Jodie stepped foot into one of United Way’s funded after-school programs as a high school freshman last fall. She was quiet, disengaged, and unsure where she belonged. Every day, students like Jodie carry more than their textbooks to school. They carry issues that impact their success in an academic environment. Issues like hunger, worries about parents, chronic health issues, just to name a few.

For Jodie, these issues showed up in the forms of depression and anxiety, which program staff uncovered as they got to know her.

Every young person deserves the opportunity to thrive. United Way of Lincoln and Lancaster County helps children and youth along a path to success by breaking down barriers to learning and well-being. Supporting students through early childhood education, enrichment opportunities like after-school and summer programs, and youth behavioral health provides the foundation needed to prosper.

With multi-pronged support wrapped around Jodie, including support for mental health and academic tutoring, Jodie’s burdens slowly began to ease, allowing her to open up in other areas of her life. She began to join in program activities and build connections with staff and other teens.

After a year in the program, Jodie attends every day, engages with peers, and shows growing confidence. Academically, she has made dramatic improvements, no longer seeing any failing grades on her assignments or tests. She has also started thinking about career options and is excited to explore opportunities in manufacturing and the trades.

All of this and much more is possible only through the support of generous donors like you. Together we are United in Something Bigger.