Peter's struggle for school success and your support of United Way

Peter lives in an area of Memphis where the poverty rate is the highest in the city, and standardized test scores are among the lowest. Gang warfare is pervasive, and drug use is high.

Despite these overwhelming obstacles, one United Way partner agency is making a difference in the lives of children in that community. This United Way agency set out to have 25% of its students increase one letter grade in at least two major subjects. Knowing that good conduct is essential to paying attention in class, they also set out to have their students maintain a minimum of “S” in conduct.

At the end of the year, Peter and ALLof his classmates had increased one letter grade in at least two major subjects. Peter and and 90%of his fellow students had achieved an standard “S” or higher in conduct.

When children work with adults who show they care, it is amazing how the children will respond. Thanks to your gifts to United Way, Peter and his classmates have a better hope for a brighter future, without gang activity or drug use. Thank you for caring for Peter and students like him in our community, and for giving to United Way of the Mid-South.

(Names and images changed to protect privacy. Factual events.)