Happy New Year from United Way of Central Alabama!

Once we get through the holidays and start the new year, we like to reflect on all that’s been accomplished during 2017. Many of these results wouldn’t be possible without your support. We are so grateful for all of our volunteers and donors who help us to improve lives for those in our community. LIVE UNITED.

Thank You Volunteers!

2017 was a great year of impactful volunteerism in our community. Some notable results are listed below.

• Hands On Birmingham: More than 6,000 volunteers served on 79 projects, creating an estimated economic impact of $238,368.
• Visiting Allocations Team: 500 volunteers reviewed our partner agencies and allocated funds from the $38,000,214 to our community.
• 2-1-1 Connects: Gained 32 volunteers to help connect those who need assistance to health and human services within Alabama.
• United Way Area Agency on Aging: 500+ volunteers gave 253,429 hours of their time to 6,766 seniors in their homes as well as 29 senior centers. These services were valued at $1,369,462.
• Meals on Wheels: More than 500 volunteers served 169,275 meals to homebound seniors (and those who are disabled) in Jefferson County.
• Free Tax Prep: 65 volunteers donated 2,208 hours of their time to prepare more than 3,300 tax returns for low-income individuals. The amount of refunds totaled $2,276,191 for an average refund of $1,471.
• Healthy Communities: More than 400 volunteers helped with the Walking School Bus, Bicycle Rodeo and Bike to School events for almost 7,000 students.
• Success By 6: 88 volunteers assisted at events and activities to support our 29 Success By 6 classrooms and teachers.
• Corporate Volunteers: 677 volunteers worked 2,244 hours across 24 different projects to help improve our community.

Making an Impact

There are many ways we make an impact in our community. Some of our 2017 highlights are listed below.

• Priority Veteran: Served 588 veterans by either providing permanent housing or homeless-prevention services. 80% of veterans obtained permanent housing and; of those, 87% are still housed after 1 year.
• Success By 6: 882 Pre-K children received enhanced learning intervention and assistance. School supplies were also distributed totaling $115,000.
• 2-1-1 Connects: We received and connected more than 22,651 calls for assistance.
• IDA Program: The Individual Development Account program generated 41 assets for individuals seeking financial support. This is a matched savings program assisting with homeownership, education or small business development. The total value of these assets was $2,700,000.
• Bold Goals Coalition: We continue to make strides in aligning partners and resources to achieve Bold Goals in health, education and financial stability throughout Central Alabama.
  • In Health, we completed our 2^nd year in the Summer Feeding program that served more than 700 children/day at 9 new feeding sites.
  • In Education, we received our 21^st CCLC grant for Walker County for enhancing after-school programs in Reading, Math and Science. Students participating in these programs saw their ASPIRE scores increase by 2.8 points in Reading, 1.7 points in Math and 3.1 points in Science.
  • $473,000 in new funding was raised for coalition projects in Central Alabama.