At United Way of Central Alabama, we know
financial stability is the foundation of a thriving community
Yet across our region, many families struggle—1 in 5 spend half their income on housing, and 18% of children live in poverty.
We promote financial stability through a range of services for individuals and families, including utility and rental assistance during times of crisis, housing counseling and access to affordable housing options. We also provide job training, career exploration and placement services, with tailored programs for people facing barriers like disability, limited education or age.
Financial Stability & Career Development News Spotlight:
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Fair Housing Month Brought Leaders Together to Address Housing Barriers
Each April, Fair Housing Month highlights the importance of accessible, equitable housing free from discrimination. In recognition, several United Way of Central Alabama (UWCA) staff members attended the Fair Housing
Financial Stability & Career Development Impact
28,882
people received financial counseling, job-relevant skill training and more in 2024
159
employment opportunities were created/provided for persons with disabilities in 2024
11,600
clients accessed legal assistance in 2024
1,843
tax returns were prepared by volunteers in 2024
245
families with children were served through Family Stability Services in 2024
Financial Stability & Career Development Solutions
Budgeting & Financial Planning
Help with budgeting and financial planning to help clients manage personal finances and avoid family destabilization and foreclosure.
Financial Assistance
Emergency financial aid for a wide variety of basic needs, including rent, mortgage, utilities, medical copays and childcare.
Financial Literacy Education
Free financial workshops that help both adults and youth manage their money and plan for the future.
Job Placement
Providing foot-in-the-door-jobs, as well as one-on-one coaching and connection to employers.
Job Training and Skills Development
GED test preparation, basic computer skills training and professional certification classes.
Job Transportation Assistance
Access to a number of low-cost transportation options, as well as bus passes, to help people get to work.
Resume Writing and Job Readiness
Resume writing and job-readiness assistance and coaching to improve employment prospects.
Success Planning and Career Prep for Youth
Personalized skills assessments, career mentoring, job exploration and coordinating occupational training in schools.
Volunteer Opportunities
Connecting individuals with a variety of volunteer opportunities to improve soft skills and grow experience.
More News About Financial Stability & Career Development
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Empowering All People to Be All They Can Be
The familiar clinking sound of silverware, chopping on a cutting board and searing on a grill could be coming from any busy commercial kitchen in the middle of the day.
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Take the Stress and Cost Out of Filing Your Taxes
Tax season is here, and if you find the process confusing and costly, you’re not alone. But United Way of Central Alabama (UWCA) is here to help. Our Free Tax
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Empowering Women on Often Overlooked Financial Matters
Women United, a United Way of Central Alabama (UWCA) donor network, recently hosted a lunch & learn featuring two leading authorities on financial and estate planning. Jennifer McEwen from Maynard
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Four Important Tips to Start the 2025 Tax Season
Tax season is here—are you ready? From organizing your documents to avoiding scams, a little preparation can make all the difference.
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Caring for the Caregiver and Showing Appreciation for a Very Challenging Job
Family members are the primary source of support for older adults and people with disabilities in the United States. In recognition of their hard work and the important role they
FINANCIAL STABILITY & CAREER DEVELOPMENT Partners and Programs
A.G. Gaston Boys & Girls Club
Helps at-risk youth through educational, recreational and leadership activities.
Alabama Goodwill Industries
Offers job training, sheltered employment, counseling and placement for persons with disabilities.
Aletheia House
Provides drug-abuse prevention programs, treatment and affordable housing.
Arc of Central Alabama
serves adults, infants, and toddlers with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Arc of Shelby County
services 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.
Birmingham Urban League
Provides training, basic skills, job placement assistance, housing counseling services and youth development programs.
Childcare Resources
Provides information and counseling about childcare, training for childcare providers and financial assistance for families using childcare.
Disability Rights and Resources
Empowers people with all disabilities to fully participate in the community, achieve independence and advocate for equal access.
Easterseals of the Birmingham Area
Provides a variety of services to help individuals with disabilities and special needs in the five-county area.
Easterseals of West Central Alabama
Workforce development opportunities for students in special education programs and adults with disabilities residing in Chilton County.
Gateway
offers residential treatment program for adolescents, foster care, family counseling, domestic violence intervention and more.
Glenwood
Provides services for children, adolescents, adults and families who are affected by autism or a mental health disorder.
Greater Birmingham Habitat for Humanity
Works with low-income families and community partners to build quality, affordable houses.
Hispanic Interest Coalition of Alabama
Coordinates with community resources to provide transitional services and education to improve the lives of Latinos in Alabama.
Kelsey’s Place
Offers free GED prep classes.
The Literacy Council
Provides literacy information for children, adults and ESOL learners and volunteer tutors and organizes community and workplace initiatives.
Positive Maturity
Offers counseling, social, volunteer and employment opportunities for seniors, as well as in-home companions and prescription drug assistance.
Salvation Army Birmingham Area Command
Offers emergency services for men, women and children, transitional housing, counseling, food and clothing assistance.
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.
Learn more about
Our Programs
Financial Stability is a fundamental need in order to improve the well-being of the community. United Way of Central Alabama is working in various roles by supporting programs, community partnerships and direct services — in our six county footprint, as well as across the state of Alabama — to help and support individuals to become financially stable. We do this by teaching financial empowerment skills and helping low-income people acquire stabilizing assets.
Financial Stability Services