As we approach the end of an unprecedented year of adversity in Los Angeles and for people across the country, let us recognize what has and will get us through these difficult times — the powerful force of unity.
United Way’s mission [of uniting people and organizations to address crucial needs and create pathways out of poverty] is more relevant today than ever. And here is why:
When we unite, we become stronger. We become a force capable of lifting each other up and transforming hardship into hope. When our human rights and liberties are threatened, when the most vulnerable among us are being abandoned by the system, when our communities of color live in fear, we will stand up with them in solidarity, not as witnesses but as a united force for good..
In times of adversity, United Way joins forces with our local leaders and institutions to defend our collective values so that all people in Los Angeles can live with dignity and safety in their own communities. We champion systems that enable our vision for individuals and families to have equal access to housing, financial stability, education and opportunities to find pathways to prosperity.
For more than 100 years, United Way of Greater Los Angeles has stood strong through wars, natural disasters, pandemics, economic recessions, and other major challenges. Our “superpower” has always been bringing people and resources together to provide a roadmap for recovery while advocating for those most in need so they will not be left behind.
This year, we faced together the devastating wildfires in Palisades and Altadena, the immigration raids in predominantly Latino communities across Los Angeles, and the drastic cuts in federal funding to public programs like Medicaid and CalFresh that are leaving millions food insecure and without access to healthcare. Federal funding cuts at our public colleges and universities are further hurting our low-income students.
Whether it is children, the elderly, the displaced, the unhoused, or those facing economic hardship, our collective responsibility is to ensure no one is left behind in times of crisis. Our shared vision for a stronger, more resilient Los Angeles amid the adversity and political divide should be our north star for unity.
When we come together—across backgrounds, beliefs, and political views—we become a beacon of hope for others, showing that we have the power to choose empathy over indifference, and solidarity over separation. When we come together in support of those who need it most, we strengthen the entire fabric of our communities. Their resilience becomes our shared triumph. Even in the darkest moments, light can be found in collective action.
Every challenge carries within it the seed of opportunity. A crisis can reveal our flaws as a society and systems that need to be fixed, but it can also spark compassion and solidarity. When we face difficulties together, we learn to listen more deeply, to embrace our differences and recognize that diversity is a strength through collaboration in building solutions that are equitable and sustainable.
We have an opportunity in front of us. Let’s not wait to act. Let us be the ones who reach out, who speak up, who build bridges. Let us be the ones who remind the world that unity is not just a concept—it’s a choice we make every day.
Together, we can turn troubled times into transformative ones. Together, we can support the vulnerable, overcome division, and prevail—not just as individuals, but as a united force for good in Los Angeles.
I hope you join our organization and thousands of Angelenos to show the world that United is the Way!
In unity,
Elise Buik,
President and CEO of United Way of Greater Los Angeles