BY RICK KAZMER
United Way of the Laurel Highlands
A survey is being conducted as part of an initiative to gain insight into challenges faced by the region's youngest, most vulnerable residents -- children up to age 8.
It's part of an Early Childhood Initiative the United Way of the Laurel Highlands is working on with the 1889 Foundation, 1889 Jefferson Center for Population Health, Lee Initiatives Health & Wellness Endowment and Community Foundation for the Alleghenies as part of the Vision Together 2025 health and wellness focus area.
The survey is for families with young children, and for people who work in fields involving early childhood. Community members who care about helping young children are also encouraged to take the survey.
About 1-in-5 children experience poverty and 1-in-3 children are living impoverished for at least parts of their childhood.
Results from this survey will help to identify the scope of local concerns, as well as solutions.
Participating is crucial to gathering data needed for the project.
"This collaboration is an effort of local funding partners to strengthen and leverage our investments in early childhood to ensure that we are reaching our youngest learners and their families in the best way possible," United Way President and CEO Karen Struble Myers said.
To take the survey, scan the QR code published with this story with your phone by Sept. 23. Participants will be entered for a chance to win a $50 Visa gift card.
Questions? Contact United Way of the Laurel Highlands President & CEO Karen Struble Myers at karen@uwlaurel.org.