Our Way Forward

A movement with a mission

Any one person has the potential to make a difference. But at United Way, we believe real, transformative change only happens when we work together. Because together, we have the opportunity to build a movement-one that brings the right people, resources and solutions together to tackle systemic challenges in our region.

OUR MISSION

Our Work

INVEST

In Communities & Organizations

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Expertise & Knowledge

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LIFT

Community Voice

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ADVANCE

Equitable Policies

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DEVELOP

Cross-Sector Collaboration

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IN THE PURSUIT OF PROSPERITY

We believe in creating the conditions for everyone to pursue their goals and reach their potential by removing barriers and addressing inequities. Our work focuses on five impact areas as the most pressing to drive real change around foundational challenges in our community, including the systems-changed needed to advance an economically just region.

Our Impact

Our Impact Areas

Building Economic Mobility

Transform the systems that aren't working for everyone, advancing a future where families can earn, spend, and save enough to meet their needs and achieve their financial goals.

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Strengthening Educational Opportunities

Work with communities to provide children, youth and families with the support, learning environments and quality education they deserve to succeed.

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Centering Youth & Young Adult Success

Respond to the needs of young adults by providing holistic support and reconnecting them to opportunities to navigate a path toward the life goals they choose.

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SCALING SAFE & STABLE HOUSING

Prioritize a stable home as the foundation for what people need to live and thrive, working to increase the availability of affordable housing and end homelessness.

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STABILIZING THE SAFETY NET

Partner across sectors to ensure the basic services people rely on are strong, coordinated and responsive, meeting immediate needs while building long-term stability.

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Building Economic Mobility

Strengthening Educational Opportunities

Centering Youth & Young Adult Success

SCALING SAFE & STABLE HOUSING

STABILIZING THE SAFETY NET

IMPACT THAT MATTERS

families or individuals in crisis who avoided homelessness last year

dollars is the average increase in emergency savings for families receiving financial coaching

children enrolled in early education and care or receiving support services

youth supported in out-of- school time and college and career pathway programs

dollars in crisis response funds raised for Massachusetts Migrant Families Relief Fund

CHANGE THAT'S CLOSE TO HOME

United Way focuses its work in 12 core communities. Our data analyses show that 300,000 people in our region have incomes below the poverty level, and the majority of that group are concentrated in these cities. Given that these communities experience a disproportionate share of economic hardship, we focus the majority of our efforts on these 12, including priority neighborhoods in Boston.

OUR FOCUS COMMUNITIES

SEE WHAT WE'VE BEEN UP TO

Blog
May 21 2026

Leading the Way: Housing and Homelessness

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Blog
Jun 1 2026

Investing in Children, Building Movements that Last

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Blog
Jun 2 2026

Responding When Communities Need Us Most

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CHANGE TAKES ACTION

Together we can do more than any of us can alone to advance thriving, healthy communities.

GET INVOLVED

COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP

A powerful way to join the movement is to join the conversation. From informing action plans and policy changes to empowering underrepresented individuals and future leaders, we foster and protect platforms for advocates to give historically silenced communities a voice.

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PHILANTHROPY

With generous philanthropists like you by our side, we can create a community all united in our mission to make an impact. Find out how your support can help us create real change and meaningful impact in our most vulnerable communities.

GIVE BACK

IMPACT PARTNERS

Thanks to our wide network of corporate partners, we can bring the right people together to bring about meaningful change. Learn more about our work with our partners and see how you can join us.

JOIN US

VOLUNTEER

We connect people with opportunities to make a difference in their community. Whether you’re an individual looking to give back or an organization seeking the right cause, we can help you find volunteer opportunities in your community.

VOLUNTEER

GIVE

The work we do would not be possible without your support. Your gift helps fund our efforts to develop diverse programs, initiatives and opportunities designed to unlock avenues of economic prosperity and uplift communities that have been marginalized for far too long.

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COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP

PHILANTHROPY

IMPACT PARTNERS

VOLUNTEER

GIVE

STAY UNITED

LET'S UPLIFT
COMMUNITIES TOGETHER

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