United Way Northwest Indiana was awarded a $45,000 grant and selected to participate in Microsoft’s highly regarded TechSpark Fellowship program. This recognition marks a major step forward in our mission to strengthen our community and prepare our workforce for the future.

As part of the TechSpark Fellowship, United Way Northwest Indiana will launch a groundbreaking workforce development program over the next 12 months, with direct support and guidance from Microsoft. The initiative will focus on upskilling our local workforce in artificial intelligence (AI)—a technology rapidly transforming industries worldwide. By equipping individuals with AI skills, we aim to give Northwest Indiana residents a competitive edge in the emerging job market.

The Great Lakes region is quickly becoming a hub for AI-focused businesses, with Detroit, Pittsburgh, and Madison leading the charge. Northwest Indiana now has a unique opportunity to position itself as a strong competitor in this growing industry—but only if we invest in workforce development early. Microsoft’s selection of our community as a fellow demonstrates their confidence in our ability to rise to this challenge.

“This program is about more than technology—it’s about opportunity,” said Chris White President and CEO of United Way Northwest Indiana. “By preparing our workforce with the skills businesses are looking for, we’re not only helping people secure meaningful careers, we’re strengthening the economic future of Northwest Indiana.”

With Microsoft’s partnership and resources, United Way Northwest Indiana is poised to make a lasting impact, ensuring that our region is ready for the workforce of tomorrow—today.

Stay tuned as we share updates on the program’s progress, stories from participants, and the ways this initiative will transform careers and communities across Northwest Indiana.

Recently, our team received a powerful message from Brienne Hooker, our valued partner at the Jasper-Newton Foundation. Her note underscores exactly why collaboration matters — and how, when we work together, we can change the trajectory of an entire family’s life.

“We were made aware of a situation at our local school of a family that is in imminent danger of being homeless. They reached out to the school counselor, who called me.

I was able to connect them with Robin at United Way Northwest Indiana where she has been offering financial counseling and immediate help with potential negotiation on mortgage and car payments and family budgeting. She is also working to see if they can stabilize the family and try to connect the dad to a new work opportunity with his skills. His workplace is closing (which I verified).

This is what I dreamed our partnership would be like with United Way.

Without United Way — this family would 100% be homeless and without any hope in the next two weeks. We now have a way to prevent that from happening. There is a ton of value in this work for my community.”

Because someone reached out — and because our community partners are deeply committed to the families they serve — hope arrived in time.

Thanks to the compassionate and dedicated work of Robin Wright and our United Way Northwest Indiana team, this family is now connected to emergency assistance, financial counseling, housing stabilization support, and job-seeking resources. Together, we are helping them stay in their home and regain stability during an incredibly difficult moment.

This is the impact we strive for in Jasper and Newton Counties — and it is becoming a reality.

This is the power of your generosity. This is what it means to invest in real, local impact.

Thank you for helping families stay housed, hopeful, and on the path to opportunity.

When you give, neighbors don’t face crisis alone. Lives truly change — because of you.

At United Way Northwest Indiana, we believe that strong communities are built when we come together. Your generosity fuels life-changing work — opening doors to opportunity, strengthening families, and building a more resilient Region where everyone can thrive.

Today, we proudly recognize the individuals, businesses, and partners who have made significant contributions to support our mission. Your investment creates lasting impact across our community, and we are deeply grateful for your leadership and commitment.

Thank you to our most recent major donors for your extraordinary generosity

• Anderson Foundation $550,000

• James and Betty Dye Foundation – $50,000

• First Things First Porter County $50,000

• Fifth Third Bank   $25,000 

• First Financial Foundation – $25,000

• BP $20,000 

Crown Point, IN – June 13, 2025 — United Way of Northwest Indiana is teaming up with Jersey Mike’s Subs in Crown Point for a special one-day fundraiser with a big impact.

On Friday, June 13, 50% of all proceeds from the Jersey Mike’s Crown Point location will be donated to United Way Northwest Indiana. The funds will support critical local programs that empower families, strengthen communities, and provide resources for those in need across the region.

Whether you’re grabbing lunch with coworkers or picking up dinner for the family, your sub purchase on June 13 helps drive real change right here in Crown Point.

This partnership is part of United Way’s ongoing mission to build stronger, healthier, and more resilient communities through collaboration and generosity.

📍 Jersey Mike’s Subs – Crown Point
📆 Friday, June 13, 2025
⏰ All day
💙 50% of proceeds benefit United Way of Northwest Indiana

Want to help but can’t make it to the store?

You can still support our mission to build a better Northwest Indiana. Every contribution helps us uplift more families and strengthen our communities.

Shoppers can round up their totals June 9–15 to support local families in need

United Way of Northwest Indiana is proud to announce that it has been selected as the featured nonprofit for an upcoming Checkout Challenge campaign at all 23 Strack & Van Til and Town & Country grocery stores across the Region.

From Monday, June 9 through Sunday, June 15, shoppers will have the opportunity to support United Way’s mission by simply saying “yes” at checkout to rounding up their total to the nearest dollar. The extra change from each purchase will go directly toward funding programs that help build stronger communities through financial stability, youth success, resilient neighborhoods, and healthy families.

We are incredibly grateful to Strack & Van Til and Town & Country for their continued support of our mission. This campaign is an easy and powerful way for everyday shoppers to make a difference in the lives of their neighbors. When we come together as a community, even small acts of generosity—like rounding up your total—can lead to big change.”

The funds raised during this week-long initiative will help United Way of Northwest Indiana expand access to critical services, support local nonprofit partners, and deliver resources through signature programs like Level Up, which helps residents overcome barriers and achieve long-term stability.

