Financial Stability

Over the past 20 years, the cost of living in the United States has increased by almost 52 percent, drastically outpacing income growth. To make ends meet, families are borrowing heavily and relying on high-cost alternatives to cover their daily living expenses.

The goal of United Way is to help hard-working families become financially stable and take the next steps toward long-term independence. Too many families in the United States are walking a financial tightrope - they are barely getting by, which leaves them with no resources to save for college, a home or retirement. We want to help transform that tightrope into solid ground by helping individuals and families gain the tools to increase their income, begin to save and purchase assets because financially stable people are more like to have access to quality health care, provide a good education for their children, and contribute to their local economies. 

The United Way of Pettis County provides funding and support to the following Agencies that focus on assisting with income stability:

Adaptative Equipment and Services for Disabilities

  • Micro-grants to Individuals: Association for Person's with Disabilities

  • Assistive Devices and new technology for Individuals: Blind of Central MO

Employment Assistance and Job Training

  • Path 2 Purpose (P2P) Program:  Show Me Christian Youth Home

  • Empowering Pettis County:  Association for Person’s with Disability

  • Work Attire Program: Open Door Service Center

Medical Bills

  • Pettis County Patience Fund: Children's Mercy Hospital

Food, Shelter and Other Basic Needs

  • PROPS (Putting Roofs Over People): Pettis County Community Partnership

  • Community Closet Program: Pettis County Community Partnership

  • Emergency Utility Voucher Program: Open Door Service Center

Other ways United Way assists in improving financial stability is by partnering with the IRS and Tax Slayer so that every household with a simple return can file their federal and state taxes for free!  More information is available at myfreetaxes.com.  United Way has also partnered with SunTrust Foundation to help you find information to feel financially secure.  Go to:  https://www.unitedway.org/my-smart-money