Evansville, IN – United Way of Southwestern Indiana (UWSWI) today announced distribution of more than $1.1 million in Empowering Employment Pathway grant funds as part of their Pathways to Potential initiative.
The five recipient organizations will directly help nearly 4,000 local people find and keep living-wage jobs and/or address barriers to employment such as lack of transportation, childcare, and legal challenges. The organizations or their funded programs prioritize “ALICE” families and those living in poverty to ensure all people have the opportunity to achieve their full potential.
ALICE is a United Way acronym for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. ALICE households earn more than the Federal Poverty Level, but less than the basic cost of living for the county. Households below this threshold can’t afford the essentials. Learn more about ALICE and find data for our region here.
Grant Recipients
Carver Community Organization ($230,000)
The Early Learning Center at Carver Community Organization is one of the few centers offering childcare services for 2nd shift employees. Childcare services are available in two shifts from 6:00 am to 5:30 pm and 2:00 pm to 1:00 am. for kids aged 6 weeks to 12 years old. More than 80% of Carver families have incomes below the federal poverty level.
Ivy Tech Foundation – Evansville Campus ($192,105)
Ivy Tech’s Work-Based Learning program provides workforce training and professional certification in areas such as Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), Advanced Manufacturing, Construction, Early Childhood Education, and Information Technology (IT). Students gain industry‑recognized certifications, in‑demand skills aligned with labor market needs, and/or foundational skills that open the door to further education. Grant funds will offset training and certification costs for students with limited income.
Missing Pieces Community Development Corporation ($262,500)
The Vanderburgh County Express provides free, daily bus/van transportation to more than 70 worksites in the region enabling people to secure and maintain employment. Grant funding will allow expansion of the route to high-demand job locations in Gibson and northern Vanderburgh Counties.
Pro Bono Indiana ($228,790)
The Volunteer Lawyer program assists individuals with expungement of criminal records, obtaining a driver’s license or identification documents necessary for employment, and correction of other legal challenges that may hinder their ability to get or maintain employment. Services are available to residents in Vanderburgh, Warrick, and Spencer Counties by volunteer, licensed attorneys.
Vincennes University Foundation – Evansville Campus ($187,500)
Grant funds support students at the VU Evansville location who seek English Language Learning and future employment in health care as a CNA (Certified Nurse Assistant) or CCMA (Certified Clinical Medical Assistant).
United Way of Southwestern Indiana’s Pathway Grants are intended to address upward mobility for ALICE families and are made possible through the generous donations of individuals and businesses in our community. To support this work, please visit unitedwayswi.org/give.
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United Way envisions communities where all individuals and families have the opportunity to achieve their full potential. The nonprofit organization serves at the center of a network of partners and programs who are working to improve the upward mobility of low-income and disadvantaged individuals and families in Vanderburgh, Warrick, and Spencer Counties. To learn more about United Way’s work, visit unitedwayswi.org.