Campaign for Community

Campaign for the Community

by Kelly Spaeder

United Way of Coastal Georgia fights for the health, education and financial stability of every person in every community. The Board of Directors of United Way of Coastal Georgia recently announced the 2017-18 Campaign goal of $1 million and has named Paul McKenzie as the Campaign Chair. Paul has been a volunteer with United Way’s Community Investment Committee and a longtime supporter due to his personal experience with Hospice of the Golden Isles (an agency supported by United Way). Paul is the Assistant Director of Human Resources of Glynn County Schools and pastor of Bethel Evangel Community Church.

“Paul brings a commitment to service to the position, having dedicated his career to public education opportunities for all children in our region. The depth of his experience in the local faith-based community and dedication to positive community change provides excellent leadership for United Way’s campaign,” said Virginia Brown, United Way of Coastal Georgia CEO and President.

Almost a quarter of Glynn County’s residents between the ages of 16 and 24 are neither employed nor in school. This shocking condition has led to local generational poverty, crime, and teen pregnancy rates significantly higher than both state and national averages. United Way believes in a “Cradle to Career” solution that starts by providing affordable access to pre-kindergarten education and continues until our youth have the necessary tools to gain meaningful employment or continued education. United Way works with local nonprofit agencies and governmental, business, and religious leaders to facilitate the collaboration needed to solve this crisis. United Way funding is significant to these local agencies.

Last year, United Way supported 23 agencies and 35 programs. Sixteen programs addressed educational needs, with more than 8,000 children and adults benefiting from services that ranged from affordable day care to GED preparation for adults. The YMCA and Boys and Girls Club provided after-school programming that increased the number of students transitioning to the next grade. Thirteen programs assisted over 3,000 Glynn and McIntosh County residents with health care services such as early intervention support for newborns and end of life care. Programs at Safe Harbor addressed mental health needs through their Adventure Based Counseling program, with residents reporting significantly improved self-concepts and problem-solving skills. Six programs focused on income stability by providing shelter, job training programs for low income adults, and distributing food to residents in need. The Salvation Army provided over 8,000 nights of shelter to homeless men and women. More than one million pounds of food were distributed to area residents by America’s Second Harvest. “When you choose to give to United Way, you are making an investment in our community by supporting building blocks of better lives through education, health, and income stability,” says Brown. “Your donation does not just support someone in need, it creates opportunities that have a positive impact on our community.”

United Way helps the community every day with a 2-1-1 program that connects Glynn and McIntosh residents to the health and human resources they need. 2-1-1 is a non-emergency, confidential information and referral service available by simply dialing 2-1-1. They also serve the community through the annual June 21 Day of Action. This year, volunteers packaged and distributed 200 bags of food to those in need and helped install 19 Little Book Houses in parks and community locations.

United Way relies on generous donors who believe in creating opportunities. They stress that those who invest in the campaign and United Way programs are the community’s strongest advocates. The United Way campaign is now enlisting the community to help fundraise through their home, workplace, leadership events and corporate giving. For more information, call 912.265.1850 or visit uwcga.org.