Economic Opportunity for All
Families in our community are forced to make hard decisions.
Diapers or child care? Mortgage or medicine? An unexpected expense of $400 can move a family from self-sufficiency to financial emergency.*
*Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, Report on Economic Well-being of U.S. Households in 2015
The Why
Children who have access to quality early learning experiences go on to attain higher graduation rates, higher lifetime earnings, and higher education levels.
Children who receive early childhood education have
![](https://unitedwaydenver.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Screen-Shot-2022-01-31-at-4.26.49-PM.png)
 
higher high school graduation rates
![](https://unitedwaydenver.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Screen-Shot-2022-01-31-at-4.27.16-PM.png)
 
higher earnings by age 30
However, many communities lack access
![](https://unitedwaydenver.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Screen-Shot-2022-02-08-at-3.46.22-PM.png)
of children aged 0-5 in Globeville and Elyria Swansea have access to early learning opportunities
![](https://unitedwaydenver.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Screen-Shot-2022-02-08-at-3.46.11-PM.png)
decrease of enrollment statewide since the COVID-19 pandemic started, and nearly 10% of licensed providers closed
How We’re Making An Impact
![211 Help Center engages in disaster response work to connect families to basic needs assistance, like food, shelter, and more when disaster strikes.](https://unitedwaydenver.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/211-Help-Center-disaster-response.jpg)
2-1-1 Help Center
A statewide community resource connecting individuals and families to critical resources including food, shelter, rental assistance, childcare, and more.
United For Business
Strengthening under-resourced communities by focusing on economic stability and mobility for businesses and startups – with an emphasis on women- and minority-owned businesses and entrepreneurs.
![two small business owners receive professional services](https://unitedwaydenver.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/denver-colorado-small-business-economic-development.jpg)
![Mile High United Way invest in early education programs across Metro Denver.](https://unitedwaydenver.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/united-for-families-video-still-early-childhood-education-classroom.jpg)
Strategic Investment Grants
Partnering with local agencies focused on helping people with their basic needs and reaching financial stability.