The only things better than a baseball game are great company and an even greater cause. On Thursday, August 24, United Way Northwest Indiana knocked the ball out of the park with its Level Up Celebration. People from all over the Region headed out to the U.S. Steel Yard to enjoy America’s favorite pastime and learn more about United Way Northwest Indiana’s life-changing Level Up program.
United Way Northwest Indiana’s Level Up program was started right before the COVID-19 pandemic to help hardworking but struggling people become more financially sound and meet their personal goals.
“When you’re working hard but just barely making over the poverty line, you’re limited from receiving assistance that can help you. Despite 40% of our population being one flat tire away from being bankrupt, there were no services in the Region to help those people overcome the barriers that stood in their way. We knew we had to create a program that would change that,” said Adam O’Doherty, president and CEO of United Way Northwest Indiana.
So far, the program has helped an astounding 300 individuals grow financially, emotionally, and educationally. To celebrate this huge accomplishment, United Way Northwest Indiana invited out the program’s alumni, their families, and the program’s many partners for a night of fun at a RailCats game.
The event was the perfect way for the Level Up alumni to share their stories and show the program’s partners how impactful their support is. Rafael Swift was part of the very first Level Up class. He shared how the program gave him a new sense of purpose after being stuck in the education industry for over 17 years.
“It was humbling, eye-opening, and empowering. I was stuck in my career and was typecast and couldn’t advance no matter how hard I tried. Level Up rejuvenated me and gave me the hope to pursue other endeavors,” said Rafael Swift.
Thanks to Level Up, Rafael Swift was able to find a management position at the Hammond YMCA; he’s been there for only a year but is already so much happier. He even runs into some of his old students on occasion.
Lourdes Swift, Rafael’s wife, had an even more touching story. Lourdes Swift went into the Level Up program struggling with illiteracy, unable to read higher than a fourth-grade level. She struggled with confidence, but Level Up changed her life completely. Now, Lourdes Swift is working for United Way Northwest Indiana and is proud to have the opportunity to share her story with people in need and encourage them to give Level Up a try.
“The United Way team led me to where I needed to go. They gave me the help that I needed, and they kept pushing me. You cannot fail in this program unless you quit on yourself, but even then, they don’t let you quit on yourself. If you’re thinking about it, just do it. Get the help you don’t know you need. That’s what we did, and it made all the difference,” said Lourdes Swift.
United Way Northwest Indiana’s partners were proud to hear such heartwarming stories. One partner in attendance was NIPSCO. NIPSCO has been a partner of United Way Northwest Indiana for a long time and has helped with many of its programs, especially Level Up.
“We just love United Way Northwest Indiana and the Level Up program. It’s been great being able to give people a hand up and provide them with resources that can really make a difference in their lives. Talking to the graduates and their families tonight, it’s just amazing to see the impact that’s been made – I can’t wait to continue helping others and spreading the word that this program is here,” said Alexius Barber, manager of public affairs and economic development for NIPSCO.
Not only was the event a meaningful opportunity for Level Up alumni to share their stories, it was also a great way to raise awareness about why Level Up is so important.
“Many people don’t realize how many people are struggling. These people have literally done everything that society has asked of them and have followed the idea that, if they work hard, the American Dream is achievable but haven’t been able to make it. The American Dream isn’t a reality for them. All we’re trying to do is make the American Dream realistic for these folks,” said O’Doherty.
By the end of the night, there was no doubt in anyone’s mind that the 2023 Level Up Celebration was a home run for the community. Level Up has already changed so many lives for the better, and it’s only going to continue to make an even greater difference in the future. The United Way Northwest Indiana team is already working hard with its partners to strengthen the program and set more people on the path to success.
To learn more about United Way Northwest Indiana and its Level Up program, visit https://unitedwaynwi.org/.
