Transforming to Issue Focus to
make a bigger impact

Issue of Poverty - Addressing Root Causes
United Way of Wayne County is in the midst of a bold Issue Focus Transformation—and we’re excited to share an important milestone. After extensive research and community input, our Board of Directors has approved a strategic direction focused on addressing the root causes of poverty in Wayne County.

 

Our Community Goal: Empower 12,000 individuals to achieve financial stability by 2035
 

Why This Matters
Poverty is not caused by a single issue—it is driven by interconnected challenges that keep families from moving forward.

Our work is now centered on tackling these challenges at their source:
 

Root Causes of Poverty in Wayne County

 

• Childcare Access & Affordability: Without reliable childcare, parents cannot fully participate in the workforce or pursue better opportunities.

• Income & Career Instability (Employment & Income): Limited access to training, career pathways, and livable wages prevents long-term financial security.

• Essential Needs Instability (Basic Needs): Difficulty securing housing, food, transportation, and utilities keeps families in cycles of crisis.

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Our Strategic Framework: Four Pillars of Impact
 

Community Resiliency
Strengthening our community’s ability to respond to crises and disasters that can quickly destabilize families. Includes emergency assistance, disaster response, volunteer mobilization, and coordinated community support systems.
 

Childcare
Expanding access to affordable, high-quality childcare so parents can work and children can thrive. Focus on increasing availability, reducing waitlists, and supporting working families.
 

Economic Mobility (Basic Needs)
Helping families stabilize and move beyond crisis by ensuring access to essential resources like housing, food, utilities, and transportation—while creating pathways forward.

Career Pathways & Financial Growth (Employment & Income)
Connecting individuals to job training, certifications, and career opportunities that lead to sustainable wages—while building financial skills like budgeting, credit, and savings.
 

What This Means for Annual Campaign

Investors are:
• Investing in long-term solutions—not just short-term relief
• Helping families move from crisis to stability
• Strengthening the local workforce and economy

• Supporting working parents and future generations

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Transition Timeline: What to Expect

United Way of Wayne County remains in a transition phase. The 2026 campaign will continue with a traditional approach, funding programs in 2027 focused on health, education, basic needs & financial stability while preparing for 100% issue focus the following year.