Page 4 - United Way 2020 Brochure

A Message from the Chair and President

“United Way was built

The year 2020 was clearly one of the most challenging in the history of United
Way of Central Alabama (UWCA). The COVID-19 pandemic unleashed not only a
public health crisis but also resulted in economic hardship that has disproportionately
affected those who can least afford it. It has created widespread emotional distress,
family separation and isolation of the elderly. School realignment and disruption of
childcare have taken their toll on daily life. And recovery is still in the distance.

In the summer, we acknowledged the pain, suffering and racial inequities in our na-
tion after the killings of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor and George Floyd. UWCA
reaffirmed its commitment to create greater opportunities in the areas of health,
education and financial stability for all who are struggling; to plan and execute our
work through a lens of equity, diversity and inclusion; and to seek ways to provide
4 greater leadership against racism and racial injustice.
In the face of these challenges, your United Way has worked continuously to bring
hope to our community...to ease the burden on those who are most vulnerable...and
to maintain continuity among vital services that people depend on.

While we would, of course, prefer not to be operating in crisis mode, this is exactly
why we’re here. When community needs are so great that they overwhelm the usual
safety nets, United Way is the entity that brings individuals, groups and organiza-
tions together to pool resources and mobilize solutions. It is with utmost pride and
gratitude during this difficult time that we can say the community has responded in
a resounding united way.

To help ensure the continuation of services from many area nonprofits that were
immediately threatened due to the pandemic, UWCA launched the Commu-
nity Crisis Fund in March. Within the first seven months, nearly $665,000
was raised and awarded to imperiled organizations in response to
their grant applications. We expect to keep this funding appeal
active throughout 2021 as we work to build an even more

Mallie Ireland, United Way Board Chair