Every 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 an integral role in building relationships with our partner agencies, their clients and the broader community.
An appreciation event at Brasfield & Gorrie recognized several VAT Chairs for their years of service, and honored Ivan Holloway with the inaugural Bivins Adams VAT Chair of the Year Award. Speakers including Christy Atkinson from partner agency Workshops Empowerment, UWCA President and CEO Drew Langloh and Senior Vice President of Community Impact Katrina Watson emphasized the essential role of volunteers.
“The VAT process helps us ensure that resources are used well, and that investments are used wisely, efficiently and effectively. This work is about being community citizens and learning about these incredible organizations that we are supporting through United Way work,” said Langloh.
“The VAT process is the fabric of the work that United Way does,” said Watson. “When people see a United Way agency, they know that it has been vetted; we have reviewed their financial information and mission, and we have validated that they are doing the work they set out to do.”
Why Volunteer? Past Chairs Reflect:
As VAT volunteers, members will help shape community programs that touch thousands of lives. Dr. Tracey Morant Adams, Chair of UWCA’s Community Impact Committee and Senior Executive Vice President of Renasant Bank, said of the VAT experience, “Service is important to so many of us and is the reason that we give of our talent, our time and our resources.”
Former UWCA Board Chair Chip Bivins, Chief Audit and Compliance Officer for The University of Alabama System, has served as a UWCA volunteer in many capacities, including as a VAT Chair. “Serving on the Visiting Allocations Teams really changed the way that I understood what United Way is about,” he said. “We really appreciate what these volunteers do year in and year out; they are our foundation.”
The VAT experience gives volunteers a chance to gain deeper insight into regional needs and solutions, and how to ensure that UWCA’s impact is being directed where it is needed most.
The VAT Impact at Work: UWCA Partner Agencies
VAT is a vital part of UWCA’s accountability process. Trained volunteers visit local partner agencies, assess their services and review their financial stewardship. Then, volunteers conduct site visits that offer an inside look at how agencies operate with the impact of UWCA funding.
“Each time I visit a site I learn a little bit more about how much people love this community. They produce all kinds of services and support for our residents,” said Ivan Holloway, Executive Director of Urban Impact, Inc.
As a United Way agency, Workshops Empowerment helps people with disabilities and other employment barriers join the workforce. “Our programs ranging from job readiness training to hands-on experiences in one of our many social enterprises reflect our belief that everyone has something valuable to offer our community, regardless of ability or circumstances,” said Christy Atkinson. “The Visiting Allocations Teams bring oversight and accountability, making sure that we remain good stewards of every dollar entrusted to us.”
Creating Impact 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 such as Workshops Empowerment. Volunteers are one of keys to ensuring that United Way funds are effectively used to improve lives across Central Alabama.
To learn more about VAT, visit Visiting Allocation Teams – United Way of Central Alabama (uwca.org).