Naomi Mulitauaopele Tagaleo’o, of the Kent-based organization Education with a Purpose for Pacific Islanders, says she partners with United Way of King County because of the support it gives to small nonprofits like hers.

“I feel bigger than life because of the support [United Way] gives me,” said Mulitauaopele Tagaleo’o, who founded the organization that provides education resources and support to Pacific Islander youth and their parents.

Education with a Purpose for Pacific Islanders is a member of the Racial Equity Coalition or REC, a group of 14 organizations supported by United Way of King County to create communities of belonging for youth of color. Through United Way funding, REC members field after-school programs that celebrate youths’ cultural identities and equip them with the tools to stay engaged in school.

United Way provides REC members with funding to use in ways they believe are best suited to serve their communities. We amplify their work with our podcasts, blog posts, and media opportunities to give REC members the exposure they need to spread the word about their work. Check out this recent KING 5 story about Education with a Purpose for Pacific Islanders’ work.

“United Way helps me with the fundraising and the sharing out of stories—all the things I have no idea about or that are really hard to do, especially for a small organization,” said Mulitauaopele Tagaleo’o.

United Way of King County proudly supports Education with a Purpose for Pacific Islanders and its efforts to help students succeed in the classroom and beyond.

Check back here for our Why United Way Series, where partners, donors, and clients speak about our impact in their own words.