United Way of Central Alabama knows
Youth deserve the tools for healthy living
But statewide, 77.8% of children get less physical activity than is recommended by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and more than a quarter of high school students in the state report that their mental health is seldom or never good.
Supporting the social-emotional and physical health of our youth is a top priority of United Way. We provide health screenings, improve access to nutrition and physical activities, offer mental health support and more to help our youth grow stronger.
Youth Health & Wellness 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 Impact on Youth Health
72,490
youth participated in social-emotional learning programs (includes wellness & prevention) in 2023
2,556
Clients attended parent and/or family-education programs in 2023
1,853
Youth (K-12) received individualized academic support in 2023
9,936
Youth (K-12) participated in career-development programs in 2023
42,698
Youth (K-12) participated in before/after-school programs in 2023
Youth Health & Wellness Solutions
Childcare
Childcare services through before and after-school programs, summer camps, and high-quality pre-K learning environments.
Counseling
Professional counseling for children and families, with teams dedicated to combating child abuse and creating a safe space for victims.
Day Camps
Structured programs with educational and recreational activities during school breaks.
Leadership Programs
Developing leadership skills through a variety of structured programs and mentorship which give youth direct civic and community experience.
Mental Health
Professional mental health counseling services, youth emotional support hotlines and opportunities for health activity.
Nutrition
Providing nutritious meals through in and out-of-school programs as well as healthy eating and gardening education.
Prevention Education
Programs with peer mentoring and professional counselors to prevent substance misuse and youth pregnancy while promoting healthy behaviors.
Recreational Activities
Healthy physical and social activities including youth sports, games and outdoor play.
Swimming Lessons
Lessons in water safety and swimming skills for children from families of all income levels, ensuring lifesaving competence in and around water.
More News about Youth Health & Wellness
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Annual Campaign Kicks Off with a Call to “Be Somebody”
Jodi Moates is “Somebody.” And so is anyone and everyone else who supports United Way of Central Alabama (UWCA) in one way or another. Be Somebody is the theme of
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Stopping the Cycle of Child Abuse Starts with Coming Forward
It’s not always easy to hold the attention of kids in a classroom. But child advocacy workers from Blount County Children’s Center (BCCC) are committed to getting their message across.
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A Proud Moment as Ground Is Broken on Walker County Centennial Park
Willie Moore III, representing the Jasper City Council, attended the groundbreaking for Walker County Centennial Park, a United Way of Central Alabama initiative celebrating their 100th anniversary.
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Young Philanthropists Learn How United Way Is Creating Villages of Vital Services
Lucinda Armstrong and Emily Herring shed light on the critical role of schools in supporting youth mental health during a recent panel for United Way’s Young Philanthropists Society.
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United Way Is Changing — and Helping Save — Lives through Mental Health Support in Central Alabama
Anna Smith’s journey through mental health challenges and recovery highlights the critical support provided by United Way of Central Alabama and its partner agencies like Oasis Counseling.
YOUTH HEALTH & WELLNESS Partners & Programs
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Birmingham
Provides positive role models to children in need.
Boy Scouts of America – Black Warrior Council
Provides citizenship training, character development and personal fitness to participating youth.
Boy Scouts of America – Greater Alabama Council
Provides citizenship training, character development, and personal fitness to participating youth.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Alabama
Provides a safe place to learn and grow through life-enhancing programs and character development.
BridgeWays
Provides opportunities for youth to realize their potential and to function effectively as caring, self-directed individuals.
Butterfly Bridge Children’s Advocacy Center
offers a safe, child-friendly environment to children victimized by abuse or neglect.
Children’s Aid Society of Alabama
Provides family counseling, crisis intervention, adoption support services and foster care for homeless young 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.
Concerned Citizens for Our Youth
Residential treatment facility providing academic and clinical services for at-risk adolescents and their families in Shelby County.
Developing Alabama Youth Foundation
Offers an alternative academic program, including counseling, for at-risk adolescents in Shelby County, enabling them to re-enter public schools.
Girl Scouts of North Central Alabama
Builds girls of courage, confidence and character who make the world a better place.
Girls Incorporated of Central Alabama
Provides after-school, holiday and summer activities in its centers and through outreach programs to develop girls who are strong, smart and bold.
Raleigh’s Place
Provides and supports foster homes, trains foster parents and equips foster youth for life after care.
Shelby County Children’s Advocacy Center – Owen’s House
A multi-discipline approach to child abuse investigations, providing services and programs to child victims of abuse and their families.
Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, Central Alabama Chapter
Provides education and testing to the general public, as well as counseling and support services to people affected by sickle cell disease.
St. Clair County Children’s Advocacy Center – The Children’s Place
Provides therapeutic and legal services to child victims of sexual and physical abuse, as well as prevention programs.
St. Clair County Day Program
A day treatment program with an academic component for at-risk adolescents, providing Juvenile Court with an alternative to incarceration.