UNITED WAY OF THE WINE COUNTRY HAS EVOLVED
Today, while we continue to connect people with the vital resources they need to achieve financial stability and contribute to the well-being of our shared communities, we are also advocating for and investing in equity-centered systems change. We are prioritizing our core values of fairness/equity, inclusivity, integrity, accountability, transparency, and collaboration, along with practices and policies that build belonging.
Democracy thrives when we all participate. Let’s empower every voter to take part in shaping our future.
United Way of the Wine Country supports our community through our emergency readiness fund and our “united for good” community impact fund.
How We are Collaborating WITH THE NONPROFIT COMMUNITY TO Transform Local Philanthropy
We acknowledge that racism and long-standing economic systems have caused ongoing economic, race, and social inequities in our community. United Way of the Wine Country is working to break down these barriers.
In 2020, United Way of the Wine Country adopted Community-Centric Fundraising principles to transform local philanthropy and nonprofit management. CCF promotes fundraising grounded in equity and social justice, emphasizing collaboration over competition and advocating for the holistic well-being of communities.
United Way of the Wine Country’s FREE tax support has helped local families get back MORE THAN $100,000,000 in tax refunds.
$97,028
What it costs a family of 4 in Sonoma County to cover basic needs.
38,828
Households in Sonoma County below the Real Cost Measure.
$44,580
Income of the average family of 4 below the Real Cost Measure in Sonoma County.
$50,000
The economic gap of the average household.
THOSE WHO CAN’T AFFORD BASIC NEEDS INCLUDE
$45% of latinos, 16% of seniors & 56% of immigrants without citizenship
“We have a much more solid understanding now about how economic and race equity play into whether or not families have the resources that they need to thrive and have a beautiful life in this community.”
— Lisa G. Carreño, President & CEO, United Way of the Wine Country
United Way of the Wine Country runs essential programs that serve the individuals in our own backyard today:
2-1-1: GET THE HELP YOU NEED 24/7
2-1-1 is a free, 24/7 referral service that connects people directly with resources on everything from food, housing, and mental health to accurate information during times of disaster.
Why? The real importance of 2-1-1 is that it provides a safe space for those in need to access the vital, culturally appropriate resources available to them quickly, securely and in a respectful way, so they can prosper in our community.
EARN IT! KEEP IT! $AVE IT!
FREE TAx preparation
Earn It! Keep It! Save It! is our free tax preparation service that helps people that qualify get their maximum refunds, as well as secure ITINs for migrants, refugees and asylees.
Why? Life changing refunds help pay bills, save for the future, and provide opportunity to repair historical systemic barriers, discriminatory policies, and limited access to wealth accumulation. EKS services bring millions of dollars back into our local economy.
WORKPLACE GIVING
Workplace Giving partners with local corporations to launch and run employee giving campaigns.
Why? Employees build a culture of giving and caring for others when they work collectively with the common goal and shared purpose of supporting our local community. Through our giving campaigns, we help local businesses meet their Corporate Social Responsibility goals and be a part of a larger movement to eradicate social and financial inequity.