Breaking the Cycle: DeAngelo's Story

In Memphis, United Way of the Mid-South has developed a strategy to break the cycle of poverty in underserved neighborhoods, The goal is to tackle the underlying issues affecting generational poverty by mobilizing and aligning community resources to create equitable access to education, financial stability and mobility and health supports for families in poverty. It’s a complex challenge, with no quick and easy solutions.

For example, Deangelo was in crisis – no housing, no job, irregular meals and lacking life skills to move himself out of poverty. He’d grown up in similar circumstances and couldn’t see a way out. But one of the six nonprofit agencies partnering with United Way referred him to their Driving The Dream program, where a care coordinator sat down with him to help identify his challenges, as well as short- and long-term community solutions. His primary goal was to find a safe place to sleep, but he needed a job to get stable housing. After completing a six-month, intensive job training and placement program, he was able to find a job that paid a livable wage. He’s now paying rent in an apartment and is on his way to realizing his dreams. Read more here.

In 2023, United Way of the Mid-South received an $18.2 million state grant. This two-year investment allows United Way to expand services to more low-income families, helping to drive financial and social mobility for thousands of individuals participating in Driving the Dream.

Tackling the underlying issues causing society’s – and individuals’ – most pressing problems is a priority for United Way.