
Each year, United Way of Central Alabama (UWCA) depends on the commitment of volunteers to guide investment decisions for community programs. Known as the Visiting Allocation Teams (VAT), these volunteers play a crucial role in building relationships with our 79 partner agencies, their clients and the broader community.
The 2024 VAT season began with an appreciation event at Spire, where Dr. Tracey Morant Adams, Chair of UWCA’s Community Impact Committee and Senior Executive Vice President of Renasant Bank, highlighted the importance of efficiently allocating funds across the six-county area.
During the event, prospective VAT members learned about their responsibilities and the expected time commitment—typically 10 to 12 hours from September to November, including team meetings and three site visits. Speakers such as Katelyn Bruhn from Easterseals, UWCA CEO Drew Langloh and Senior Vice President of Community Impact Katrina Watson provided valuable insights, emphasizing the essential role of volunteers.



Experiencing Impact: Site Visits with Partner Agencies
A vital component of the VAT experience is participating in site visits, where members gain invaluable perspectives on the partner agencies they assess for continued investment. A recent visit to Aletheia House—a community-based organization providing low-cost substance abuse treatment, affordable housing and job training—offered an in-depth look at a local program.
Denise Moore, Executive Director of Independent Presbyterian Church and VAT chair, helped guide the volunteers through the visit, encouraging VAT members to share their thoughts on the agency and its community impact. “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.
During the site visit, Ben Glass, president of the Aletheia House board, reflected on the organization’s transformation: “When I first joined, we had to co-sign a loan to keep the place open. Now, we are one of Alabama’s largest providers of substance abuse treatment, continually adapting to meet new challenges,” highlighting how effective funding can drive meaningful change for both the partner agency and the community it serves.
Visits also allow VAT members to witness firsthand how partner agencies support their clients. One Aletheia House client shared his inspiring journey of recovery. After overcoming addiction, he earned both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in social work and eventually joined the Aletheia House board, demonstrating how UWCA’s partner agencies can have a life-changing impact on people in the community.

Transforming Lives Through Effective Funding Decisions
The work of the Visiting Allocation Teams not only informs investment decisions but also deepens understanding of the critical services provided by partner agencies like Aletheia House. Volunteers play a vital role in ensuring that United Way funds are effectively used to improve lives across Central Alabama.
To learn more about Visiting Allocation Teams, visit Visiting Allocation Teams – United Way of Central Alabama (uwca.org).
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