The mission of the United Way of Oxford & Lafayette County (UWOLC) is to improve lives and meet community needs by uniting people and resources. We seek to make a concrete, measurable impact by understanding and addressing our community's most complex challenges. We believe no single organization can do this alone and the UWOLC therefore works in partnership with individuals, non-profits, corporations, and public entities to mobilize resources, promote collaboration, and support programs that can together make a significant difference for the Lafayette-Oxford-University (LOU) community. The UWOLC focuses on four interrelated issues: I. Health Focus: To improve people's health, with a focus on helping the community and its members: A. Achieve and maintain healthy lifestyles for adults and children B. Support older adults and adults diagnosed with mental illness II. Education Focus: To help children and youth achieve their potential, with a focus on programs that help the community and its members: A. Enter kindergarten ready to learn B. Read at grade level by the fourth grade C. Earn a high school (or equivalent) degree III. Income/Financial Stability Focus: To promote financial stability and independence, with a focus on helping the community and its members: A. Attain family-sustaining employment B. Create affordable housing opportunities C. Manage expenses and build savings IV. Basic Needs Focus: To meet the community's basic needs, with a focus on programs that ensure community members have: A. Sufficient food B. Adequate shelter C. Disaster/emergency relief services