Resoures
Initial Research
2022 Report To The Community
In spring 2021, United Way of Kennebec Valley (UWKV) conducted a community research and analysis project designed to identify the region’s strengths and most pressing needs in UWKV’s priority areas of health, education, and financial stability. We facilitated a regional survey and hosted five Community Conversations with people who live, work, and play in Kennebec County. Surveys and sessions were offered in English and Arabic, and we achieved participation from nearly 800 community members of various ages, backgrounds, ethnicities, and experiences. Organizations and individuals are encouraged to use and share this information in order to strengthen their own efforts in Kennebec County.
The results of our community data collection and analysis depict a region with many valuable assets and well-informed, caring community members, as well as some challenging areas for improvement.


COMMUNITY FEEDBACK
Top issues that the most community members consider very important and are things that directly affect all community members:
- Job Opportunities
- High Quality Schools
- Access to Affordable, Healthy Food
- Health Care Services
- Public Safety
- Reasonable Cost of Living
Participants’ aspirations for a successful future in UWKV’s priority areas shared three common themes:
- Accessibility of health care, education, and transportation
- Affordability of health care, early childhood, adult and higher education, and housing
2021 WHITE PAPERS (Demographic Trends & Needs)
We worked with Plimpton Research to produce four white papers identifying community demographics, data trends and existing needs. These papers were published in February 2021.
Population & COVID-19 Context
Health
EDUcation
Financial Stability
Reducing poverty and increasing financial stability are sound social investments for Kennebec County, generating strong returns to society over time in the form of higher real Gross Domestic Product, reduced expenditures on health care and crime, and improved quality of life. This paper explores nine essential measures of financial stability, including income and wages, unemployment trends, poverty levels, housing and homelessness, transportation, and child care costs.