How United Way Improves Lives

Since 1998, agencies that are eligible to apply for program funding through United Way's General Fund have been asked to measure program outcomes. In the past we wanted to know how many visits were made to a particular client. With Outcomes, we ask the agency to report how the client's life has been improved as a result of the visits.

What's the Outcome?

Impact Area: Food, Clothing & Shelter

• 87% of non-disabled residents of Southern NH Services' Mary's House became more independent and self-sufficient by obtaining employment, pursuing education/training or by volunteering in the community.
• 100% of families with a disabled family member assisted by Area Agency of Greater Nashua's Homeless Prevention Program have avoided eviction and utility shutoffs by keeping rent and utility payments current.
• After receiving help from the Prevention and Intervention of Homelessness Program of Nashua Pastoral Care Center, 68% of the families assisted were able to obtain a permanent housing situation and maintain it for over six months.
• With the assistance of Home Health & Hospice Care's Homemaking/
  Companion Program, 97% of clients were able to live in their homes for at least one year.

Impact Area: Children, Youth & Families

• With the help of Adult Learning Center's Early Childhood Adventures Program, 89% of attending children increased their social/emotional skills, 96% increased in physical development and 87% increased in their language skills.
• 94% of youth in the Court Diversion Program of The Youth Council have not been subsequently arrested. Behavior and family functioning improved in 97% of children who participated in the program.
• After one year of participation in the Community-Based Mentoring Program of Big Brothers/Big Sisters, 98% of the youth were assessed by their mentors as improved in self-confidence and 93% with an improved attitude toward school.

Impact Area: Violence Prevention & Personal Safety

• When leaving the protection and support of Shelter Program of Bridges, 97% of domestic violence survivors with a known place to go identified it as a safe place. 98% of those who were assisted by the program and who continue to use the agency’s services after using the shelter remain in safe living situations.
• Of the children attending Adult Learning Center's Protective/Preventive Childcare Program, 70% showed an increase in social/emotional skills, 90% an increase in physical development and 60% an increase in language skills.
• 81% of individuals having court advocates from the Crisis Intervention and Advocacy Program of Bridges were granted protective orders or the legal remedy they sought through Nashua District Court compared to 57% of such cases overall.

Impact Area: Health & Elders

• 95% of persons voluntarily participating in Keystone Hall’s Outpatient Counseling Program showed a commitment to recovery by remaining in treatment beyond the six required counseling sessions.
• 87% of participants in Girls Incorporated of NH's Prevention Connection Program demonstrated increased communication and problem solving skills.
• 93% of of persons assisted by Milford Regional Counseling Service's Milford Area Affordable Counseling Program report improved emotional well-being after receiving services.
• After learning self-management skills, 77% of patients with hypertension in the Comprehensive Primary Care Program of Nashua Area Health Centerwere able to maintain their blood pressure test results in a clinically acceptable range (equal to or less than 140/90).

(Results are from 2006-2007 funded programs.)