United Way unveiled its Financial Stability Partnership initiative, which focuses on providing realistic solutions that increase financial stability and long-term economic independence for individuals and families.

• Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC): The first program element of Financial Stability Partnership initiative to be implemented. EITC is the largest and most effective federal program to reduce the tax burden on hardworking people with low incomes.
• Don Watters Honored with Community Impact Award: Community volunteer, Don Watters was recognized for his significant impact on improving the lives of people in our community through his leadership and philanthropy. Don led United Way's volunteer Board of Directors in developing the organization's strategic plan that focused on the Community Impact model; conducting dozens of executive and community leader visits to vet United Way's research; and launching United Way's donor research, slated to be completed in early 2008.
• Keynote Addresses Need for Financial Stability: Susan E. Smith, Director, Californians for Family Economic Self-Sufficiency, provided insight into the need for more systemic change to support people with low-incomes and their own efforts to build healthy families and communities.
• “Community Care Index” Preview: United Way, working in partnership with the community, is developing annual report (i.e., Community Care Index) that indicates positive changes being made in our county.
• 2-1-1 Santa Clara County Website Launch: In times of crisis and for everyday needs, local people now have the option to connect with hundreds of community programs and service via telephone or the Internet (www.211scc.org). Both the telephone service and website give people 24 hour access to information.