Transcript LIVE UNITED - Johns Hopkins University

Give. Advocate. Volunteer.
For more than 80 years, United Way has been using its expertise
to make the central Maryland region stronger.
Now we’re focused on the building blocks of a good life:
• education
• income
• health & safety.
Because with quality education, a stable job, access to affordable
housing and a home free from violence and abuse, people thrive.
Give. Advocate. Volunteer.
Education
School Readiness
Goal: Every child in central Maryland will enter
kindergarten fully ready to learn.
Why is this work important?
Research shows there is a strong connection between a child’s early experiences and
his/her successes in school and later in life.
• In 2007-2008, 32% of children were not
fully ready to learn. (MD State Department of Education)
• Quality child care ranks in the top three
household expenses in every jurisdiction in
central Maryland. (MD Child Care Resource Network)
Give. Advocate. Volunteer.
Education
Youth Achieving Potential
Goal: Give youth an opportunity to develop
to their full potential, becoming young adults
who are economically self-sufficient.
Why is this work important?
The Rand Corporation estimated that each high school dropout costs between
$188,086-$297,188 in current dollars per year, pulling from government services
and welfare.
• 5,200 high school students in central Maryland dropped
out of school last year.
• 8% of teens are not attending school and are not working
• In 2007-2008, 38,800 (11% of total public school
enrollment) students were suspended last year.
Sources: MD State Department of Education, Kinds Count 2007
Give. Advocate. Volunteer.
Income
Basic Needs
Goal: People in the region, particularly those living in
poverty, will be able to afford housing and access to other
critical necessities.
Why is this work important?
The 2008 fair market rent for a two-bedroom apartment was $1,103. In order to afford
this rent, individuals must earn $19.48 per hour or work 3.2 full-time minimum wage
jobs. (U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development)
% of renters unable to afford twobedroom fair market rent.
Anne Arundel
39%
Baltimore City
73%
Baltimore County
47%
Carroll
48%
Harford
46%
Howard
33%
20% of Marylanders were paying 50% of more
of their monthly income on rental costs. (U.S. Census
Bureau’s American Community Survey)
More than 17,000 people were served in central
Maryland homeless shelters last year. Nearly
23% of them were under the age of 17. (2006 State of
Maryland Department of Human Resources)
Give. Advocate. Volunteer.
Health & Safety
Family Safety
Goal: Making sure people are free from
violence and abuse in their homes and
relationships.
Why is this work important?
Research by the U.S. Department of Justice indicates victims do not
report to police, friends or family.
• 12 children out of every 1000 are victims of child abuse and
neglect. (Child Maltreatment 2006)
• There were 494 forcible rapes in central Maryland in 2006.
Children who experience maltreatment are at risk for adverse health effects and
behaviors as adults. Women who have experienced serious abuse face
overwhelming mental and emotional distress.
Give. Advocate. Volunteer.
• United Way wants everyone involved, to bring every
resident of central Maryland to the table to make a
difference.
• We already know that school readiness, youth achieving
potential, basic needs and family safety are integral to
the well-being of our community. We want everyone
else to know how important these things are too.
• And it’s not just about money.
• Advocacy and volunteerism are necessary parts of the
equation
• People can stand up and demand action. Or lift a hand
and do it themselves.
• Regardless, it has to be done together.
Ready to get involved?