HELP 20 LOCAL FAMILIES

A car is more than 2,000 lbs and a way to get from point A to point B. A reliable vehicle gives individuals and families the ability to keep their jobs, make appointments, and access childcare. It’s the key that unlocks the door to financial stability.

Driving Lives Forward connect economically-disadvantaged families with reliable vehicles and affordable auto loan financing, providing not only safe transportation, but, importantly, a way to establish sustaining employment and create or improve credit history – critical for access to affordable capital and future financial growth.

Open Doors to Opportunity!

With your help, we can assist 20 local families in purchasing reliable vehicles at fair and honest interest rates. Each dollar you contribute helps one of these 20 families finance a vehicle of their own and gets them closer to owning a car that will help them get to work, get to school, and get to a financially sustainable future.

DONATE TO DRIVING LIVES FORWARD

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE PROGRAM

SETTING THE TABLE FOR A COMMUNITY CONVERSATION

At the United Way of Greater Charlottesville, we believe that when people from all backgrounds come together, the result is a stronger, more vibrant community. How do we do this? Our three impact areas of School Readiness, Financial Stability, and Connected Community inform our mission and vision.

MISSION

The United Way of Greater Charlottesville connects our community, enabling individuals and families to achieve their potential.

VISION

A strong, equitable community where every person can thrive.

OUR CORE VALUES

HUMILITY

We approach our work humbly and with respect.

COMPASSION

We honor and see the dignity in our fellow community members.

EQUITY

We are committed to promoting equity internally and through our public-facing programs.

ADVOCACY

We speak up for the voiceless so that they may speak for themselves.

CONVICTION

Regardless of the challenge or cost, we aim to do what is right.

COLLABORATION

We work with community members, non-profits, and corporate partners to build more vibrant communities

OUR FOCUS INTO ACTION

SCHOOL READINESS

154%

How much more likely kindergartners living in poverty are to fail literacy benchmarks.

Our goal is to close the opportunity gap by promoting strategies to provide all children with the most appropriate and effective early services, supports, and high-quality early childcare and education.

>> Learn about Early Learner Scholarships

FINANCIAL STABILITY

25%

of the Charlottesville population lives in poverty, placing our community near the bottom of localities across the US.

Our goal is to help adults who are on the path to becoming financially stable and economically-independent by supporting customized, holistic solutions that address obstacles encountered along the way.

>> Learn about Tax Assistance

CONNECTED COMMUNITY

2,500

local residents attended our events in 2019, including Community Table, Day of Caring, and the Relay for Community Health.

The United Way connects, convenes, and supports the collaboration of organizations in our community. Among this network, we are able to identify needs in the community and work toward collaborative goals.

>> Connect With Your Community

PROUD TO BE A CHARITY NAVIGATOR 4 STAR ORGANIZATION

Only 25% of the charities we evaluate have received at least 3 consecutive 4-star evaluations, indicating that United Way – Thomas Jefferson Area outperforms most other charities in America.