August E-News - Progress Towards Financial Prosperity

Pathway to Prosperity:

Empowering People to Earn, Keep and Grow Assets for Financial Independence

So many of our Broward County neighbors do not earn enough money to meet their basic needs. For these families struggling to survive, unable to save for a home or retirement, United Way of Broward County is here to help.

Our goal is to address the obstacles preventing hard-working families from getting ahead financially by educating them on how to increase earnings and income ("earn it"), reduce financial transaction costs ("keep it"), and build wealth ("grow it"). This model will help low-income families overcome a range of obstacles and advance economically, putting them on a path toward economic stability and success.

Just a few United Way funded programs helping residents achieve their financial goals include: Ways to Work, BankOn, and the Center for Working Families' Free Tax Assistance program via the Mobile Resource Center. Continue reading our "Pathway to Prosperity" edition e-newsletter to learn about some exciting new programs, as well as existing programs continuing to make an incredible difference in the lives of those who need it most.



Over the past two decades, the cost of living in the United States has increased almost 90%, while average incomes have only increased 25%.

South Florida United Ways Partner to Launch Major Asset Building Initiative

United Ways of Broward, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach Counties announced the launch of BankOn South Florida, an asset-building campaign for individuals to increase their financial stability. The initiative focuses on low-income households who are either unbanked (no checking or savings account) or under-banked (have an account, but continue to rely on alternative financial services), and will work to strengthen their financial future through financial education and affordable bank accounts. To learn more about BankOn South Florida, click here.



Many families in our community are struggling to make ends meet, living paycheck to paycheck and incurring increased debt to meet financial demands. These conditions make families more vulnerable to crises and prevent them from saving for advanced education, housing, transportation or retirement.

Marv Bazile, Gale Butler, Jeff Faulkner, Dan Villani and Art Novak at the official Ways to Work Launch Event

Ways to Work Program Launched in Broward County

Ways to Work is a national community lending organization that offers low- to moderate-income families access to low-cost loans to purchase or repair pre-owned cars. A new metro branch of Ways to Work was recently launched in Broward County through United Way and a host of community partners. To date, nearly 100 residents have been introduced to the program and three loans have been approved. To read more about the Ways to Work program, click here.



Your gift of $20 per weekly paycheck could provide emergency financial assistance for housing, utilities and medication for 23 low-income families and seniors.

Taking it to the Streets:

Free Tax Assistance Brings Nearly $520,000 Back into Broward

In collaboration with community partners, United Way of

Broward County is proud to announce the success of the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) program that provided free tax assistance to low-income families through the Mobile Resource Center. This year's refunds totaled nearly $520,000 to the Broward community from tax assistance provided on the Mobile Resource Center, an increase of 17% from last year. To learn more about the EITC and to view a list of community partners, click here.

A happy client shaking the hand of a Hispanic Unity Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) worker aboard the Mobile Resource Center after having his taxes filed for free.

Upcoming Events

Women's Leadership Council

Power of the Purse

Connecting on the Fly

Wednesday, September 12

11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Nova Southeastern University

For more info, click here.

Rock United

Saturday, September 22

5:00 - 10:00 p.m.

Revolution Live

For more info, click here.

Rock United

Women's Leadership Council

Magnolia Luncheon

Thursday, November 8

11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Hyatt Regency Pier Sixty-Six

For more info, click here.



Reliable transportation is critical to breaking the cycle of poverty. It is proven when families have access to reliable transportation, incomes increase and access to education and healthcare improves.

Help United Way Continue to Make a Difference

United Way of Broward County is committed to mobilizing the resources of our community and finding common sense solutions to problems facing Broward County. Help us continue to achieve great work by making an online donation today. Click here.



An average unbanked individual will spend $1,000 - $2,000 annually in fees simply to cash paychecks from check-cashing stores and from payday loans.