CINCINNATI (September 28, 2022) —

Dear United Way Friends,

Recently, I embarked on a listening tour around the region and met many individuals from all walks of life to ask, “What are you struggling with? What does help look like? How can we build a system of support for you?” They all shared their day-to-day struggles, as well as their hopes and dreams for their families.

Our conversations were genuine and familiar. Let me explain.

Most of my career has revolved around social work and case management. I spent 25 years with Hamilton County Job and Family Services. I know the stress, trauma and fear that hang over families in crisis. Poverty, food insecurity, a lack of affordable housing: these issues are persistent and systemic.

I am also witness to the resiliency and hope of neighbors who simply want the best for their families and their children – what we all want.

No matter what we look like or where we come from, everyone wants to provide for their family in the way they think is best. And everyone deserves that opportunity.

That is why these listening tours are so important. Enlisting those we serve to help us refine our systems – that are designed to serve them – drives real results for our community.

Through UWGC’s six systems changes focus areas – Housing First, NextGen Success, Equitable Economic Mobility, Improved Prevention/Stronger Communities, Ready Kids/Resilient Families and Responding to Community Need – we are driving real change so more families thrive.

One tour is not enough – but trust that we will continue to listen. We will act. Your generosity makes this important work possible. Thank you.

Get to know neighbors we met on our listening tour – Seante, Lisa and April – in this short video above.

Sincerely,

Moira Weir
President & CEO
United Way of Greater Cincinnati