Impacting our Community
United Way of Mat-Su administers programs and works in collaboration with other health and human service agencies to create lasting change in our community.
Introduction to Community Impact
For most of its history, United Ways worked to improve lives by mobilizing the financial resources of businesses, individuals and foundations in support of direct service programs—the foundation of our work, now and into the future. However, despite the money raised and all the services provided, many problems in our community continued and some even grew worse. Read more here.
Our Partner Agencies
Alaska211
In July 2000, the FCC assigned the phone number 211 “for access to community information and referral services”. The mission of Alaska211 is to build Alaska’s capacity to strengthen the way people access help and engage in civic life. United Way of Mat-Su has taken a lead role in developing statewide 211 information and referral service. Visit www.alaska211.org or call 2-1-1 from your telephone. Learn More
Education
Best Beginnings is a public-private partnership that mobilizes people and resources to ensure all Alaska children begin school ready to succeed through support from businesses, foundations, nonprofits, government, and individuals.
Income
- FamilyWize Prescription Drug Savings Card Program
The FamilyWize prescription program card can help families and individuals stay healthy and stretch their income when times are tight. United Way of Mat-Su is promoting the FamilyWize program throughout the Valley, which offers discounts at many Mat-Su pharmacies, with savings averaging from 20%-35% per prescription. Click here to learn more, print a card and start saving. (.pdf)
- Federal Emergency Food and Shelter Program
The Emergency Food and Shelter National Board Program was created in 1983 to supplement the work of local social service organizations within the United States, both private and governmental, to help people in need of emergency assistance. United Way of Mat-Su leads this collaborative effort between the private and public sectors to distribute federal funds throughout the Mat-Su Borough each year. Contact local Emergency Food programs and Shelters.
Health
- Mat-Su Health Fairs
Free community event featuring health screenings, information, and low-cost blood tests. Please contact Alaska Health Fairs for more information or for schedules. Health fairs take place in the spring and fall each year.
The purposes of the SFMNP are to provide fresh nutritious, unprepared foods (such as fruits and vegetables) from farmers markets to low income senior citizens who are nutritionally at risk, and to expand the awareness and use of farmers markets, as well as increase sales at such markets. Read More
The United Way of Mat-Su has agreed to commit financial and staff resources to a substance abuse initiative for minimum of 10 years. This community coalition seeks to create and maintain a safe, healthy, and drug free community. Our goal is to map out a coordinated community response for youth substance abuse prevention in Mat-Su. Participants include service providers, social service and health organizations, educators, administrators, state government employees, funding organizations, former substance users, and concerned parents. Read More
Community Needs Assessment
Working with members of the Mat-Su Agency Partnership, United Way leads the effort to quantitatively and qualitatively assess the health and human service needs of borough citizens. The final report, published every three-to-five years, provides important insight to government officials, businesses and non-profit organizations.
View the latest Assessment document (1.4 MB PDF)
Community Involvement
United Way of Mat-Su strives to be a valuable member of the community by participating in the following organizations:
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Greater Palmer Chamber of Commerce |
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Greater Wasilla Chamber of Commerce |
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Foraker Group |
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Big Lake Chamber of Commerce |
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Mat-Su Agency Partnership |
