On a mission to bridge opportunity gaps across the Region, United Way Northwest Indiana recently received a $7,500 grant from the Everwise Foundation to support its transformative Level Up program on Monday, May 19. The grant presentation brought together representatives from Everwise Credit Union and the United Way Northwest Indiana team to celebrate shared efforts in uplifting individuals one step away from financial instability.
“Level Up is not a cookie-cutter program,” said Robin Wright, United Way Northwest Indiana’s senior director of community impact. “It’s holistic—body, mind, soul—and we meet people where they are.”
The Level Up program focuses on individuals in the ALICE income population—those who are Asset Limited, Income Constrained, but Employed. These individuals often find themselves earning too much to qualify for traditional assistance but still struggle to meet basic needs.
“They’re one car repair or one disaster away from complete financial ruin,” Wright said.
With personalized support, participants gain access to financial literacy tools, tuition assistance, job placement services, and wraparound guidance such as emotional and childcare support.
Chiquita Yancey-Scott, a Level Up navigator, works directly with participants to identify barriers and help them stay the course.
“Often, when clients come in, they’re fearful,” Yancey-Scott said. “Their life hasn’t been easy, but we help them work through those fears and move forward.”
She shared the story of a 23-year-old participant who entered the program unsure of his path. After earning his commercial driver’s license (CDL), he secured a union job, became financially independent, and proposed to his longtime girlfriend.
“He’s now making well over $50,000 a year,” Yancey-Scott said. “It’s life-changing.”
Another client completed a certification in sterile processing and secured a position at a veterinarian’s office.
“She just kept pushing,” Yancey-Scott said. “Boom, boom, boom—everything is in order. She’s making more money and has a clear path forward.”
That upward momentum is echoed in the data. According to Chris White, United Way northwest Indiana’s president and CEO, participants increased their income from an average of $16 per hour to $22 per hour upon completing the program—a $12,000 annual increase.
“That’s just their first job out,” White said. “We know many go on to earn even more within months as they prove themselves.”
Beyond career development, the Level Up program offers extensive financial counseling. Heather Szakacs, United Way Northwest Indiana’s financial counselor, helps participants uncover small but meaningful ways to improve their budgets and credit.
“Many don’t even realize how much they’re spending on subscriptions or cell phone add-ons,” Szakacs said. “Once we look at their finances together, it clicks.”
One of her proudest success stories was helping a participant increase their credit score by 132 points in under five months. That individual later bought a home, breaking out of the rent cycle.
“I worked with my own husband on credit repair, so I know how powerful it is,” Szakacs said.
United Way Northwest Indiana sees these changes ripple beyond individuals and into families. As participants gain confidence, many return to school, pursue higher education, and inspire their children to do the same.
“Some of our moms tell us their kids are proud of them and can’t wait to go to college, too,” Wright said. “We’re helping generations rise together.”
Everwise Foundation has supported United Way Northwest Indiana for years, and its team expressed a strong interest in staying involved beyond the check presentation. They hope to collaborate on events like the upcoming Day of Caring on August 1 and a financial wellness seminar series that United Way Northwest Indiana plans to launch across local communities.
“We really want to bring people together,” White said. “United Way Northwest Indiana is about lighting a spark and watching it grow.”
The need is urgent. White shared recent data showing that to be financially stable in Lake or Porter County, an individual must earn over $30,000 annually. For a family of four, that threshold climbs to over $79,000.
“That’s a preschooler and a kindergartener at home. Families are barely hanging on,” White said. “We’re talking about 80,000 households in our region that fall into this ALICE category.”
Through partnerships like the one with Everwise Foundation, United Way Northwest Indiana hopes to expand its reach and impact more lives. The Level Up program is more than workforce development—it’s a path to dignity, independence, and possibility.
“Many of our clients were afraid to dream,” Wright said. “Now they know they can dream—and achieve.”
To learn more about the Level Up program or United Way Northwest Indiana, visit its website at unitedwaynwi.org.
