For nearly 100 years, United Way California Capital Region has faced the region’s deepest and most urgent needs by bringing people together. Facing a pandemic, economic downturn, deep roots of racial inequality and poverty, the nonprofit’s work has never been more relevant. Across Amador, El Dorado, Placer, Sacramento and Yolo counties, UWCCR is working to tackle tough questions, address root causes and create large-scale solutions that end poverty and make the greater Sacramento region stronger, healthier and more compassionate, starting with children.

UWCCR believes school is square one for reaching all families and ensuring children are healthy and successful in life. In 2016, the local United Way launched its 20-year Square One Project to create lasting change in the community and significantly reduce poverty by increasing the number of children who graduate from high school ready for college or career. The project has seen significant success in its first five years working to address the many issues that keep children from succeeding in school, including hunger, housing, education and finances.

UWCCR recently caught the eye of renowned philanthropist MacKenzie Scott, who donated $10 million to UWCCR in December 2020. The first round of community funding from the gift includes $500,000 to help people in the region gain social and financial capital, support UWCCR’s digital equity work across the region, empower Sacramento residents to have a voice in a local redevelopment project, and provide COVID-19 relief funding in Yolo County.

“We are working with our nonprofit partners and funders to provide more relief and forge a path toward recovery and resilience for our community,” says Stephanie McLemore Bray, president and CEO, UWCCR. “Through our Square One Project, we continue to meet changing community needs, providing family support and stability so kids stay on track in school and graduate from high school prepared for success.”

For more information or to donate, go to yourlocalunitedway.org.