Two-Generation Approach
United is the way children and parents move forward—together.
Families don’t experience life in pieces—and progress doesn’t happen that way either. What impacts a parent affects a child. What impacts a child affects the whole family.
It’s easy to focus on just one part of the picture. But the truth is, everything is connected.
Across our communities, many families—often referred to as ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed)—are working hard every day but still facing difficult trade-offs. They’re doing everything right—and still one unexpected expense, like a car repair, can throw everything off balance. When income doesn’t quite cover the cost of housing, childcare, and basic needs, stability becomes fragile.
That instability doesn’t stay in one place. It shows up in a child’s ability to focus in school. It affects attendance, routines, and a family’s ability to plan for the future.
That’s why we take a two-generation approach—supporting both children and their parents at the same time.
At Heart of Indiana United Way, that means looking at the full picture of family life. A child’s ability to learn is connected to the stability they experience at home. A parent’s ability to move forward is connected to the support, resources, and opportunities available to them. These aren’t separate challenges—they’re connected.
Our work brings those pieces together so families can gain traction, not just temporary relief.
When support is connected, progress in one area strengthens progress in another. Parents build stability. Children gain confidence. Families begin to move forward—not just for today, but for what comes next.
Because real, lasting change doesn’t happen in pieces—it happens when families move forward together.