January 11, 2022 | Issue 3

Ways of California, with a focus on the Inland Southern California region. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, a master’s degree in public policy from Duquesne University, and a Doctoral Degree in Public Policy from Loma Linda University.

Dr. Kilchenstein’s passion was born out of her own personal experience. Growing up in severe poverty, her family needed help from organizations like United Way, who literally saved their lives. She recalls the need for not only essentials like food and clothing, but basic healthcare, such as dentistry. During her growing years, she needed braces and begged her mother, however, without insurance, there were not resources. Dr. Kilchenstein remembers her feelings and telling her mother that it wasn’t fair, while others had insurance and access to dentistry and orthodontia. It was her mother’s response that ignited a passion and direction for her future. Her mother said, “then go and make it fair.”

Working her way through school, her focus was not just pulling herself out of poverty, which was essential, but targeted on equity, that all people have access to effective healthcare. Through research and experience, the data was clear, people die when they don’t have access to health services. She shared that pulling herself out of poverty over time was not easy and a long haul. That living in poverty is a traumatic experience and she thought about ways to help others bring themselves out of poverty.

“How can I use the privilege I was able to carve out for myself, how can I continue to raise my voices for those voices who continue to not be heard?”

Dr. Kilchenstein shares there are a lot of voices in legislative offices, and it is important that the voices of the underprivileged are heard. This is belief, along with her education and experience is why she now works for Inland SoCal United Way as the Executive Director of Government Relations where she is allowed the opportunity to fight for the education, financial stability, health, and housing of all people, ensuring their voices are heard to “make it fair” for those struggling.

“I am grateful to be in an organization that works really well together as a team. Everyone cares deeply and has the same goals. We empower each other. It is refreshing to be in an organization I can call home.”

Dr. Kilchenstein continues her life’s work of making sure the world is a better place for her child and the children of all people for generations to come. Thank you for being a part of the team Dr. Danielle Kilchenstein. This is how we #LiveUnited!

Lupe C. had recently been released been from the hospital. She called 211 on a Monday indicating she had no food. After an initial assessment with Lupe, the staff member realized she would have no food for multiple days. Our staff went over the application for Cal Fresh and Lupe was eligible for expedited services. However, the three-day wait was too long. To further meet Lupe’s needs, the staff member performed a three-way phone call with Adult Protective Services so Lupe could self-report while having support from United Way. Adult Protective Services was able to visit the same day with food for the weekend.

The next week, Lupe called 211 again to share that she had not heard from the county and had run out of food. Our staff called the Department of Social Services and were told she had benefits on her old EBT card and could purchase food until the county processed her new card. Lupe was grateful! Through advocacy with United Way, she was able to receive immediate food, an expedited CalFresh application, and continued assistance from the county. Lupe has now received her new EBT card and is able to purchase food for a healthy future.

If you are a corporation and would like to make a gift for the new year, discuss sponsorship, or schedule your own workplace campaign for 2022, email Jacob below.