United Way of Greater New Haven (UWGNH) efforts focus on increasing the number of financially stable working families and individuals. In particular, we support employability and employment services for individuals who face the challenges of homelessness, mental illness, language barriers, or substance abuse.

Goals

1. Increase the number of people employed in jobs that provide a livable wage.
2. Increase the number of youth, adults, and special populations that have the skills and education, including literacy, numeracy, and English-language skills, to be successful.
3. Increase the number of jobs for youth.

Highlights of Our Work

Grantmaking.  United Way provides grants to local organizations that provide high-quality services that meet community needs.  To help individuals and families achieve financial stability, UWGNH invests in skills development and job placement programs for adults and youth.  Learn more. . .

United Way manages the federal Emergency Food and Shelter Program for New Haven County, making approximately 1MIL in emergency food and shelter investments possible in our community.  Learn more . . .

Results

United Way invests in programs that provide economic opportunities for those in need affording individuals and families the support they need to achieve or maintain economic success and independence. United Way investments help employment ready adults seeking employment acquire job readiness training, the ability to market themselves, employment referrals, employment placement assistance, and retention services. Adults with barriers to employment acquire new skills through internships, one-on-one job coaching, ESL (English as a Second Language) training, and educational referrals based on their preferences, interests, and strengths. Low-income high school youth ages 16-19 receive summer employment opportunities as camp counselors for 10 weeks and the opportunity for future employment. Result: More individuals acquire employment in jobs that provide a livable wage.

• Integrated Refugee and Immigrant Services (IRIS) employment services for newly arrived refugees and immigrants focusing on improving English language skills and employment standards helped 42 individuals or 71% of the program participants acquire competitive employment with starting wages of over $10 per hour and health benefits.

 Result: More youth, adults, and special populations have the skills and education, including literacy, numeracy, and English-language skills, to be successful.

• Through STRIVE-New Haven’s three week job readiness program 68 individuals or 68% of the program participants were placed in employment at the end of the program and receive a minimum of two-years of employment-related supportive services including case management and employment re-placement services.
• 72% of STRIVE-New Haven’s graduates placed in employment in the last two years have retained employment over past 24 months.
• 37 individuals enrolled in higher education courses at local private institutions of higher educations, community colleges and state universities.
• 54 individuals completed ESL (English as a Second Language) training.