what we do
The Truth is
LACK OF OPPORTUNITY AFFECTS US ALL
“We succeed as a society where everyone has the opportunity to reach their full potential. Well-educated citizens and well-trained workers make for a strong democracy and economy.”
LISA BLUNT ROCHESTER, United States Senator from Delaware
WE UNITE PEOPLE, ORGANIZATIONS & RESOURCES TO FIGHT ISSUES CAUSED BY LONG-STANDING INEQUALITY.
Alongside our partners, we help create opportunities for men, women, and children throughout Delaware and Salem County (NJ).
Grade Level Reading
GRADE LEVEL READING
We provide academic support to young learners to ensure reading proficiency by 3rd grade.
Career & College Success
CAREER & COLLEGE SUCCESS
We help young people acquire valuable knowledge and skills, explore career pathways, and retain reliable employment.
Financial Empowerment
FINANCIAL EMPOWERMENT
We guide individuals and families to economic stability and financial empowerment.
Racial Equity & Social Justice
RACIAL EQUITY & SOCIAL JUSTICE
We work to eliminate inequity created by centuries of racial, social, and economic oppression.
We’re All Connected:
HOW THE UWDE NETWORK DRIVES CHANGE IN THE COMMUNITY
We never work alone. For over 75 years, we’ve relied on individual, community, government, and corporate partners to help us in the trenches. Without our network, we wouldn’t be able to create and invest in programs, partner with other organizations, and mobilize people to create a tidal wave of impact throughout our region.
Hover over image to learn about our partner network:
United Way of Delaware
The DuPont Company
Burris Logistics
Children & Families First
Boys & Girls Club of Delaware
Foodbank of Delaware
The State of Delaware
Salem County (NJ)
The Arc Salem County
First State Community Action
Donor
Donor
Donor
Donor
Donor
Volunteer
Volunteer
United Way of Delaware
The DuPont Company
Burris Logistics
Children & Families First
Boys & Girls Club of Delaware
Foodbank of Delaware
The State of Delaware
Salem County (NJ)
The Arc Salem County
First State Community Action
Donor
Donor
Donor
Donor
Donor
Volunteer
Volunteer
Create Programs
We design our programs to help children read better, prepare young people for career or college success, and put adults on the path to financial stability.
Invest in Initatives
We invest in community partner programs that align with our core initiatives: Grade Level Reading, College & Career Success, and Financial Stability.
Provide Support
We partner with other non-profits organizations to help them strengthen their mission, amplify their impact, and reach more people within our community.
Mobilize Community
Finally, we encourage families, individuals, and corporations to join us as we fight to improve life for everyone living in Delaware and Salem County (NJ).
FEATURED PROGRAMS
GET DELAWARE READING
The combined efforts of community organizations, government agencies, and businesses to ensure more children in Delaware's low-income neighborhoods do well in school and graduate prepared for future success.
STAND BY ME
A collaboration between United Way of Delaware, State of Delaware, and other partner organizations - Stand By Me provides free, private, one-on-one financial coaching to help Delawareans achieve their money goals.
Reading Angels
Foster a love for reading through one-on-one virtual reading sessions with our children. All sessions are recorded and shared digitally so they can be watched anytime, anywhere.
ALICE
ALICE is an acronym for "Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed." Many in Delaware and Salem County (NJ) are one unexpected expense away from financial crisis. United for ALICE is a nationwide initiative created to support our hardworking neighbors in need.
MY VERY OWN LIBRARY
Made possible by partnerships with Scholastic®, DuPont, Global Shapers, and the University of Chicago, MVOL provides free, brand-new books to students so they can build a personal home library.
Delaware 211
Since 2005 Delaware 211 has provided residents with an easy way to get connected to help with essential health and human services. Our 24/7 support is available 365 days a year to all Delaware and Salem County (NJ) residents.
STAY CONNECTED TO COMMUNITY!
Hear the stories that make The First State a special place. Sign up and you'll receive news, events, and opportunities that help build a better future for all.