Why give to Rappahannock United Way?
For 77 years, Rappahannock United Way (RUW) has been making an impact right here in our local community. This year, RUW funded programs will touch the lives of more than 19,000 people in Fredericksburg, Caroline, King George, Spotsylvania, and Stafford. These programs deliver critical services to improve the three building blocks to a better life: education, income, and health.
Our mission is to improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of our community. RUW knows people like you really want to make a difference in your community. We want to be your partner. Our experience tells us the best way to help the most people is to target our community’s most serious problems and then focus on the underlying causes of those problems.
It’s not enough to feed a hungry family or protect a child from violence; we need to change the conditions that led to hunger and violence in the first place. We work with local businesses, governments, schools, faith groups, media, nonprofit groups, and ordinary citizens. The ability to effect positive change begins with a single act: your decision to give.
Community Needs
10.5% of adults in our local community have no high-school diploma or equivalent.
13% of children in Virginia arrive at Kindergarten without the basic skills to succeed in school.
Community Solutions
In the last year, your investment was used to support:
First Time Parent Mentoring – supported 117 at-risk families.
Tutoring – provided free after school tutoring for 100+ elementary school students.
College Preparation – provided the resources and support necessary for more than 100 high school students.
Employment Navigators – provided quality employment resources and technical support for more than 200 individuals experiencing homelessness.
Community Needs
7.6% of households in our community are living below the poverty level.
41% of children in our local community receive free or reduced school lunches.
Community Solutions
In the last year, your investment was used to support:
Free Tax Preparation and Financial Education – provided free financial services to over 1,800 low to moderate income households.
Financial Counseling and Support – provided financial assistance and counseling to more than 10,000 low to moderate income families.
Legal Services – provided free legal counsel to more than 275 low-income families to help overcome legal obstacles.
Community Needs
14% of local families do not have health insurance.
Over 60,000 founded reports of child abuse in Virginia.
Community Solutions
In the last year, your investment was used to support:
Reduced Health Risks – 1,500 individuals participated in health and wellness programs that reduced the risk of chronic illness.
Mental Health Counseling and Support Services – provided affordable counseling, therapy and support groups to more than 1,000 individuals and family members.
Summer Activities Program for Children – provided a safe and fun environment for more than 150 low-income, at-risk children.