Key challenges:
• 1 in 3 children in Greater Houston does not graduate from high school
• 1 in 4 children is left alone after school
• 25% of children in Harris County do not have health insurance
• Fewer than 50% of Houston's 3rd graders achieved "commended" on the TAKS reading test - the score indicating success in 4th grade, according to experts

What you should know: When children have a good foundation of education and supervision, they have a much better chance of succeeding as adults.

United Way makes possible: Child care • Basic needs assistance • Character development and mentoring • Health care for children • Adoption and foster care • After-school programs

Last year: United Way touched the lives of more than 455,000 children and young people. • 82% of students in United Way programs were more successful in school.