Because of support from donors like you, we have funding to source and distribute nearly 10,000 computers by early 2024, aiding in our goal to distribute 50,000 computers throughout our community by 2027. To date, our Techquity initiative has:

• Assisted 100 people with Affordable Connectivity Program internet eligibility and/or enrollment.
• Provided devices to facilitate remote/virtual schoolwork to 9,000 students.
• Supported over 30 partners with affordable broadband access, devices, data plans, and digital skills and literacy training for thousands of community members.

In 2023, Reducing Barriers to Employment & Advancement saw the following successes:

• Over 3,700 people participated in a Reducing Barriers-funded program. 
• Over 26,000 people were provided transportation to their job. 
• Over 420 people received industry recognized credentials to further their careers. 
• Over 160 arrest records were expunged for nonviolent crimes, and 
• Over 100 driver’s licenses were recovered. 

At the beginning of 2023, we launched our newest initiative, Empowering Minds. It’s currently in the pilot phase working with two local high schools: Waukesha South High School and James Madison Academic Campus of Milwaukee Public Schools. 

• This initiative is currently serving nearly 2,000 students. 
• Both schools have completed a Needs Assessment, the first aspect of the 6-part comprehensive system. 
• They are currently mapping out the resources they provide, determining how to improve their processes, and deciding what aspects to prioritize with more to come in the year ahead.

In 2023, we saw so many individuals and workplaces raise their hands, roll up their sleeves, and volunteer. Volunteers:

• Packed over 23,000 food, hygiene, and household kits for people in need. 
• Packed and distributed over 7,100 backpacks to students through our Backpack Coalition. 
• Since 2021, supported the United Way Diaper Bank to help mobilize over 680,000 diapers to families in need.
• Fulfilled over 6,800 wishes as part of our Holiday Giving Tree program. 

Since 2021, the Racial Equity Fund has welcomed organizations every 6 months. In this short amount of time, we have been able to see success through additional staff hired at agency partners, growth of board diversity, pilot programs launched, and so much more. It currently supports 30 Black- and Brown-led organizations.

The Health Improvement Fund is a partnership with the Milwaukee Health Care Partnership, and it connects people in need to affordable health care coverage and medical, dental, and behavioral health care services. 

This is the largest matched United Way challenge grant. This year, the Milwaukee Health Care Partnership pledged up to $2 million to match Health Improvement Fund contributions 6 to 1!