United Way contributions reach those in greatest need

By Judy Lin

United Way helps ensure that high school students graduate and succeed in college and the workplace.

United Way's 2008 UCLA fundraising drive launched Monday, April 7, but the university's involvement with the nonprofit extends far beyond the annual two-week campaign.

"UCLA's partnership with United Way of Greater Los Angeles dates back to 1968, and over those 40 years, the Bruin family has raised millions of dollars for the cause," wrote Chancellor Gene Block in a recent letter to staff and faculty. "Our annual United Way campaign is one of UCLA's great traditions and a shining demonstration of our dedication to the Los Angeles community."

Contributions by faculty and staff help United Way provide financial support and technical assistance to a wide range of nonprofit agencies. UCLA's financial gifts are enhanced by the longtime participation of several campus members on the organization's board of directors and strategic committees.

Frank Gilliam, associate vice chancellor for community partnerships, is a member of United Way's Community Investment Cabinet. A political science professor, he is well-suited for the task of advising United Way on how it should invest resources in the community. The organization is striving to "think more strategically and in more rigorous ways about where the money goes and whether it makes an impact," said Gilliam, who also serves on United Way's Public Policy Committee.

Said Elise Buik, president and CEO of United Way of Greater Los Angeles: "We've been fortunate to have Frank Gilliam volunteer with United Way for a number of years. He has been one of our most trusted advisers and champions in the academic and policy world."

Contributions to United Way support the Pathways Out of Poverty Fund, which invests in three primary areas: meeting basic needs for food, housing and affordable health care; improving educational achievement; and increasing financial stability for families and individuals.

Your United Way dollars at work

How to inspire middle school students to stay in school, graduate from high school and move on to college and the workplace? UCLA's Early Academic Outreach Program (EAOP), a United Way-funded partner dedicated to assisting disadvantaged middle school students, is teaming up with Activision, creators of "Guitar Hero," "Tony Hawk" and and other popular games, to host Video Game Career Day on April 29. Students in 7th and 8th grade in EAOP at Maclay Middle School in Pacoima will compete in an essay contest. Winners will tour the Activision complex in Santa Monica and hear from game developers and college recruiters about programs offered in this field. Details will be posted soon at www.eaop.ucla.edu.

In the area of basic needs, for example, United Way seeks solutions to the daunting problem of the lack of health insurance for 1.6 million people in California, including 170,000 children, and strives to ensure 100% health-care coverage for children.

In communities where half of all high school students drop out, United Way works with parents, youth, teachers and school districts to significantly raise graduation and college acceptance rates.

United Way also seeks to make low-income families and individuals more financially stable by enrolling them in a special savings program and ensuring access to tax credits.

"The problems are so large in this city that no one of us can solve them," said Gilliam. "United Way is one of the ways in which we can partner with others so that we can address these big issues. We can't do it alone."

United Way packets arriving in your campus mail include a pledge form inviting you to contribute to the Pathways out of Poverty Fund or to one of about 160 partner agencies. For more information, visit www.ucla.edu/unitedway. To see an interview with Gilliam on YouTube: go to www.youtube.com and search for UCLA Newsroom.