Growing one great step closer toward enhancing financial stability and career advancement in Porter County, United Way Northwest Indiana has been awarded a $10,000 grant from the Porter County Community Foundation (PCCF). The grant will specifically support United Way Northwest Indiana’s Level Up program, a comprehensive workforce development and economic mobility initiative designed to assist working individuals, particularly Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed (ALICE) families in achieving greater financial security and career progression.
The Level Up program is designed to address the root causes of financial instability for residents of Porter County. Participants in the program, who are typically employed but struggling to make ends meet, receive one-on-one coaching from Family Career Navigators, financial education counseling, career planning support, and access to vital community resources such as childcare, emergency car repairs, and job training. The program is tailored to meet the specific needs of each participant, to help them "level up" their careers and increase their income, thereby breaking the cycle of living paycheck to paycheck.
“One of our goals is to look at root causes for the residents of Porter County,” said Ben Cipra, grant manager of United Way Northwest Indiana. “The Level Up Program starts with these root causes of working individuals who want to level up their careers and increase their income so they can get out of that perpetual cycle of living paycheck to paycheck. We provide many components where a resident can have those root causes addressed, such as reliable transportation, childcare, and job training.”
This $10,000 grant will have a widespread impact within the Porter County community, benefiting numerous individuals and participants in the program. The Level Up program is a key part of United Way Northwest Indiana's long-term vision for promoting economic stability across the Region.
“We're very grateful to the PCCF for this grant to assist the residents of Porter County who are constantly struggling with barriers such as childcare, healthcare, education, and transportation,” said Rich Shields, chief marketing & development officer of United Way Northwest Indiana.
The Level Up program is already making a substantial difference in the lives of Porter County residents. It empowers individuals to achieve financial freedom by guiding them through personal perseverance and self-improvement. While the program’s success is driven by the client’s own efforts, Family Career Navigators play a crucial role in coaching, providing feedback, and connecting participants with essential resources.
“Our longstanding partnership with United Way is very important to us, said Jeri Pat Gabbert,” executive vice president and chief philanthropic officer of PCCF. “Our goal is to continue to support Porter County nonprofits and programs, like Level Up, that make our community a great place to live.” ,
The program not only assists participants in achieving financial stability but also supports broader life goals. By the time clients graduate, many experience significant improvements in their circumstances, including increased earnings and the peace of mind that comes with financial security.
The $10,000 grant from PCCF represents more than just financial support, it is an investment in the future of Porter County. Through this program, United Way Northwest Indiana, in partnership with PCCF, is making a noticeable difference in the lives of those who need it most, helping them break the cycle of financial instability and build a brighter future for themselves and their families. This collaboration highlights the power of community-driven projects in creating long-term economic stability.
To learn more about United Way Northwest Indiana and its Level Up program, visit its website at unitedwaynwi.org/level-up.
