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United Way: Their Far-Reaching Charitable Arms

United Way is often referred to as America's number one charity – and for good reason. Not just because they raised nearly 4 billion dollars in 2005-2006, but because they are involved in all aspects of helping those in need all across America. While United Way is a national agency, there are more than 1300 local United Way agencies all across the United States. Whether there's a disaster affecting the lives of thousands of people or a family in need, the United Way most likely has a hand in it. They partner with dozens of other agencies, such as the American Red Cross to provide relief to families and communities.

For example, not only is the United Way responsible for disaster relief across the United States, but they help provide disaster preparedness training in communities across the nation. They have worked diligently to provide 2-1-1 service in the majority of states so far and are still working to provide all states and communities with this valuable service. 2-1-1 is an information hotline that those in need can call to find out how to get help and where to go to get help for their particular area of need. In addition, United Way supports many youth programs and programs for young children.

The United Way is often the first point of contact for those in need. Those who don't know where to turn go to the United Way and are referred to the appropriate agencies that may be able to help them. United Way goes much further than just the surface though; while they may help a homeless family with immediate needs, they will also help the family through various resources to combat the problem of homelessness and to get back on their feet.

United Way, through its partner agencies, provides dozens of services to needy families and communities. While many of these services are based on financial need, some services are based on other types of need. For example, they are responsible for providing battered women's shelters in many communities and not only offer these women a safe haven, but help them to find jobs and other resources they need to start a new life.

United Way has a hand in providing literacy training and provides classes for parents in many communities. They also help to provide medical care to uninsured or underinsured individuals and families. They also provide certain medical screening tests, such as Breast Cancer screening and Cervical Cancer screening for those who qualify.

United Way is a huge advocate for children and youth in cities and communities all across the United States. Children's programs include programs such as Head Start, and daycare and camp programs at community YWCA facilities, health care, nutritional care and education, and dozens of other programs that benefit children.

United Way not only helps youth in need but trains them to help others as well. United Way sometimes takes youth volunteers into areas where a large amount of aid is needed, such as areas where tornadoes or hurricanes have destroyed communities. As much as the youth are helping others by volunteering their time and talents, they are being helped by receiving the training provided by this super agency and learning invaluable lessons, such as how to work as a team. Youth volunteers traveled with the United Way in the wake of hurricane Katrina and made a major impact by cleaning up ravaged areas and serving the storm-tossed communities in a variety of ways.

United Way and its partner agencies are excellent choices for your charitable contributions because they provide so much to so many.