Bank of America Charitable Foundation awards $70,000 to United Way’s multi-generational family stabilization services

Listen to this article

Bank of America Charitable Foundation awarded $70,000 to United Way of the Midlands’ Two-Generation programming, which includes the new Young Men United program.

United Way’s Two-Generation approach for families provides long-term case management to improve workforce skills and employment, while addressing barriers to their path to financial stability and independence. Services are also provided to the children and youth in the family to ensure they have strong, resilient foundations.

“As we invest in the future, we believe in empowering communities today,”
said Nicole Scott, Bank of America Columbia Market Executive. “We remain committed to working with United Way and other community partners to advance economic mobility by addressing issues related to workforce development and education, community development and basic needs. These proven programs have shown success and are making significant impacts in the lives of those who need it most, for generations to come.”

Young Men United (YMU) is an evidence-informed initiative to create barrier-free pathways for young Black men to reach their academic and career dreams. YMU brings wrap-around supports to male high school-aged students to succeed in college. The program provides students with the following supports: mentorship, family financial support to ensure their educational journey is not interrupted, civic engagement, paid internships, technology supports, professional and workplace development, and job placement assistance.

“We are grateful for the generous support from the Bank of America Charitable Foundation,” said Sara Fawcett, President & CEO of United Way of the Midlands. “Their investment underscores our commitment to guaranteeing good for generations to come.”

YMU launched its pilot cohort in the 2022-2023 school year with 26 students from Eau Claire High School and Richland Northeast High School, with plans to scale to 200 students over the next five years.

To learn more about UWM’s Two-Generation work or to sign up to become a YMU mentor, visit www.uway.org/ymu.

About United Way of the Midlands
United Way of the Midlands is the most collaborative, efficient and accountable model for investing in the improvement of the Midlands community. With 70 Community Impact Partners, United Way works to identify and respond to the critical human service needs of Calhoun, Fairfield, Lexington, Newberry, Orangeburg and Richland counties. Funds are raised through workplace campaigns, grant writing and individual donations and are directed to creating generational change by breaking cycles of crisis and empowering people to build their own paths to success. For more information, please visit uway.org.