Youth Health & Wellness
United Way of Central Alabama believes all 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.
donateSupporting 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.
Our Impact on Youth Health
youth participated in social-emotional learning programs in 2025
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
The Way We’re Fighting Hunger Across Central Alabama…That’s the United Way.
Thousands of people across Central Alabama are challenged when it comes to accessing nutritious food. They range from families desperately
Community Project Grant Funds Fitz’s Garden — and Belief in Tomorrow — at Owens House
United Way of Central Alabama (UWCA) awards $25,000 in annual funds to support short-term projects or one-time expenses that create
Meet Meals on Wheels Program Director April McMaster
Meet April McMaster, the leader helping Meals on Wheels provide nutritious meals, personal connection and vital support to approximately 1,500 older adults across Jefferson County each day.
YOUTH HEALTH & WELLNESS Partners & Programs
A.G. Gaston Boys & Girls Club
helps at-risk youth through educational, recreational and leadership activities.
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.
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 (Beacon House)
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 – Owens House
A multi-discipline approach to child abuse investigations, providing services and programs to children 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 Children’s Advocacy Center – The Children’s Place
Providing therapeutic and legal services to child victims of sexual and physical abuse and offering 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.