How United Way of Central Alabama Supports St. Clair County
United Way improves lives and community conditions by addressing specific areas of need through donor support, state and federal grants, key partnerships, coalitions, strategic planning and our own ongoing community service programs.
The St. Clair County campaign includes individuals, businesses, schools and organizations located in Pell City, Ashville, Ragland, Moody, Springville and other communities in the county.
The mission of United Way of Central Alabama (UWCA) is to increase people’s capacity to care for one another and improve their communities.
By combining local insight with regional resources, UWCA tackles challenges in Shelby County through targeted investments, coalitions and community service programs—ensuring that support reaches where it’s needed most.
Stories of Impact in St. Clair County:
Serving Others, Helping Neighbors
Building stronger communities starts with people who are willing to serve – people such as Zachary Gentile. His commitment to service and leadership comes through as both a professional and volunteer. Outside of his role as Senior Vice President at Ford Meter Box, he serves on United Way of Central Alabama’s (UWCA) Board of Directors as well as the St. Clair County Advisory Board, which champions the work of nonprofits and expanding resources across St. Clair County. As part of his work with the Advisory Board, Zachary supported a UWCA Community Project Grant for The WellHouse. Connections formed through that partnership later led Ford Meter Box to hire an individual who was served through the program. “She now has health insurance, a great wage and contributes to the success of our organization,” Zachary said.
The Way We Serve St. Clair County
Program services received by St. Clair County residents in 2025
Agencies and programs funded by United Way provide services to St. Clair County residents
Children and families received coordinated forensic interviews, investigations, and trauma-informed counseling services, reducing family stress and improving children’s coping skills and emotional stability
Meals, (153,000 pounds of food) distributed to nearly 2,000 households, providing immediate relief from food insecurity while helping families navigate temporary and chronic financial crises
Community members reached through school programs, public events, and statewide presentations focused on youth mental health awareness and suicide prevention, and 600 students supported by student‑led HOPE Squad trained 20 peer leaders
St. Clair County 2026 Community Project Grant Recipients
Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Alabama
Project Learn
An evidence-based educational strategy designed to support academic success and learning outcomes.
The Children’s Place (St. Clair Children’s Advocacy Center)
Waiting Area and Sensory Corner
Creation of a sensory room within the organization’s waiting area.
Epilepsy Foundation Alabama
Seizure Recognition and First Aid Education and Training
Community training on recognizing seizures and providing appropriate first aid.
Lakeside Hospice, Inc.
Bill Hereford Memorial Pavilion
Creation of a community pavilion to support local residents and visitors.
Museum of Pell City
Looms to Legacy: The Avondale Mills Story
A free educational experience highlighting the history and impact of Avondale Mills.
Pell City Gateway Community Garden
Heavy Equipment Shed
Construction of a shed to store heavy equipment.
Literacy Council of Central Alabama, St. Clair County Chapter
Words That Reach
Support for literacy services through the establishment of a dedicated printing budget.
Pell City Historical Society
Historical Preservation and Programming
Educational programming and preservation efforts that promote the rich history of Pell City.
Pell City Library Guild
A Christmas Carol Literary Campaign and Performance
A community literary campaign and performance featuring storyteller Tim Lowry.
St. Clair Eye
Vision for St. Clair
Vision assistance for individuals who are uninsured or underinsured.
St. Clair Community Health Clinic
Filling the Mental Health Access Gap
Support for mental health services for individuals without health insurance.
St. Clair County Day Program, Inc.
Building Esteem Through Art
Support for the organization’s intensive therapeutic and academic services through the Building Esteem Through Art project.
St. Clair County Department of Human Resources
Cozy Coats
Provides new or gently used winter coats for individuals in need.
Stella’s Landing
Indoor Sensory Room Creation
Creation of an indoor sensory room to support the organization’s overnight respite services.
The Hyperemesis Gravidarum Relief Project
Maternal Medication Access & Stabilization Initiative for St. Clair County
Support for expectant mothers experiencing severe nausea and vomiting, dehydration, anemia and malnourishment.
The WellHouse
ShopWell Storefront
Employment opportunities through the ShopWell Storefront.
