Christian’s journey began at just 5 years old. Today, as a student at Patrick Henry High School, he’s a confident student, a trusted mentor, and a recognized leader. His growth didn’t happen in isolation—it happened through consistent support, caring adults, and access to enriching after-school programs.

Christian is just one of 387 young people who’ve been uplifted this year through the Strengthening Youth Opportunities for Success (SYOS) collaborative, powered by United Way. SYOS brings together five trusted youth organizations: Boys & Girls Club of SWVA, West End Center, Community Youth Program, Cultural Arts for Excellence, and the Presbyterian Community Center Together.

Christian’s story is a real-life example of how coordinated, community-based support such as SYOS, can change the trajectory of a young person’s life. At SYOS sites, kids find more than a safe place after school. They find a system of care—coordinated across agencies—that helps them succeed in school, feel seen, and imagine a future filled with possibility.

This collaborative is just one part of a broader effort to help 10,000 families in our region achieve self-sufficiency by 2030. That work spans cradle-to-career: from early childhood development to adult job training and education.

But progress depends on stable systems—programs that stay open, staff that stay in place, and services families can count on, even in times of uncertainty.

Thats where you come in.

Inspired by Christian’s story, a group of dedicated supporters made a one-time donation of $115,000, and issued a challenge to all United Way supporters: come together to match their gift before June 30. Thousands of kids like Christian count on us each year. Your support now helps us complete this donor challenge and shows the region that United is the Way to respond to the challenges facing our community.