United Way of Central Alabama (UWCA) and many of its St. Clair County community partners kicked off the county’s 2025 United Way Campaign this week and recognized 13 local agencies, programs and projects that have been awarded UWCA grants.
UWCA worked with the St. Clair County Advisory Board led by Zachary Gentile, Senior Vice President at The Ford Meter Box Company, to bring together community leaders, partner agencies, volunteers and supporters to rally around this year’s powerful theme: “WHY WE UNITE.” Gentile recognized St. Clair County Campaign Chair Taylor Baum, along with members of her team for their ongoing efforts in raising awareness of the campaign throughout the county. “My goal is to advocate for the people in St. Clair County like they were my family,” said Gentile.
Attendees shared their motivation for uniting in support of the campaign. Latoya Threatt said, “It’s important to show my students at Williams Intermediate how to be a part of our community!”
Community Project Grant recipients were awarded funds to support short-term projects or one-time expenses that create a meaningful, positive impact for residents specifically in St. Clair County.
The 2025 Community Project Grant winners;
- Backpack Buddies
- Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Birmingham
- Epilepsy Foundation Alabama
- Heart of Pell City (Historical Society)
- Museum of Pell City
- Noah & Emily Little Humans Foundation
- Oasis Counseling for Women and Children
- Pell City Library Guild
- St. Clair County Day Program, Inc.
- St. Clair County Department of Human Resources
- Stella’s Landing
- The Hyperemesis Gravidarum Relief Project
- Williams Intermediate School
In addition to the grant money itself, these organizations will be offered free training opportunities through UWCA’s LEARN United program on subjects including public speaking, financial controls, marketing, volunteer management and more. A full list of topics can be found here.
Stephanie Honeycutt, Executive Director of Lakeside Hospice, highlighted programs affected by this funding, such as the organization’s music and memory program. “Our Alzheimer’s and dementia patients may not be able to tell you their caregiver’s name or what they had for breakfast this morning, but they remember music.” The hospice also has an indigent fund, which provides services to the uninsured and helps with unexpected expenses that may arise for their patients.
UWCA Senior Vice President of Community Impact Katrina Watson commended the incredible work being done in the community. “There are so many amazing projects that are happening here in St. Clair County, and we thank you all for being part of it,” she said.
Learn more about UWCA’s impact in St. Clair County here.