United Way Partners in St. Clair County
¡HICA!
Alabama Head Injury Foundation, Inc.
Alabama Kidney Foundation
Amelia Center
American Cancer Society
American Heart Association, Inc.
American Red Cross serving Mid-Alabama
Backpack Buddies*
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Birmingham
Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Alabama
Catholic Family Services
Children’s Aid Society of Alabama
Children’s of Alabama
Children’s Place*
Christian Love Pantry, Inc.*
Community Food Bank of Central Alabama
Concerned Citizens for Our Youth, Inc
Crisis Center
Disability Rights and Resources
Easterseals of the Birmingham Area
Epilepsy Foundation Alabama
Family Sunshine Center
Gateway
Girl Scouts of North Central Alabama
Girls Inc. of Central Alabama
Glenwood, Inc.
Greater Birmingham Habitat for Humanity
Heart of Pell City/(Historical Society)*
Lakeside Hospice*
Levite Jewish Community Center
Literacy Council of Central Alabama
Museum of Pell City*
Noah & Emily Little Humans Foundation
Oasis Counseling for Women and Children
Pell City Library Guild*
Pell City Schools*
Riley Center
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Alabama
SafeHouse of Shelby County
Scouting America – Greater Alabama Council
Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, Central Alabama Chapter
St. Clair County Day Program, Inc.*
St. Clair County Department of Human Resources*
St. Clair County Schools*
Stella’s Landing*
The Hyperemesis Gravidarum Relief Project
Travelers Aid Society of Birmingham, Alabama, Inc.
United Ability
Williams Intermediate School*
YWCA Central Alabama
*Office headquartered in county
Note: Investments are sent to each agency’s home office, which may be located outside the county’s borders.
The amount of the total allocation distributed to satellite programs is left entirely to the discretion of each agency’s leadership.
St. Clair County Agency Spotlight:
St. Clair County Day Program
For at-risk adolescents, the right support can make all the difference. St. Clair County Day Program provides a cost-effective alternative to incarceration, helping youth overcome challenges and work toward a brighter future. One client, for example, already faced charges for assault and domestic violence by age 14, and graduation seemed out of reach. Upon joining the program, they provided counseling and support, including academic remediation and behavior management. Now, she is set to graduate early. St. Clair County Day Program’s services, including individual and family counseling, are tailored to meet the unique needs of each young person — helping them set goals, maintain focus and reach their full potential.
Need Help? Get Help.
Call 211.
Free and confidential for anyone who’s facing hardship, our 211 Information and Referral Line connects those in need with critical services.
A Call Specialist will search more than 800 community organizations throughout Alabama to find the help you need. If you or someone you know is struggling, we urge you to make the call to get the help and support you need.
CALL – For assistance, dial 211 or 888-421-1266 (toll-free). If you’re hearing impaired, call 7-1-1 and ask to connect to 211 Connects Alabama.
TEXT – Text your ZIP code to 898-211 to chat with a 211 specialist.
SEARCH – Search the 211 online database for a comprehensive list of local services.
St. Clair County News
THE POWER OF US Grows Stronger in St. Clair County as United Way’s Annual Campaign Kicks Off
United Way of Central Alabama (UWCA) and St. Clair County community partners recently kicked off the county’s 2026 United Way
Zachary Gentile Is Driven by His Spirit of Community
Building stronger communities starts with people who are willing to serve – people such as Zachary Gentile. His commitment to service and leadership comes through as both a professional and volunteer. Outside of his role as Senior Vice President at Ford Meter Box, he serves on United Way of Central Alabama’s (UWCA) Board of Directors as well as the St. Clair County Advisory Board, which champions the work of nonprofits and expanding resources across St. Clair County. As part of his work with the Advisory Board, Zachary supported a UWCA Community Project Grant for The WellHouse. Connections formed through that partnership later led Ford Meter Box to hire an individual who was served through the program. “She now has health insurance, a great wage and contributes to the success of our organization,” Zachary said.
EXCEL Helps Expand Childcare for More Than 100 Children in Warrior
Availability of high-quality, affordable childcare is a widespread issue in Central Alabama. The best options are typically operating at capacity, so new parents are left searching for answers.