United Way receives award for poverty reducing efforts

United Way of Bartholomew County is being recognized with a national award for its work to help struggling community members.

Economic Mobilities Pathways, or EMPath, recently presented the local group with its Most Impactful Award. EMPath is a Boston-based nonprofit that works to reduce poverty by providing nonprofits with the tools needed in their communities. EMPath’s Most Impactful Award goes to an organization that demonstrates a large impact on their community and significant gains in outcomes.

United Way was recognized as the first nonprofit organization to successfully implement the Bridge to Self Sufficiency tool. According to the United Way, the tool gives community members the resources to move from poverty to self-sufficiency.

Last year, United Way of Bartholomew served 250 adults with the bridge tool as a part of the the United Way’s Avenues to Opportunity program. The United Way has set a goal to lift 1,000 families out of poverty in 2,000 days.

Mark Stewart, President of United Way of Bartholomew County praised access to “the best, nationally recognized social service tools that allow us to make a difference in Bartholomew County every day. “

Using the bridge tool, coaches work with individuals one-on-one on to develop job and budget skills.