For the first time in three years, United Way of the CSRA held an in person campaign kickoff event on Friday morning, August 19^th.  In addition to this event, United Way also held their annual Project Serve day of service on the same day.  This year, United Way set an ambitious goal to raise $2,400,000 to help meet the continued demands in our community. Last year, United Way of the CSRA used the funds to help support 38 programs at 25 different non-profits throughout the CSRA. 

In 2021, United Way of the CSRA impacted the lives of more than 253,000 local lives through investments in targeted programs and community partnerships in the following focus areas which align with their Leading Families Forward initiative: Childhood Success, Youth Success, Workforce Development, and Access to Resources. Leading Families Forward is a community-wide initiative that was launched three years ago that ensures investments are made to specific focus areas in the community meeting the largest needs. 

Brad Means and Jennie Montgomery, news anchors at WJBF News Channel 6, emceed the event and encouraged the community to support our neighbors in need. They also recognized event sponsors, Savannah River Nuclear Solutions, Doctors Hospital of Augusta, and Blanchard and Calhoun. 

President and CEO, Brittany Burnett, stated “Our community needs United Way, our strong partnerships, and ability to mobilize resources to help solve complex problems in the CSRA. But United Way also needs our community’s support in order to make lasting change on the issues that matter most in our region. We want to ensure that children, young adults, and families have the tools and resources they need to achieve their maximum potential.  Your support, your gift, to United Way will enable us to Lead Families Forward, not only for today, but for next week, next year, and the next generation.”

United Way of the CSRA Board Chair, Dave Belkoski, also noted that “the past three years have been a challenge to many residents in our community. United Way is here to help address both the short and long terms needs of our residents, but we can’t do that without the support of our fellow colleagues, friends, and neighbors. Your time is valuable, your contributions ever so important, and your commitment is crucial in this effort. Join us in this year by investing in United Way.”

After announcing the campaign goal and revealing the campaign video, over 250 volunteers went out into the community to give back and complete various projects at non-profits including SafeHomes, Boy Scouts, EasterSeals, Girl Scouts, Golden Harvest’s Masters Table, and more. Some volunteers remained onsite and made no-sew fleece blankets to be distributed to those in need. 

With strong community support, United Way continues to tackle our region’s most complex social needs, supporting 38 programs across 25 local nonprofits who help provide critical tools and resources to those who need it most. To give, visit www.uwcsra.org or text UWCSRA to 40403. You can also participate in your company’s workplace giving campaign.