For some, taking advantage of Veterans Affairs (VA) can be overwhelming, and many cannot make ends meet. Matthew,* a veteran, turned to United Way of Greater Mercer County’s (UWGMC) Benefit Access Program for support. A Benefit Enroller connected Matthew and his child to federal resources he did not know about. Matthew was able to get treatment for his army-related injuries through Medicaid (health insurance), adopted a healthy diet through NJSNAP (food assistance), secured housing through a referral, and furnished his new home. The next step for Matthew is to regain his driver’s license, which will open more doors to opportunities. Matthew is now on his way to obtaining financial security for his family, and he did all in a one-stop visit.
UWGMC focuses on the 55,000 local families that are struggling to make ends meet; childcare workers, home health aides, bank tellers, veterans, and other professionals.** Often those struggling are our neighbors, friends, relatives, and colleagues that cannot afford medical care, nutritious meals, or a safe place to live. Necessities that we often take for granted.
Since 2018, more than 600 households have been evaluated through the Benefit Access Program. Over 1 million dollars have been awarded in federal resources to individuals and families to fill in financial gaps. To provide greater access to the program, UWGMC has partnered with Trenton Area Soup Kitchen (TASK) and Arm In Arm to bring the program on-site to their clients. During tax season, which occurs from February through April, other partners benefit as well. Such as Boys and Girls Clubs of Mercer County, Mercer County Libraries, and The Arc Mercer.
United Way is evolving and partnering for community progress. They have combined their resources with community partners to get individuals and families closer to being financially secure and healthy. If you or someone you know needs assistance, please call a Benefit Enroller at 609-637-4917.
More can be done to help our neighbors, friends, relatives, and colleagues to achieve financial security. To support United Way’s continued commitment to Mercer County, please make a tax-deductible donation at www.uwgmc.org or volunteer with them on their many initiatives. Click to download a copy of the Financial Security At A Glance Flyer.
> * At United Way of Greater Mercer County, they respect everyone who comes to them for help. So, while individual stories are true, client names, identifying details, and images have been changed to protect their privacy. Thank you for understanding.
> ** Source: The United Way ALICE Project. (2018). ALICE: A Study of Financial Hardship in New Jersey.
