The Impact of the United Way

For nearly twenty years, Sarah devoted herself to her job. She loved her workplace and colleagues, but over time her passions shifted, responsibilities at home grew, her elderly parents needed her help more often, and long hours with few benefits began to take a toll. Despite her dedication, she wasn’t getting the support she needed, and she felt stuck. 

 

One day, she overheard a conversation between two individuals, one of whom had recently obtained a dream job. She head the person say that they were truly at home and working in a career that truly helped them feel meaningful and content. The idea stuck with her—could she ever find a place where she too could prosper? Sarah was extremely hesitant about changing careers--she learned a standardized exam was required, self-doubt crept in: I’m too old. Too tired. Too stressed…

 

That changed when she bumped into Tom, who had rebuilt his own career through support he received in CAPCO’s Getting Ahead Adult Education Program. He told Sarah it as more than a program: it was a supportive, welcoming community that helped him regain his focus and pass his exam. Inspired, Sarah decided to try.

 

From the moment she walked into CAPCO, she felt encouraged—not judged. The team met her where she was and built a path just for her. They encouraged her to look at the opportunity as a “drop-in” experience to help her build knowledge, gain confidence, and focus on the exam content she would encounter on test day. With their support, she regained her confidence, passed her exam, and stepped into a career where she felt fulfilled and supported. Sarah now has a set schedule, benefits for her family, and generous paid time off benefits.

 

Reflecting on her journey, Sarah shared:

 

“CAPCO was a life resource for me. They gave me hope, confidence, and a reason to believe in myself. I really did not expect a lot of support, but that is all I found in this program. Supportive teachers, staff, and community members. I dreaded taking the exam, but the confidence and empathy that CAPCO and its program offered to me was truly transformative.”

 

Sarah’s story is one of many made possible by your support. Donations, events, and workplace campaigns fuel programs like CAPCO’s—changing lives in our community every day.

 

Now, consider how many more “Sarahs” are out there, feeling stuck, feeling overwhelmed and just waiting for their chance. By donating today, you can help someone else write their own success story.

 

Join us—and be the reason someone’s life changes for the better.