Supporting Spokane through assistance and advocacy programs
By Taylor Shillam
United Way of Spokane County’s efforts include operating impactful programs like AmeriCorps VISTA, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in Spokane, the Emerging Leaders Society, the Emergency Food and Shelter Program, and various volunteer programs. United Way is dedicated to supporting the well-being of its community, from those who need immediate assistance to those who could benefit from long-term support.
Partnering with the YWCA of Spokane, the United Way of Spokane County offers fast assistance to those facing domestic violence, offering support in the form of a 24-hour helpline, counseling, immediate shelter, long-term housing, and more.
Through the ALICE program, working families who struggle with financial instability, living paycheck to paycheck, can receive vital resources, including financial education and affordable housing, aimed at fostering financial stability. The term ALICE represents those who are Asset-Limited, Income-Restrained, and Employed, and through United Way, they can address and overcome economic hardship.
With AmeriCorps VISTA in partnership with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, United Way of Spokane County, with the help of dedicated volunteers, works to fight poverty and support early childhood literacy in Spokane. The Imagination Library emphasizes the connection between literacy and combating poverty, working to bridge the gaps that affect low-income and BIPOC families. The library serves more than one-third of eligible children in Spokane County, providing a monthly free book to children under the age of five, including audio and braille books for eligible children. The result has been a noticeable increase in literacy and reading interest among Spokane children.
United Way of Spokane shared in September that Spokane County’s Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library had reached 200,000 books donated to local kids. To sponsor a child in the program, it takes just $14 to provide them a year of free books, or $66 to cover five years in the program.
Young professionals can become involved in local causes with The Emerging Leaders Society, which connects its members with philanthropic opportunities across Spokane County. The United Way describes the ELS as working to “cultivate future leaders for sustainable community change and social engagement.”
Through its community efforts, organizations, and volunteerism, United Way of Spokane County works to make a lasting impact on the health and lives of people across Spokane. To get involved and join them in creating a culture of support, generosity, and advocacy within the community, you can sign up to join one of their impactful programs, sponsor a child through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, or sign up for one of their volunteer opportunities as an individual or as a group. United Way of Spokane County’s website is a wealth of resources for getting involved in creating a more united community across the Spokane area.
For more information on how to support United Way of Spokane County, visit https://www.unitedwayspokane.org.
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