A MAINSTAY BEHIND A WIDE RANGE OF CHARITABLE ENDEAVORS IN THE COMMUNITY

FOR NEARLY 100 YEARS, THE UNITED WAY CONTINUES TO CHANGE WITH THE TIMES.

The organization known today as the United Way of Central Alabama formed nearly 100 years ago as the Birmingham Community Chest, a way of raising money to fill charitable needs. The organization adopted its current name in 1992 and continues to work with a growing number of local charities and nonprofits in Jefferson, Blount, St. Clair, Shelby and Walker counties.

The list of United Way partner agencies touches on nearly every basic need being addressed by nonprofits in the community — child and family issues, domestic violence, poverty, literacy, disability rights, HIV/AIDS, other health issues, senior issues and on and on.

In recent years some nonprofits have trod a path independent from the large umbrella of the United Way. Nevertheless, the organization and its familiar appeals for donations through corporations and widespread media campaigns remain a major force in the giving arena in Birmingham.

United Way CEO and President Drew Langloh, whose history with the local United Way dates back to 1991, took the leadership role in UWCA in 2008. He talked about how the United Way is making its impact felt across a range of issues nearly a century after it began in Birmingham.

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