Creating Opportunities for Youth

In Moline, IL, United Way of the Quad Cities is fostering a community-wide effort to empower more people with the skills and tools to achieve financial stability. Together with community partners, they've set 10-year goals to drive change and advance racial equity in education, income, and health, inviting everyone to be part of this transformative journey.

One goal is to increase by 20% the number of Quad Cities young adults who earn a living wage. United Way partners and invests in various programs that put residents on new career pathways, giving them the skills and resources to improve their economic mobility and provide them with necessities in emergencies. 

At the same time, United Way and its partners are working to stabilize people facing hunger, homelessness, or financial crises. United Way funds efforts that provide access to hunger relief and emergency shelters to help low-income individuals and families obtain and maintain safe, affordable, stable housing and provide emergency financial assistance.

In 2023, more than 112 volunteers at seven VITA sites prepared over 3,300 tax returns, generating $3.08 million in refunds to people who made $60,000 or less, those with disabilities, older adults, and limited English-speaking neighbors. The average refund of $934 could cover seven months of utility bills, three weeks of groceries, or one month of rent for a family of four living in the Quad Cities.

United Way Quad Cities invested $884,000 in 24 carefully selected partners to provide residents with basic needs in emergencies, put them on the path to stable careers, and empower them to improve their economic conditions. This investment led to significant outcomes:

• 450 individuals secured jobs thanks to United Way-funded programs and support.
• 137 unemployed and underemployed neighbors earned a certificate or degree to jumpstart their careers.
• 401 individuals received support that kept their families in their homes during challenging economic times.
• 81,142 nights of emergency shelter were provided to individuals and families seeking a safe place to stay.
• 784 families received emergency shelter when they needed it most.
• 296 individuals and families received and maintained adequate housing for at least one year.
• 29 individuals successfully transitioned from temporary to permanent housing for at least six months.

United Way is committed to empowering people through education, job training, and financial support, helping them build a stable and prosperous future.