- What is United Way of the Inland Valleys?
- What does United Way of the Inland Valleys do?
- Who benefits from United Way of the Inland Valleys?
- Who does United Way of the Inland Valleys work with?
- Doesn't the government take care of people in need?
- Why should I participate?
- What if I feel I can't give?
- Do United Way agencies charge fees for their services?
- How much should I give?
- How can I contribute?
- Who do I call if someone I know needs help?
- Is United Way really different than other nonprofits?
- I live outside of Riverside County, why should I give where I work?
- What is the difference between United Way and community foundations?
»What is United Way of the Inland Valleys?
United Way of the Inland Valleys is Western Riverside County’s largest fundraiser, working to measurably improve the quality of life for all residents of our service area. United Way raises and distributes funds to local agencies that effectively address critical health and human issues. United Way has been serving people in our region since 1931. Each United Way is independent from United Way Worldwide and other United Ways.
»What does United Way of the Inland Valleys do?
Research and identify local human issues. United Way led an unprecedented collaboration with local businesses, government agencies, universities and charitable organizations to discover the gaps that exist in the availability of health and human services. They develop and deploy human and financial resources to support the delivery of vital health and human services to Western Riverside County residents. Last year, United Way raised more than $3 million to help meet the needs in our community.
»Who benefits from United Way of the Inland Valleys?
Donations made to United Way of the Inland Valleys’ Community Care Fund support a wide range of services provided to residents in Western Riverside County. For the 2010-2011 program year, a total of 212,352 people directly benefited from United Way funded programs, representing one out of three residents in our service area.
- AFFORDABLE CHILD CARE
- BASIC SUBSISTENCE & ECONOMIC STABILITY
- CHILD/YOUTH-AT-RISK
- COMMUNITY ORGANIZATION & DEVELOPMENT
- DEVELOPMENTAL & PHYSICAL DISABILITIES
- DISASTER
- DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, CHILD ABUSE & CRIME VICTIM ASSISTANCE
- ELDER CARE & ELDER ABUSE
- FAMILY STABILITY & PARENTING SKILLS
- HEALTHCARE & SUPPORTIVE SERVICES
- ILLITERACY
- LEGAL & CIVIL RIGHTS
- MENTAL HEALTH EDUCATION & TREATMENT
- OUTREACH/INFORMATION & REFERRAL
- SUBSTANCE ABUSE
- YOUTH DEVELOPMENT
»Who does the United Way of the Inland Valleys work with?
United Way works with Western Riverside County businesses, schools, local city, state and federal government agencies and health and human service agencies.
»Doesn't the government take care of people in need?
Federal, state and local governments have made extreme cuts in funding to non-profit agencies. Many agencies have faced reductions or elimination of much needed funds. It is up to caring, forward-thinking people to maintain the services that support the health and well being of Western Riverside County’s residents.
»Why should I participate?
Donations to United Way are more effective than to a single service agency because United Way funds a more comprehensive network of services than any one agency can offer. Trained volunteer review teams will carefully invest funds in the health and human service programs that most effectively address the greatest needs in Western Riverside County. All donor information is handled with respect, confidentiality, and if desired, anonymity and we never sell, rent or trade our list of donors.
»What if I feel I can't give?
United Way has a written policy against coercion. Donations should be given willingly and voluntarily. We are confident that when people see where their money is invested, they will want to contribute.
»Do United Way agencies charge fees for their services?
Some do and some don’t. The agencies are not 100% funded by United Way, so some find it necessary to charge fees to cover some costs. People are charged according to their ability to pay.
»How much should I give?
Giving is a personal decision based on individual circumstances. As a guide, many salaried employees contribute from 1.5 to 3 percent of their annual salary. Hourly employees find that investing two hours pay per month is a simple yet effective way to help those in need.
»How can I contribute?
It's simple - you authorize a regular payroll deduction to fund your community investment through United Way. No gift is too small, every dollar counts. To maximize the impact of your investment, we recommend that you contribute to the United Way’s Community Care Fund. However, if you feel strongly about designating your contribution we can accommodate your request.
»Who do I call if someone I know needs help?
Call 2-1-1.
Other resources are:
24-Hour Crisis Helpline 951.686.4357.
Information and Referral Line: Monday-Friday 8AM–5PM (800)464.1123.
»Is United Way really different from other nonprofits?
United Way of the Inland Valleys is fundamentally different from other nonprofits due to its independent, volunteer driven assessment of needs and distribution of resources. As a true community building organization, United Way of the Inland Valleys takes its direction from our community. It exists for only one reason - to help us come together as one community to identify and work on the issues we as community volunteers consider most important.
»I live outside of Riverside County, why should I give where I work?
Three very important reasons: First, payroll deduction is probably available to you so you can spread your Fair Share pledge over an entire year. Second, many of our member agencies provide services and activities for all citizens, regardless of their place of residence. Third, the practice of giving where you work but receiving services wherever you need them is an established United Way tradition.