Today, 32% of Santa Cruz County families do not earn enough to make ends meet. This is influenced by high housing costs, the prevalence of seasonal, low-paying wages, and more. Growing up in poverty especially hurts children – adversely impacting their development, health, and economic mobility throughout their lifetimes.
The problems are very real, but there’s good news – things are improving every single day, thanks to difference-makers like you who are an active part of the solution through UC Santa Cruz United Way of Santa Cruz County’s Annual Giving Campaign! This is about changing lives by creating opportunities. From helping homeless youth get the chance for a family and future, or connecting youth to mental health services – United Way is investing in change that lasts right here in our local communities.
Through their Community Resources United Way serves UCSC students and staff with programs such as 211, Emergency Food and Shelter and the Stuff the Bus program which provided 200 backpacks to Cabrillo and UCSC students last year.
How can you help? By finding your charitable passion and becoming a change-maker! Last year, employees gave $30,000 which made the entire campus proud and our communities a better place to live, work, and raise our families. Here’s how to get started to make this year even more successful:
- Give now via credit card or through payroll deduction: https://www.unitedwaysc.org/ucsc
- Make your pledge to the United Way’s Youth Well-Being Fund
- Consider joining United Way Leadership Groups to connect with others who care about creating a healthy, thriving Santa Cruz County
Emerging Leaders Circle (www.unitedwaysc.org/elc)
Women In Philanthropy (www.unitedwaysc.org/wip)
Thank you for your support of United Way!
