United Way of Central Alabama believes all youth deserve the tools for healthy living
But statewide, 77.8% of children get less physical activity than is recommended by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and more than a quarter of high school students in the state report that their mental health is seldom or never good.
donateSupporting the social-emotional and physical health of our youth is a top priority of United Way. We provide health screenings, improve access to nutrition and physical activities, offer mental health support and more to help our youth grow stronger.
Our Impact on Youth Health
youth participated in social-emotional learning programs in 2025
Youth Health & Wellness Solutions
Childcare
Childcare services through before and after-school programs, summer camps, and high-quality pre-K learning environments.
Counseling
Professional counseling for children and families, with teams dedicated to combating child abuse and creating a safe space for victims.
Day Camps
Structured programs with educational and recreational activities during school breaks.
Leadership Programs
Developing leadership skills through a variety of structured programs and mentorship which give youth direct civic and community experience.
Mental Health
Professional mental health counseling services, youth emotional support hotlines and opportunities for health activity.
Nutrition
Providing nutritious meals through in and out-of-school programs as well as healthy eating and gardening education.
Prevention Education
Programs with peer mentoring and professional counselors to prevent substance misuse and youth pregnancy while promoting healthy behaviors.
Recreational Activities
Healthy physical and social activities including youth sports, games and outdoor play.
Swimming Lessons
Lessons in water safety and swimming skills for children from families of all income levels, ensuring lifesaving competence in and around water.
More News about Youth Health & Wellness
Like a Friend You Can Always Count On, Meals on Wheels Is There
Every morning before the sun comes up, 79-year-old Chong Quick starts her day the same way. She makes breakfast, pours
Making Mental Health Care More Accessible for Women, Children and Families
Cost and access can stand between families and the mental health care they need. Oasis Counseling for Women and Children, a United Way partner agency, helps close those gaps through affordable counseling, specialized services and a welcoming environment.
The Powerful Display of Community at Shelby County’s United Way Campaign Kickoff
UWCA and Shelby County community partners join to kick off 2026 Campaign and recognize 14 local agencies, programs and projects that were awarded UWCA Community Project Grants.
YOUTH HEALTH & WELLNESS Partners & Programs
A.G. Gaston Boys & Girls Club
helps at-risk youth through educational, recreational and leadership activities.
Scouting America – Black Warrior Council
Provides citizenship training, character development and personal fitness to participating youth.
Scouting America – Greater Alabama Council
Provides citizenship training, character development, and personal fitness to participating youth.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Alabama
Provides a safe place to learn and grow through life-enhancing programs and character development.
BridgeWays
Provides opportunities for youth to realize their potential and to function effectively as caring, self-directed individuals.
Children’s Aid Society of Alabama
Provides family counseling, crisis intervention, adoption support services and foster care for homeless young parents and children.
Children’s of Alabama
Provides the finest pediatric health services to Alabama’s youth in an environment that fosters excellence in research and education.
Concerned Citizens for Our Youth (Beacon House)
Residential treatment facility providing academic and clinical services for at-risk adolescents and their families in Shelby County.
Developing Alabama Youth Foundation
Offers an alternative academic program, including counseling, for at-risk adolescents in Shelby County, enabling them to re-enter public schools.
Girl Scouts of North Central Alabama
Builds girls of courage, confidence and character who make the world a better place.
Girls Incorporated of Central Alabama
Provides after-school, holiday and summer activities in its centers and through outreach programs to develop girls who are strong, smart and bold.
Raleigh’s Place
Provides and supports foster homes, trains foster parents and equips foster youth for life after care.
Shelby County Children’s Advocacy Center – Owens House
A multi-discipline approach to child abuse investigations, providing services and programs to children and their families.
Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, Central Alabama Chapter
Provides education and testing to the general public, as well as counseling and support services to people affected by sickle cell disease.
St. Clair Children’s Advocacy Center – The Children’s Place
Providing therapeutic and legal services to child victims of sexual and physical abuse and offering prevention programs.
St. Clair County Day Program
A day treatment program with an academic component for at-risk adolescents, providing Juvenile Court with an alternative to incarceration.