The year 2025 tested communities in new and unexpected ways. Once again, United Way of Central Alabama (UWCA) rose to meet the moment thanks to the generosity of donors, volunteers and community partners. Each year, United Way’s Annual Report captures not only financial information, but also the stories, strategies and collective impact that make lasting change possible.
Below are a few highlights from this year’s report — and a glimpse into how your support helped strengthen our community when it mattered most.
Rising to Meet Urgent Needs
When SNAP benefits paused, threatening food access for more than 100,000 people in Central Alabama, United Way reactivated its Community Crisis Fund (CCF) to support hunger relief across the region.
United Way provided funding for more than 1.5 million meals to 75 partner agencies engaged in hunger relief efforts.
At the same time, United Way’s 211 Call Center and Area Agency on Aging’s 1-800-AGE-LINE connected individuals and families to food, housing and emergency resources when they needed them most. Those two services answered more than 76,000 calls and texts throughout the year.
Stories of Hope and Strength
Behind every number is a person whose life was changed through partnership and care.
Beating the Odds
Jacob was exposed to drugs in utero, born prematurely and developmentally compromised. Doctors told his family he would likely never walk on his own. Through early intervention and physical therapy at The Arc of Central Alabama, a United Way partner agency, Jacob learned to crawl, stand and walk. Today, he continues to make progress with speech therapy and enjoys learning and exploring the world around him.
Finding Affordable Childcare
After giving birth, LaTreda Johnson navigated job loss while searching for affordable, quality childcare. With help from Childcare Resources, another United Way partner agency, LaTreda secured financial assistance for tuition and found a nurturing childcare center that met her family’s needs and schedule.
Thriving After Surviving Domestic Violence
Shay Oden reached out to United Way’s 211 service while pregnant and living in an abusive marriage. She quickly connected with partner agency YWCA Central Alabama for crisis support, legal assistance and housing resources. Her journey continued with referrals to additional partners, including Habitat for Humanity through which she was able to become a homeowner.
Our Impact in Numbers
In 2025, United Way of Central Alabama and its partners delivered life changing support at every stage of life, from early childhood to older adulthood, across key areas of focus. For example:
Moving Forward Together
In a year filled with challenges, the Central Alabama community showed what is possible when people unite around a common purpose. As we look ahead, United Way remains committed to strengthening families, expanding access to services and building a healthier, more resilient community for generations to come.