Strack & Van Til and Town & Country have long been champions for local causes, and their Round Up campaigns have generated thousands of dollars for area nonprofits. This partnership reflects the shared commitment to strengthening communities across all our counties.

So whether you’re shopping for your family, planning a summer cookout, or stopping in for a quick pickup—your rounded-up total will make a real difference.

Want to help but can’t make it to the store?

Click Donate Now to support our mission to build a better Northwest Indiana. Every contribution helps us uplift more families and strengthen our communities.

Merrillville, IN – May 1, 2025 – United Way Northwest Indiana proudly accepted a $10,000 donation from the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 150 during a special check presentation ceremony held on May 1, 2025, at their local Merrillville office.

David Fagan Financial Secretary of Local 150 presented the check to the United Way, including Pete Smith, Labor Liaison and Shannon Buck Regional Account Executive. This generous contribution underscores Local 150’s continued commitment to uplifting communities throughout Northwest Indiana.

“We are incredibly grateful for the generosity of Local 150,” said Pete Smith. “This partnership is a testament to the power of collective action. With support like this, we’re able to reach deeper into the communities we serve and provide people with the resources and opportunities they need to thrive.”

United Way Northwest Indiana seeks to improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of our community to advance the common good. The organization focuses on four key pillars: Financial Security, Youth Opportunity, Healthy Individuals, and Resilient Communities. Through its core initiatives, Level Up, and a network of nonprofit partners, United Way Northwest Indiana helps individuals remove barriers to success, gain skills, and access resources to build a foundation for long-term success.

David Fagan spoke about the importance of organized labor investing back into the communities it helps build. “Our members are not only workers—they’re neighbors, parents, and community leaders. We’re proud to partner with United Way Northwest Indiana because they do more than talk about change—they make it happen.”

The $10,000 donation will help support programs that strengthen communities and provide resources for individuals and families working toward a better future. These services aim to address root causes of poverty and hardship—creating sustainable, long-term solutions for individuals and families across the Region.

“Every dollar makes a difference, and this gift from Local 150 will have a real impact on local lives,” said Shannon Buck. “When we unite with community-minded partners like the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 150, we multiply our impact.”

To learn more about United Way Northwest Indiana or to join the movement to build stronger communities, visit www.unitedwaynwi.org

#

About United Way Northwest Indiana

United Way Northwest Indiana is a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to improving lives across Lake, Porter, Jasper Newton and Starke counties. We have been at the forefront of creating positive community impact through strategic initiatives in education, financial stability, and health. Our mission is to mobilize the caring power of our community to advance the common good, tackling local challenges with innovative solutions and collaborative partnerships.

Through our flagship Level Up Program and community-driven initiatives, United Way Northwest Indiana strives to foster lasting change and improve the quality of life for all residents. We are committed to building a stronger, more resilient Northwest Indiana.

For more information on how you can join us in making a difference, visit www.unitedwaynwi.org or follow us on social media.

We’ve doubled down on our core focus: improving the lives of hardworking but struggling ALICE families (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed). When we think of financial hardship, we often picture those in extreme poverty—families struggling with homelessness or unable to afford necessities. But there is another significant group in our communities, one that works hard every day yet still struggles to make ends meet.

In Northwest Indiana, ALICE represents a significant portion of our population. These families work hard—often at multiple jobs—but still struggle to keep up with the cost of living. They earn too much to qualify for many assistance programs but not enough to cover essential expenses like housing, childcare, transportation, and healthcare. One unexpected expense—a car repair, medical bill, or reduced work schedule—can trigger a financial crisis.

The harsh truth is that more than one in four hardworking families is on the edge of survival. These families face impossible choices every day: put gas in the car to get to work, or buy their child’s cough medicine? United Way Northwest Indiana believes that no working family should be forced to make these types of decisions.

Our signature Level Up program provides personalized support, job training, and financial coaching. It isn’t one-size-fits-all—it’s about meeting people where they are and creating paths to long-term success. By equipping individuals with education, workforce connections, and financial literacy, we empower them to break free from financial instability. To date, 250 participants have completed the program, with 251 currently working with our navigators and 20-30 new participants joining monthly. Graduates typically see at least a 20% increase in household income and improved credit scores, leaving the program positioned to thrive and on the path to stability and home ownership.

We’re expanding our Charity Tracker network, which currently coordinates services between more than 60 partner agencies. Since launch, our partners have provided over $20 million in assistance to more than 80,000 individuals.

In the coming months, we’ll enhance our regional volunteer coordination capabilities and strengthen our data analysis to ensure resources have maximum impact.

The challenges facing our communities—from food insecurity to mental health needs, from affordable housing to educational achievement gaps—require sustained, collaborative efforts. United Way Northwest Indiana is uniquely positioned to coordinate these efforts and drive meaningful change. We’re building on our successful merger by deepening our community partnerships, expanding our donor base, and implementing innovative solutions to persistent challenges.

As we mark three years since our historic merger, we renew our commitment to being a catalyst for positive change across Northwest Indiana. We invite everyone—individuals, businesses, and organizations—to join us in this vital work. Together, we can build a stronger, more equitable region where every person has the opportunity to thrive.

Our merger was more than an organizational change—it was a promise to our communities. Today, with the continued support of our generous donors and dedicated partners, we are fulfilling that promise, creating positive change that reaches every corner of Northwest Indiana. United, we break down barriers for struggling families. United, we provide paths to financial stability. United, we build hope and strong communities.

We believe that thriving communities begin with thriving families, and your support of United Way Northwest Indiana makes that possible. You are part of the solution. Together, we can make a difference for families in our community.

United is the Way.