How UWCA Supports Shelby County
United Way of Central Alabama provides support to Shelby County in many ways. Below is just one example of how we help those in need every day.
Shelby Emergency Assistance Helps Solve the Problem, Not Just the Symptom
In October 2017, Mrs. Davis came to Shelby Emergency Assistance (SEA) to request food assistance. It was soon revealed, however, that she and her family faced more hardships than just the immediate need for food. After a fire destroyed their home, the single mother and her three children relied heavily on support from Mrs. Davis’s grandmother, who had recently passed. Although Mrs. Davis was supposed to receive $150 for monthly child support, it wasn’t consistent; and she didn’t know if there would be money for food or utilities.
SEA provided food assistance and helped her in completing a Food Stamp application. Through SEA, Mrs. Davis was also able to connect with an Education Coordinator, whom she met with to review her expenses and develop a plan, find employment and register for programs for her children, including Project Christmas.
When the Education Coordinator followed up with the family a few months later, Mrs. Davis reported that she had found a job and was able to handle the family’s bills herself. Additionally, her children’s Christmas had included not only toys and candy but also much-needed winter clothes.
United Way Partners in Shelby County
American Red Cross
The Arc of Shelby County
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Birmingham
Boys & Girls Clubs – Montevallo Center
Boy Scouts of America – Greater Alabama Council
Cahaba Valley Health Care
Central Alabama Children’s Fund – Shelby County
Developing Alabama Youth Foundation, Inc.
Disability Rights and Resources
Easterseals of the Greater Birmingham Area
Family Connection, Inc
Gateway
Girl Scouts of North Central Alabama
Glenwood, Autism and Behavioral Health Center
Positive Maturity
Safehouse of Shelby County, Inc.
Salvation Army – Birmingham Area Command
Shelby County Children’s Advocacy Center (Owen’s House)
Shelby County Emergency Assistance, Inc
YMCA of Birmingham, Inc.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Shelby County
Tatum loves having Anna Cate as a Big Sister through Big Brothers Big Sisters of Shelby County. Matched through a local Shelby County school, they enjoy spending time each week talking about life, playing games and hanging out. Anna Kate and Tatum both love the experience as Big and Little and are just one example of the many matches that make a difference in the lives of children through this positive mentoring program.