United Way of Central Alabama is
committed to promoting
a healthier community
Across our six counties, life expectancy is only 73.6 years — four years less than the national average of 77.6. But it’s not surprising when 47% of people in our service area lack access to opportunities for physical activity and more than one out of every 10 people struggles to have enough food.
Through initiatives that improve access to nutritious food, encourage physical activity, enhance the quality of healthcare services and provide support for maternal and mental health, we’re creating an environment that’s more conducive to healthy living.
Community Health & Well-Being News Spotlight:
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Collaborative Swim School at LJCC Makes a Splash with Kids and Parents
Drowning is one of the most common causes of accidental death among children in the United States. And, in 2022, Alabama ranked sixth in the nation for children drowning. That
Our Community Health & Well-Being Impact
352,888
clients received health, medical or nutrition-related services in 2023
15,702
Clients with disabilities were provided services designed to improve quality of life in 2023
72,651
preventive mental or physical health screenings were provided in 2023
177,647
Clients received physical/mental health services (including substance abuse) in 2023
2,852
Uninsured clients were provided with medical services in 2023
Community Health & Well-Being Solutions
Educational Support and Early Learning
Tutoring and other educational resources for children to promote learning and skill development
Financial and Emergency Assistance
Providing emergency financial aid for a wide variety of basic needs, including rent, mortgage, utilities, medical copays and childcare
Health Education and Public Health Awareness
Providing nutrition education, as well as exercise plans and programs, to promote healthy lifestyles in our region
Life Skills and Job Readiness Training
Training programs to enhance life skills and prepare young people for the workforce and upskill underemployed adults
Meals and Nutritional Support
Ensuring access to nutritious food through free grocery distribution and in-person meals through youth programs and various community centers
Medical Resources and Assessments
Dental services, medical care for people with disabilities and health screenings, as well as financial assistance with different medical needs
Mental Health Counseling and Support Groups
Professional mental health counseling services for children and adults, support groups for people in a variety of unique mental health situations
Permanent Housing and Shelter Services
Emergency shelter, affordable housing, counseling and financial aid to individuals and families to attain or remain in permanent housing
Transportation Services
Transportation to school, doctor’s appointments, grocery stores, community events and other high-priority needs
More News About Community Health & Well-Being
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How Visiting Allocation Teams Help Drive Effective Funding
“This is an opportunity for volunteers to really learn what our partner agencies do and help us decide if we should continue funding,” Moore emphasized, underscoring the key role that volunteers play.
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Important Information for Domestic Violence Awareness Month
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and this year, we’re sharing tips from United Way of Central Alabama partners about how to recognize and respond to domestic violence, a serious problem across our six-county footprint.
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United Way and Jasper Collaborate to Complete the Third of Six Community Parks in Central Alabama
In the shade of a newly constructed pavilion, Jasper Mayor David O’Mary looked out over what was once a bare patch of land. That’s now been replaced with fresh mulch and gravel, picnic tables, new swings and a renewed and restriped soccer field. The new Jasper Centennial Park is the result of a partnership between United Way of Central Alabama (UWCA) and the Jasper community.
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Christian Love Pantry Serves Pell City in Tandem with Community Collaborators
Nestled between two other community service organizations in downtown Pell City, Christian Love Pantry is dedicated to providing food to people in need and answering the call during emergencies. A
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UWCA Grants Will Help Community Projects Flourish in Chilton, St. Clair and Walker Counties
Laura Wilson, a fifth-grade science teacher in Pell City, has nurtured her children alongside the Pell City Gateway Community Garden, supported by United Way of Central Alabama’s Community Project Grants.
Community Health & Well-Being Partners & Programs
AIDS Alabama
provides statewide HIV/AIDS advocacy, prevention, housing and services for persons living with HIV.
Alabama Head Injury Foundation
provides resources and support, related to brain and spinal cord injuires, to individuals and their families.
Alabama Kidney Foundation
provides financial assistance, education, recreational opportunities and support programs to Alabama’s kidney patients.
Aletheia House
provides drug abuse prevention programs, treatment and affordable housing.
American Cancer Society
researches, educates, provides patient services and advocates to help eliminate cancer.
American Heart Association
builds healthier lives free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke.
American Red Cross – Mid Alabama Region
assists victims of disaster and provides military emergency communications as wll as health and safety education.
Arc of Central Alabama
serves adults, infants and toddlers with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Arc of Shelby County
serves individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities through intervention, advocacy, supported employment and family support.
Arc of Walker County
provides services for persons with cognitive, intellectual and developmental disabilities and provides support to family and friends.
Cahaba Valley Health Care
provides healthcare for Spanish-speaking people in Jefferson and Shelby counties.
Catholic Family Services
provides family, marriage and individual counseling; foster care for infants and young children; counseling for crisis pregnancies and adoption.
Central Alabama Wellness
provides an array of services for individuals dealing with mental illness and/or substance use disorders in Chilton and Shelby counties.
Children’s Aid Society of Alabama
provides family counseling, crisis intervention, adoption support, foster care and transitional living services for homeless parents and children.
Children’s of Alabama
provides the finest pediatric health services to Alabama’s youth in an environment that fosters excellence in research and education.
Collat Jewish Family Services
provides care management for seniors, transportation, in-home care, respite care and caregiver support as well as counseling for all ages.
Disability Rights and Resources
empowers people with all disabilities to fully participate in the community, achieve independence and advocate for equal access.
Glenwood
provides services for children, adolescents, adults and families who are affected by autism or a mental health disorder.
Hispanic Interest Coalition of Alabama
improves the lives of Latinos in Alabama through coordination with existing community resources, providing transitional services and education.
Impact Family Counseling
provides professional counseling services for at-risk youth and troubled families.
Lakeside Hospice
provides physical, emotional and spiritual support to terminally ill patients and families while they remain in the comfort of their homes.
Legacy YMCA
provides programs and activities designed to develop the spirit, mind and body of children, teens, adults and seniors in west Jefferson County.
Legal Aid Society of Birmingham
provides legal services to low-income children and adults (court-appointed only).
Levite Jewish Community Center
provides early childhood education programs, camping services, senior adult meals, activities and wellness programs.
The Literacy Council
provides literacy information and referral for children, adult and ESOL learners and volunteer tutors; organizes community and workplace initiatives.
Oasis Counseling for Women and Children
provides affordable mental health counseling to women, families and couples, as well as play therapy and group therapy in a respectful environment.
Raleigh’s Place
provides support for foster homes, trains foster parents and equips youth for life after foster care.
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Alabama
provides housing for sick or injured children and the families who travel to Birmingham for pediatric services not available in their communities.
Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, Central Alabama Chapter
provides education and testing to the public as well as counseling and support services to individuals and families affected by sickle cell disease.
SPAN (Special Programming for Achievement Network)
provides education, counseling and positive influences for youth in need.
Travelers Aid Society of Birmingham, Alabama
provides information, counseling and financial aid to displaced people plus rides to medical appointments for seniors and low-income residents.
United Ability
empowers individuals with disabilities to live full and meaningful lives through innovative educational, vocational and therapeutic services.
Workshops Empowerment
offers work adjustment, vocational training and job placement to adults with disabilities.
YMCA of Chilton County
offers summer camp, afterschool care, child watch programs, sports programs, as well as youth, adult and senior memberships.
YMCA of Greater Birmingham
offers daycare, summer day camps, after-school care, literacy programs and youth, adult and senior activities.