How United Way of Central Alabama Supports Shelby County
United Way improves lives and community conditions by addressing specific areas of need through donor support, state and federal grants, key partnerships, coalitions, strategic planning and our own ongoing community service programs.
The Shelby County campaign is comprised of individuals and large and small businesses located in Shelby County. These include professional and industrial companies, city and county government employees, the public school system, clergy and associations.
The mission of United Way of Central Alabama (UWCA) is to increase people’s capacity to care for one another and improve their communities.
By combining local insight with regional resources, UWCA tackles challenges in Shelby County through targeted investments, coalitions and community service programs—ensuring that support reaches where it’s needed most.
The Way We Serve Shelby County
Program services received by Shelby County residents in 2025
Agencies and programs funded by United Way provide services to Shelby County residents
Clients were provided with services that led to 99% of infants and toddlers making developmental progress before program exit, exceeding the program goal of 85%
Clients provided with secure emergency housing for survivors, and targeted strengthening partnerships to improve pathways to permanent housing in response to feedback and outcome data
In free medications and 2,147 patient visits provided by strengthening on‑site medication dispensary and physical therapy services, expanding access to care for uninsured Shelby County residents
Stories of Impact in Shelby County
Community Needs Hit Home for Cynthia Todd
For Cynthia Todd, serving others is more than a volunteer commitment—it’s a way of life. From her time as a United Way Loaned Executive to her current role as Co-Chair of United Way of Central Alabama’s Shelby County Advisory Board, Cynthia has dedicated herself to helping connect people with the resources they need to thrive. Her journey with United Way is deeply personal, shaped by both her own experiences receiving support and her passion for strengthening communities across Shelby County.
Shelby County 2026 Community Project Grant Recipients
Arc of Shelby County
Creating Calm: Enhancing the New Visions Adult Sensory Room
Enhancements to the sensory room that serves participants in the New Visions adult day program.
BirthWell Partners
Pathways to Practice: Advancing Economic Opportunity Through Doula Training
Training opportunities for Shelby County residents pursuing careers as doulas.
Blanket Fort Hope
Filtered Water Project
Installation of a filtered water system to support the organization’s operations and guests.
Dunnavant Community Center
Emergency Exit & Handicap Accessible Ramp Repair
Repairs to the facility’s emergency exit and accessible ramp to improve safety and accessibility.
Epilepsy Foundation Alabama
Seizure Recognition and First Aid Education and Training
Community training on recognizing seizures and providing appropriate first aid.
FBC Alabaster Food Pantry
Food Pantry
Food assistance for individuals and families served through the organization’s food pantry.
Grace Klein Community
FeedBHM Pelham
Recovery and distribution of surplus food to communities experiencing food insecurity.
King’s Home
Pathways to Independence for Women and Children
Employment readiness, financial empowerment and supportive services for women and children.
Manna Ministries
Food Share Outreach
Community food-sharing outreach that assists individuals and families in need.
Point of Life Resource Center
Community Baby Supply Closet
Essential baby items and supplies for families with limited incomes.
Shelby Emergency Assistance, Inc.
SEA Food Pantry: Nourishing Families in Crisis
Emergency food assistance for Shelby County families experiencing a crisis.
The HANDS Program
Safety and Reliability Engagement
Support for Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy services for children and adults.
The Hyperemesis Gravidarum Relief Project
Maternal Medication Access & Stabilization Initiative for Shelby County
Support for expectant mothers experiencing severe nausea and vomiting, dehydration, anemia and malnourishment.
Vineyard Family Services of Central Alabama, Inc.
BackPack Buddies
Emergency food and hygiene supplies for individuals and families in need.
UWCA Shelby County Partners
HICA!
AIDS Alabama, Inc.
Alabama Head Injury Foundation
Alabama Kidney Foundation
*Alabaster City Schools
Amelia Center
American Baseball Foundation
American Cancer Society
American Heart Association
American Red Cross serving Mid Alabama
Arc of Central Alabama
*Arc of Shelby County
Beacon House
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Birmingham
Birmingham Jewish Federation
Birmingham Urban League
Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Alabama
BridgeWays
Cahaba Valley Health Care
Catholic Family Services
Central Alabama Wellness
Family Sunshine Center
Childcare Resources
Children’s Aid Society of Alabama
Children’s of Alabama
Collat Jewish Family Services
Community Food Bank of Central Alabama
Crisis Center
*DAY Program
Disability Rights and Resources
Easterseals of the Birmingham Area
*Family Connection
Gateway
Girls Incorporated of Central Alabama
Girl Scouts of North Central Alabama
Glenwood
Greater Birmingham Habitat for Humanity
Lakeside Hospice
Legacy YMCA
Levite Jewish Community Center
Literacy Council of Central Alabama
*Owens House
*Pelham City Schools
Positive Maturity
Riley Center
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Alabama
*SafeHouse of Shelby County
Salvation Army Birmingham Area Command
Scouting of America – Greater Alabama Council
*Shelby County Schools
*Shelby Emergency Assistance
Sickle Cell Disease Association of America,
Central Alabama Chapter
*South Shelby Early Learning Center
United Ability
*Vinehouse Nursery
Workshops Empowerment
YMCA of Chilton County
YMCA of Greater Birmingham
*Office headquartered in county
Note: Investments are sent to each agency’s home office, which may be located outside the county’s borders.
The amount of the total allocation distributed to satellite programs is left entirely to the discretion of each agency’s leadership.
Need Help? Get Help.
Call 211.
Free and confidential for anyone who’s facing hardship, our 211 Information and Referral Line connects those in need with critical services.
A Call Specialist will search more than 800 community organizations throughout Alabama to find the help you need. If you or someone you know is struggling, we urge you to make the call to get the help and support you need.
CALL – For assistance, dial 211 or 888-421-1266 (toll-free). If you’re hearing impaired, call 7-1-1 and ask to connect to 211 Connects Alabama.
TEXT – Text your ZIP code to 898-211 to chat with a 211 specialist.
SEARCH – Search the 211 online database for a comprehensive list of local services.
Shelby County News
Community Project Grant Funds Fitz’s Garden — and Belief in Tomorrow — at Owens House
United Way of Central Alabama (UWCA) awards $25,000 in annual funds to support short-term projects or one-time expenses that create
Community Needs Hit Home for Cynthia Todd
For Cynthia Todd, serving others is more than a volunteer commitment—it’s a way of life. From her time as a United Way Loaned Executive to her current role as Co-Chair of United Way of Central Alabama’s Shelby County Advisory Board, Cynthia has dedicated herself to helping connect people with the resources they need to thrive. Her journey with United Way is deeply personal, shaped by both her own experiences receiving support and her passion for strengthening communities across Shelby County.
Girls Inc. Clubs Help Girls Build Confidence and Explore What’s Possible
When girls have access to learning opportunities in safe, supportive spaces, it can shape how they see themselves and how