON SWLA
Partnerships with banks and credit unions work to ensure low-income households have access to safe and affordable financial products and services
CAL-PRI - CALCASIEU PRISONER RE-ENTRY
This vital program is a link between formerly incarcerated individuals and the resources available to help them succeed with a new life in the job market and community
EMERGENCY FOOD & SHELTER PROGRAM (FEMA)
Provides grants to nonprofits supplying basic needs for the unhoused in Calcasieu parish
EMPOWERMENT THROUGH EMPLOYMENT
Equips low-income workers with the necessary skills and resources for a more sucessful job placement
MATCHED SAVINGS
This program teaches saving and budget habits for those working toward the purchase of a liquid asset. Participants are encouraged to build a down payment with a dollar match upon graduation.
POWER TO CARE
Entergy Louisiana’s Initiative aimed at assisting senior citizens during high utility bill seasons
SAFETY NET FUND
Provides emergency assistance and essential resources to help individuals and families meet basic needs during times of crisis.
VITA - VOLUNTEER INCOME TAX ASSISTANCE
IRS certified United Way volunteers offer free income tax prep for low-income individuals, persons with disabilities, the elderly and limited English speaking taxpayers
COMMUNITY RESILIENCY
211 | 898-211
An easy-to-remember phone number that links people in need to relevant information in the complex maze of human services with an accurate database of public and community-based resources, even during a disaster
BUILD BACK THE BLOCK
Gentrification of ALICE neighborhoods through grants and partnerships with the goal of saving areas decimated by disasters
CASEWORK MANAGEMENT PORTFOLIO
Scalable caseworker program that can address disaster assistance quickly or everyday benefits programs for any government, nonprofit or company’s needs
EMPLOYEE CRISIS FUND
Allows employers to offer a program that helps employees cope with unexpected hardships while an external nonprofit partner oversees the process
SWLA VOAD - VOLUNTEER ORGANIZATIONS ACTIVE IN DISASTER
Provides a place where governmental, faith-based and non-profit organizations can cooperate, communicate, coordinate, and collaborate in the event of a disaster
STRONG HOMES
Proactive effort to prepare the homes of ALICE families for the potential threats caused by inclement weather
UNITED DISASTER FUND
Supports disaster preparedness, response, and long-term recovery efforts for communities impacted by natural disasters across Southwest Louisiana and the Gulf Coast