United Way Capital Area Stories
Manessa
East Austin
Meet Manessa. Two years ago, she was unemployed with a young child. Lacking a high school diploma, she was taking classes to obtain her GED. Manessa knew that a GED was just the first step toward a better life. She dreamed of a career and a nice home. However, in order to make her dream come true she needed help.
CONNECTING TO VITAL SERVICES
United Way Capital Area (UWCA) was built on the belief that together, we can accomplish more than any individual or organization can alone. It’s why UWCA invests your dollars in three focus areas: education, income and health. By giving to UWCA you help Manessa and other Central Texas families connect to vital services and programs.
Stepping in to help Manessa was UWCA partner, Capital IDEA. To escape the cycle of poverty, Manessa needed more than just a GED. She received additional education and training through a program that paid for her tuition, books and childcare. She got connected with local employers to identify fast-growing fields in Austin. It was just the right path for Manessa.
In Texas, more than one-third (38%) of working families are low income with earnings lower than twice the federal poverty level. UWCA knows that families need broad support to become financially stable. We connect them to programs that provide additional training or educational opportunities so they can broaden their job opportunities. We also look deeper to ensure that their other living needs are met.
A DIFFERENT LIFE
Life is much different today for Manessa and her family. She’s a college graduate with an associate’s degree in Accounting. She has a steady paycheck as she was hired as an accounts payable administrator. Her husband is following in her footsteps and working on his degree. They are a stronger, happier family who is poised to move out of transitional housing into their own home and are better prepared to parent their son.
Give generously today to help Austin’s most vulnerable families and children get connected to the services they need to improve their lives. It’s because you care that United Way Capital Area is making lasting change in Austin and Central Texas.
