Kenyans helping Kenyans: United Way Philosophy

The United Way is an international organization with chapters in forty-five countries across the world. Each local chapter of the United Way works to bring together its community to find solutions to issues specific to that community.

The United Way Philosophy
Local United Ways tackle issues based on local needs with
common focus areas including helping children and youth succeed, improving access to health care, promoting self-sufficiency, and strengthening families.

One of the most successful ways the United Way raises funds is through corporate giving via direct payroll deduction. Employees at companies across the United States and in various countries across the world can elect to have either a one-time donation or a recurring donation sent directly from their paycheck to the local United Way. Participants in this program are also able to select from a list of local initiatives or participating organizations who are recipients of money from the United Way to determine exactly where the donation is going.

Y.O.U., Inc. is currently exploring the process to initiate a United Way giving program in Kenya. This approach would ask local business leaders to support employee and corporate giving with payroll deductions. In this manner Kenyans who have can help Kenyans who need in an organized way. There is a major focus on corporate responsibility taking place worldwide. The International United Way has been trying to start programs in several countries. We think Kenya can be a leader on the African continent with respect to this self-help model.

Assistant Director of Mentoring and Prevention
Lenore Rust, MSW, LCSW
(508) 770-0511 x111
[email protected]