Overview

United Way of Northwest Indiana’s Level Up program serves residents in Lake, Porter, Starke, Newton, and Jasper counties providing assistance to the struggling by allowing the working poor to break through barriers to obtain higher-paying, good-quality jobs that create a better life for them and their families. The workforce development program looks to expand our services by hiring four Family Career Navigators, two Financial Wellness Navigators, and two support staff to grow into a regional program. Program services are provided in partnership with Catholic Charities, Northwest Indiana Community Action, Geminus, WorkOne, Boys & Girls Club, Ivy Tech Community College, area trade schools, and others. Program expansion will begin Fall 2022 with completion by the end of 2026. Evaluation of the program will be ongoing to determine gaps in service and bring on additional hires as needed. Our goal is to help clients change the trajectory of their lives. Over the last two years, over 200 people have graduated, becoming more financially stable, and breaking generational poverty chains. Eighty percent of participants have been single mothers. Over the next three years, we look to assist 800 more individuals with our 5-year goal being to help 1,000 households. Funding support is provided by individual, corporate, and foundation donors. Major partners include James W. and Betty Dye Foundation, John W. Anderson Foundation, Indiana United Ways, and the Lilly Foundation.