Meet Zoila, a single mom who with the help of United Way's SparkPoint program was able to get her life back on track after a work-related injury prevented her from doing her job of 14 years. Now Zoila is working her way out of debt, saving money for the future, and able to continue to support her two sons.

United Way's Community Schools transform public schools into neighborhood hubs where healthcare, food pantries, after-school programs, family engagement and parent education classes are available directly on school campuses.

Cut Poverty in half by 2020 in the Bay Area, that's the goal. The United Way of the Bay Area has drafted a Roadmap, operating core programs that connect people to food and shelter, put people back to work, bring tax dollars back to our community, help youth succeed in school and in the workplace, and move people toward financial stability.

As recent immigrants, Sunita's family was struggling to meet their basic needs. Sunita was working three jobs so she could help support her family. Through United Way's Matchbridge program, Sunita found an internship which lead to a full-time job, empowering her professionally and economically.

In May 2013, United Way of the Bay Area celebrated its 90th anniversary and raised over $1 million during the gala event, which will help expand the Community Schools Initiative to 200 locations.

First 5 Solano Children and Families Commission creates and fosters programs and partnerships with community entities to promote, support and improve the lives of young children, their families and their communities.

East Bay Local Development Corporation does a variety of work in neighborhoods across the Bay. Beyond developing affordable housing, EBALDC looks at other aspects of the community that support a healthy place to be, whether it's building safe spaces to learn and relax, supporting urban gardens and local markets providing fresh food, or working with residents to host community events so everyone can get to know their neighbors.

The THP-Plus Statewide Implementation Project began as a collaboration between the John Burton Foundation, the California Department of Social Services, and the Corporation for Supportive Housing. The Project’s goal is to reduce homelessness among former foster care and probation youth by expanding access to the Transitional Housing Placement Plus Program (THP-Plus). THP-Plus provides affordable housing and a wide range of supportive services, including job training, educational support, and counseling. More at thpplus.org

2013 was the 2nd annual PedalFest, a full day of events celebrating of all things bicycle-related. Taking place in Oakland's Jack London Square, bicycle enthusiasts from all over spent the day watching amazing pedal-powered performances, riding Whymcycles, playing games, and enjoying fares from local vendors.

East Bay Bike Party, an entirely volunteer-organized monthly bicycling party, turned 3 this past May. Hosted every second Friday of the month with a unique route, theme, and collection of party-goers, East Bay Bike Party typically gathers a thousand riders embarking on a 10-15 mile ride with party stops along the way. Oftentimes you'll see neighbors gathered on the sidewalks as throngs of cyclists flash by, ringing bells and pumping tunes.