Theory of Change

Everyone deserves to be economically secure and reach their full potential. That’s the “WHY” that drives our work to strengthen and support DC residents with low incomes and their communities.

How

We closely engage with residents to determine what they need and support communities to advocate for themselves. Our collaborative approach combines education, job training, housing, health, advocacy, and other poverty-reducing interventions.

WHAT

UPO is the nonprofit designated as the Community Action Agency for Washington,
DC. We embody the spirit of Community Action by promoting and advocating for residents’ economic security and equity.

WHO

Customers achieve economic security; Staff get training and development; the Board of Directors ensures good governance; Funders invest in effective programs; Partners and Advisory Councils join in solutions; and Volunteers collaborate to strengthen our communities.

DEEPER LEVEL OF WHY

To achieve our vision, we help residents transform their lives via knowledge, skills, and other tools; collaborate with communities to create change; and work to make DC a better place to live.

DEEPER LEVEL OF HOW

The key to our effectiveness is that our inclusive approach is personal: Our staff are passionate about helping people; we tailor our assistance; we build trusting and long-lasting relationships; and we lift up people’s voices.

DEEPER LEVEL OF WHAT

We learn residents’ urgent needs by conducting regular Community Needs Assessments. The resulting data drive our economic security and mobility programs. This is how we reach Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s vision of “the Beloved Community.”