United Way Northwest Indiana inspires investment with Workforce Campaign Kickoff

United Way Northwest Indiana celebrated partners and supporters at Merrillville’s Gamba Ristorante on Wednesday, September 9, for the United Way Northwest Indiana Workforce Campaign Kickoff.

United Way Northwest Indiana brings the Region together to support neighbors who are working hard to make ends meet. Workplace campaigns are a key part of that work, connecting employees and employers with opportunities to invest in their communities.

Through workplace campaigns, donations have helped increase access to health care, provide resources and opportunities for children, support small businesses, and connect struggling households with resources they need. Together, these campaigns help strengthen communities across Northwest Indiana.

The Workforce Campaign Kickoff brought workplace campaign leaders together to learn more about United Way’s work, connect with one another, and see how their participation can help.

Matt Wells, president and chief executive officer of One Region, an organization whose goal is to bring the Region together, was the keynote speaker of the evening. He spoke in strong support of United Way and its mission, highlighting the necessity of supporting local families and businesses.

“When employees struggle with childcare, transportation, housing, food insecurity, healthcare costs or financial instability, those challenges do not stop at the workplace door. They affect attendance, productivity, retention and the ability of our businesses to grow. Supporting working families is therefore not only a charitable priority; it is an economic and workforce imperative,” Wells said.

Wells highlighted one United Way campaign specifically in his speech – the Level Up campaign. This campaign helps adults and families in need, providing them with potential job connections, financial education training, and trade certifications.

“United Way is helping people overcome barriers to build more stable futures through Level Up. There are 497 people who have completed education and career pathways since 2019, giving them opportunities to secure better employment, increase their incomes, and create greater stability for their families,” Wells said.

United Way Northwest Indiana’s Workforce Campaign encouraged corporate partners and business leaders from across the Region to work hand in hand with them, starting their own campaigns. United Way members were also present, introducing themselves and socializing with the attendees.

One of these members was Dave Mays, director of the United Way Northwest Indiana Workplace Campaign. This job brings Mays an incredible amount of fulfillment.

“It’s really incredible,” Mays said. “Some of our most successful campaigns are ones where the staff may not be making that much above minimum wage. They have the most people participate, I am inspired by people wanting to help other people. The fact that the people give to their hard-earned dollars to help their neighbors, is truly incredible. It’s explosive.”

United Way Northwest’s Workforce Campaign Kickoff gave members, business leaders, and their corporate partners a place to socialize and plan future campaigns. United Way Northwest’s goal is to bring the community together, and through events like their Workforce Campaign Kickoff, they do just that.

For more information United Way Northwest, you can visit unitedwaynwi.org.