“Earn it, Keep it, Grow it.” This is the motto at the Center for Strong Families, a United Way of Pierce County initiative that helps families elevate their economic situation through an innovative two-pronged approach. Offering both  employment coaching and financial counseling, the Center for Strong Families helps its clients get a bird’s eye view of their financial picture. By looking at both sides of an economic equation, the program provides clients tools to help grow their careers and confidently manage their income.

United Way recognized businesses across Pierce County with a fun and inspiring format at Foss Waterway Seaport in Tacoma on Thursday, September 13. Sponsored by NuStar Energy, U.S. Oil & Refining Company, WestRock and The Boeing Company, the event featured a scavenger hunt, networking and a unique blend of music from Lisa Donovan and Company, as well as a short recognition program. Guest sampled local food and beverage favorites thanks to the generosity of WilRidge Winery & Vineyard, Dystopian State Beer Co., Dave’s Meat and Produce and Corina Bakery & Bistro, Inc.

The cycle of poverty is vicious and difficult to break. But that hasn't discouraged Dona Ponepinto from dedicating much of her life

One in six children struggles with hunger and many children who rely on school meals, struggle to get enough to eat during the summer months. This fact is unacceptable to United Way of Pierce County as well as many local health and human service partners that are fighting hunger. Together, they are helping to provide kids with nutritious food at various sites during the summer months (from June 25-August 30).

Watch Dona Ponepinto, President & CEO United Way of Pierce County in her interview with Amanda Westbrook of CityLine as she shared the current ALICE poverty report as well as insights about the interconnect challenges families face in our community. Despite seemingly positive economic signs, the ALICE data shows that financial hardship is still a pervasive problem. Dona provides an update on priority issues as well as potential solutions that get to the root of the problem.

Updated Pierce County Poverty Report Reveals Continual Struggle for Low-income Working Families as Cost of Living Increases 
Despite lower unemployment, lagging wages working families are hit hard