South Sound 2-1-1, operated by United Way of Pierce County, is a free, easy-to-remember number, available in Pierce, Lewis and Thurston Counties that helps people cut through what can be a confusing and overwhelming maze of information and resources. Recently, South Sound 2-1-1 has demonstrated excellence in the information and referral services field by successfully completing a detailed professional accredidation process administered by the Alliance of Information and Referral Systems (AIRS).

Two nonprofits will use $380,000 in grants to help veterans and other displaced workers prepare for skilled positions in manufacturing, technology

25 Sites in Pierce County Offering Free Tax Preparation Services

Who: South Sound 2-1-1, Associated Ministries, Sound Outreach, Goodwill, AARP Foundation Tax-Aide
What: Free Tax Preparation Services
Where: 25 Locations. A complete list can be found in the attached document and in the link provided.

“Earn it, Keep it, Grow it.” This is the motto at the Center for Strong Families, a United Way of Pierce County initiative that helps families elevate their economic situation through an innovative two-pronged approach. Offering both  employment coaching and financial counseling, the Center for Strong Families helps its clients get a bird’s eye view of their financial picture. By looking at both sides of an economic equation, the program provides clients tools to help grow their careers and confidently manage their income.

The cycle of poverty is vicious and difficult to break. But that hasn't discouraged Dona Ponepinto from dedicating much of her life

Watch Dona Ponepinto, President & CEO United Way of Pierce County in her interview with Amanda Westbrook of CityLine as she shared the current ALICE poverty report as well as insights about the interconnect challenges families face in our community. Despite seemingly positive economic signs, the ALICE data shows that financial hardship is still a pervasive problem. Dona provides an update on priority issues as well as potential solutions that get to the root of the problem.

Updated Pierce County Poverty Report Reveals Continual Struggle for Low-income Working Families as Cost of Living Increases 
Despite lower unemployment, lagging wages working families are hit hard