Number of individuals in Franklin
County living in poverty*
Number of children in Franklin
County living in poverty*
The monthly income it takes for a
family of 4 to make ends meet**
* U.S. Census, American Community Survey 2014 1-year estimates
** The University of Washington, Self-Sufficiency Standard 2015
We deeply understand community conditions in Central Ohio and pinpoint the most effective approaches to reduce poverty.
We created a new pathway system which ensures families receive services, gaps in services are filled, and positive outcomes are achieved.
By convening and catalyzing people and systems, we help change community conditions and improve the chances that families will succeed.
We also prioritize neighborhoods of concentrated poverty, serving as a catalyst and organizer for revitalization efforts.
The moment Tinya (Ty) White heard the woman on the other end of the phone say “Welcome to OhioHealth,” she burst into tears. She never imagined she would finally be hired by Grant Hospital. As a home health aide, Ty had been laid off, was struggling to pay bills and faced eviction from her Bexley…
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After Stephen was diagnosed with cancer, fighting the disease was not the only battle he faced. Daily radiation and chemotherapy treatments had weakened him and made it impossible for him to work. As a result, he was struggling with depression and searching for help with basic needs like food, clothing and transportation. He found the…
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Growing up on the South Side, Arnetta watched her mom struggle to put food on the table for the family of seven. She vowed she wouldn’t live on welfare as an adult. That determination took her to Columbus State after high school. But as her debt climbed, she quit college to work and keep from…
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When Antonie couldn’t help his son solve a third-grade math problem, he decided it was time to make a change. For him, that meant making education a priority and getting his GED. He admits he wasn’t putting much effort into making a good living up to that point, but now he wants to be a…
Read More Watch VideoWe all have the potential to make central Ohio a better place. If you’re ready to Make Your Moment in our community, we can help you get started. Take the quick five-question quiz, give a gift to reduce poverty or find a volunteer opportunity near you. Whatever you decide, every moment counts.
Science is unequivocal, we need each other. Our lives are constellations of relationships: strong and weak; distant or close. We are our happiest selves when we are in relationships that foster mutuality and trust, and are in environments that support thriving. For children to thrive they need supportive and secure families; for families to thrive,…
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by Ryan Edwards, Sr. Impact Director Neighborhoods United Way of Central Ohio is not new to working with and investing in Columbus neighborhoods. Since 2009 our Community Impact platform has included a specific focus on working with neighborhoods to improve conditions for folks living in priority communities. During this time, our participation in neighborhoods has…
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Do you know a Champion of Children? Champion of Children honors individuals and organizations who are committed to United Way of Central Ohio’s singular goal to fight poverty by helping children and youth succeed. To see a list of previous honorees, click here. You can nominate Champions in two categories: Nonprofit Organization Champion of Children…
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