2022-2023 Impact Report

7,427

Total Individuals Served

(3,620 NEW Individuals)

In FY 2022-2023

13,514

Total Services Provided

(6,193 Basic Needs

Services Provided)

In FY 2022-2023

$123,303

Financial Assistance to Tri-County Individuals and Families (via initiatives by TUW and our partners)

In FY 2022-2023

In an economy where there are many jobs available, it can be difficult to understand why some people in our community may remain unemployed. In fact, unless you have experienced poverty or homelessness, the idea of a “barrier to employment” may have never crossed your mind. These barriers can include anything that could make employment difficult or even impossible, such as lack of adequate housing, clothing, food, transportation, childcare, uniforms, steel-toe boots or other equipment required to perform certain occupations.

Trident United Way’s Resource Connection Centers see community members experiencing barriers to employment on a regular basis and are able to utilize our Barriers to Employment Fund to help these neighbors obtain and sustain employment. This can be transformational not only for the person starting a new job, but for their entire family for years to come. 
 
Recently, a client at the Dorchester Resource Connection Center needed to purchase a pair of work pants required for their new job. They would not have the funds for the pants until receiving their first paycheck, but could not begin the job without them. 

Through Trident United Way’s Barriers to Employment Fund, our case manager was able to purchase and send a week’s worth of pants and a pair of non-slip shoes to the client’s home. 

While the investment was relatively small in terms of funding, it enabled the client to begin work knowing they had all the materials they needed to show up prepared and succeed in their new position. “This was truly a godsend,” they said when they called to thank the case manager.
 

15,050

Total Calls in Tri-County

19,238

Total Referrals in Tri-County

283,431

Website Visits Statewide

In our Tri-County community we have families of all shapes and sizes. Many homes are multi-generational, and many grandparents have full custody of their grandchildren. Because every family looks different, income, schedules and abilities to work vary in each situation. Trident United Way sees all of our Tri-County families and works to meet each where they are to provide the supports that would be most impactful to their financial stability.

Margaret has custody of her granddaughter, who is still too young to attend public school. She also works and is the sole earner for her family. Like many caregivers, Margaret struggles with the balance of work and childcare, and she relies on the generous support of friends and family to watch her granddaughter while she is at work. Unfortunately, when she doesn’t have someone to watch her, she has to miss a shift, which means she regularly forgoes a portion of her monthly income.

With the support of the Dorchester Resource Connection Center, Trident United Way was able to connect Margaret to HALOS to obtain childcare and HELP of Summerville to assist with some unpaid bills. TUW also worked with Margaret to create a budget and develop a course of action until her granddaughter is of school age. Margaret was excited about the resources we were able to provide and relieved to have a plan forward for herself and her family.

Now, knowing that she has safe, accessible childcare for her granddaughter, Margaret can work the hours needed to make ends meet. The relief from this constant source of stress also allows her to have more focused time with her granddaughter, which will set her up for greater success when she is ready to attend school.

3,230

volunteers gave their time in service to our organization or to the community through Trident United Way-led events

10,000+

hours of volunteer time generously given to our community

$320,480

in estimated value of volunteer time in service to the community

In Berkeley County, Mary, a 56-year-old woman, found herself living alone this summer when her husband unexpectedly passed away. This left her without income or insurance, and she was not yet eligible to access her Social Security benefits. These financial constraints heightened Mary’s health struggles, as she is unable to eat gluten without getting sick, and fresh foods were now proving to be cost-prohibitive. She first reached out to local food banks but found many of the items offered didn’t support her dietary restrictions.

Mary isn’t alone. Food insecurity, defined as the intermittent lack of access to sufficient food for an active, healthy life, looms large in the Tri-County. Census data and other studies indicate that 56% of those food-insecure qualify for SNAP benefits, yet only 8.1% utilize this assistance. Feeding America reports that over 22,000 people in the county grapple with food insecurity. Furthermore, 24% of residents find supermarkets out of easy reach, and a significant 34.8% contend with obesity.

Seeing this critical need, Trident United Way launched the FoodShare Berkeley County program, sponsored by our corporate partner, Nucor. This initiative provides a sustainable pathway to preventive healthcare and financial stability.

One day, Mary was shopping at a local resale store when she happened upon a flyer for FoodShare Berkeley County. She was able to sign up for a large box of fresh fruits and vegetables for just $20 (equivalent to roughly $40 of produce at a grocery store). With the support of Trident United Way’s staff, she also applied for SNAP benefits. A few weeks later she was approved and began receiving the same large box of produce for just $5.

Now, Mary’s kitchen boasts a range of nutritious dishes that support her budget and her dietary needs. In fact, the box holds so much produce she is able to share it with a neighbor who is living in a similar situation to her own.

“It was a lifesaver,” said Mary. “Fresh food that is affordable to me, healthy for me and helped me to not get sick has been so incredible. I share flyers with as many people as I can. I want everyone to know about this program.”

*Originally published on the United Way Worldwide blog