United Way of Central Alabama (UWCA) and its Blount County community partners recently rallied to kick off the 2025 United Way Campaign. This year’s powerful theme “WHY WE UNITE,” reflects the power to do more — and help more people — when we come together for causes we collectively care about. The event also recognized 10 Blount County agencies, programs and projects that were awarded $25,000 in UWCA Community Project grants.
Grant recipients were awarded funds to support short-term projects or one-time expenses that create a meaningful, positive impact for residents specifically in Blount County. Kayla Hudgins of Blount County Children’s Center shared how UWCA funds affect their programs saying, “We have been able to open a food pantry in our center to offer resources to our families, as well as an outdoor therapy area where kids can enjoy an open space after they leave the therapy office.”
Expanding Impact in Blount County
In addition to the grant money itself, UWCA’s LEARN United program will offer partner agencies free training opportunities on subjects including public speaking, financial controls, marketing, volunteer management and more. A full list of topics can be found here.
The 2025 Community Project Grant recipients in Blount County:
- Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Birmingham
- Blount County Children’s Center
- Blount County Education Foundation
- Blount County Literacy Council
- Blountsville Public Library
- Bridging the Gap in Blount County
- Helping Families Initiative
- Oneonta Senior Center
- Susan Moore Elementary School
- YWCA Central Alabama
A Personalized Approach
United Way worked with the Blount County Advisory Board led by Dana Clayton who, along with Blount County Campaign Chair April McCreless and UWCA Vice President of Agency Relations Shakeitha Tatum, recognized the efforts of the advisory board in raising awareness of the campaign and the incredible agencies working throughout the county. “Our county advisory board is made up of people who live and work in Blount County and know the people and what their needs are,” said Tatum. “We are here to help these organizations move their mission forward. You never know where the next need will come from.”
Learn more about UWCA’s impact in Blount County here.