United Way of Central Alabama (UWCA) and its Shelby County community partners have been working together since 1969 to address issues ranging from hunger to child abuse. The county recently kicked off its 2025 United Way Campaign and recognized 15 local agencies, programs and projects that have been awarded $25,000 in Community Project Grants from United Way.
Support is Vital for Community Needs
UWCA worked with the Shelby County Advisory Board led by Kevin Morris to bring together community leaders, partner agencies, volunteers and supporters to rally around this year’s powerful campaign theme “WHY WE UNITE.” Morris, along with Shelby County Campaign Chair Jeremy Bouet, recognized the efforts in raising awareness of the campaign and the agencies working throughout the county. “If you think we don’t have problems like food insecurity in Shelby County, you’re wrong,” said Morris. “That’s why these services are vital to who we are.”
Community Project Grant recipients were awarded funds to support short-term projects or one-time expenses that create a meaningful, positive impact for residents specifically in Shelby County.
Shelby County’s 2025 Community Project Grant recipients:
- Alabaster Senior Center
- Arc of Shelby County
- Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Birmingham
- Blanket Fort Hope
- Chilton-Shelby Mental Health Board
- Community of Hope Health Clinic
- Grace Klein Community
- Owens House
- PINK Legacy Foundation
- Point of Life Resource Center
- Shelby Emergency Assistance
- The Hyperemesis Gravidarum Relief Project
- The WildFlower Alliance
- Vineyard Family Services of Central Alabama
- Family Connection
A Safe Haven for Recovery
Catherine Alexander-Wright recognized the impact of UWCA funding on the trauma-based therapy programs at Owens House, where she serves as Executive Director. “I have seen lives changed. I have worked with kids who can now sleep through the night because they feel a little less scared,” she said.
In addition to the grant money itself, UWCA’s LEARN United program will offer partner organizations free training opportunities on subjects including public speaking, financial controls, marketing, volunteer management and more. A full list of topics can be found here.
Learn more about UWCA’s impact in Shelby County here.