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Mobile United and United Way Announce Food 4 Furloughed Feds Food Drive

Mobile, AL – Mobile United and United Way of Southwest Alabama (UWSWA) announced Food 4 Furloughed Feds Food Drive to benefit Feeding the Gulf Coast. The food drive will run from Friday, January 18 through January 28, 2019. 

Due to the ongoing government shutdown, thousands of federal and contract workers have not been paid. Many of which live paycheck to paycheck and are facing serious financial crises. Feeding the Gulf Coast is experiencing a significantly greater need for food throughout the community. They are working to meet the current requests while preparing for an extended shutdown in which funding for government assistance programs will expire in February and workers continue to go without pay.

UWSWA Awarded Alabama Power Foundation Elevate Grant

(Clarke County, AL) – United Way of Southwest Alabama (UWSWA) was awarded one of four Alabama Power Foundation Elevate Grants.  Elevate grants strengthen communities by funding projects, providing capacity-building workshops and assisting in networking opportunities for non-profit organizations across the state. UWSWA requested the funding to open a United Way Clarke County Outreach Center in Grove Hill, Alabama to provide multiple services to the citizens of Clarke County in one central location. A physical presence will help mitigate transportation challenges as well as increase awareness of the programs and services available to residents. UWSWA also plans to increase funding in the county to provide more resources to its partner agencies.

UWSWA Celebrates Over $500,000 in Prescription Savings

United Way of Southwest Alabama (UWSWA) today announced that South Alabama residents have saved $512,000 on their prescription medications, thanks to its partnership with FamilyWize, an organization focused on improving the health and well-being of individuals, families and communities.

Through this partnership, the United Way has helped promote the free, easy to use FamilyWize Prescription Discount Card, which has helped more than 11 million Americans save more than $1 billion on their prescriptions.

UWSWA Selects Partner Agency Artwork For 2018 Holiday Cards

The United Way of Southwest Alabama hosted an art contest to be selected as the 2018 Holiday Card artwork. There were thirteen entries from five partner agencies. The entries were so strong we chose two winners. The entry submitted by Brian Pat Smith with the Mobile Arc Marc-Art Program was chosen for the Mobile County card. The art submitted by Frank Manuel with The Arc of Southwest Alabama (formerly ECI) was chosen of the Choctaw, Clarke, and Washington County card.

Shoe Station Donates New Shoes to United Way of Southwest Alabama for Holiday Distribution to Area Agencies

Mobile, AL – Shoe Station donated 482 pairs of new shoes for women and men in various sizes to the United Way of Southwest Alabama (UWSWA). On Friday, November 30, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. UWSWA (218 St. Francis Street, 36602) will distribute the shoes to partner agencies that provide assistance to the homeless and low income individuals in our area. Each agency will provide the shoes to their current clients free of charge. The agencies include: Arc of Southwest Alabama, Arc of Clarke, Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Alabama, Boys and Girls Clubs of South Alabama, Dearborn YMCA, Dumas Wesley Community Center, Family Promise of Coastal Alabama, Goodwill Easter Seals of the Gulf Coast, Lifelines Counseling Center, Mobile Arc, Penelope House, The Learning Tree, The Salvation Army of Coastal Alabama, Victory Health Partners, and Volunteers of America Southeast.

Shoe Station and Mobile City Councilman Donated $5,519 for Hurricane Michael Relief to United Way of Southwest Alabama

The Shoe Station chain’s fundraiser for Hurricane Michael relief efforts raised $5,519 as the result of shoppers purchasing nearly 5,000 boots, shoes, and sandals in support. Customers online and in 21 Southeastern stores also made additional donations. The fundraiser’s co-sponsor, The Office of Mobile City Council Representative Levon Manzie (District 2), donated $500 to the effort.

On November 1, Shoe Station is presenting a check to the United Way of Southwest Alabama (#UWSWA). The not-for-profit organization will share proceeds with partner agencies including: American Red Cross, Feeding the Gulf Coast, Lifelines for 211, The Salvation Army, Volunteers for America, and Goodwill Easter Seals. The check presentation event will take place at 10:30 am at Shoe Station’s Hillcrest Road location in Mobile, and is open to media and the general public.

Emerging Leader Spotlight: Felicia Fields

 Name: Felicia Fields

Position: Photographer & Graphic Designer

Join Shoe Station on Sunday, October 21, 2018, for Hurricane Michael Donation Day!

To support those effected by Hurricane Michael, Shoe Station is hosting a United Way Day Fundraiser October 21, 2018, in its twenty-one locations across the Southeast. On that day, the retail chain is donating one dollar for every pair of shoes, sandals, and boots sold to United Way.

Funding Help Is Need Now For United Way Partner Agencies Assisting Storm Victims

(Mobile, AL) – In the wake of Hurricane Michael, the United Way partner agencies and families in affected areas will lean on their neighboring communities for assistance in the relief and recovery process. As the community safety-net, several United Way of Southwest Alabama (UWSWA) partner agencies will be among them. Over the days and weeks ahead, the agencies will provide services for the victims of Michael, as well as the services they provide every day.

Today, UWSWA needs your help to replenish the resources required to do all the work needed. When you donate to UWSWA, you help fund all the partner agencies working in our community and across the Gulf Coast in relief and recovery efforts. Visit www.uwswa.org to give.

New Staff Additions – Manager of Donor Relations & Staff Accountant

The United Way of Southwest Alabama (UWSWA) has added two new members to the staff. Michi Lunceford is the new staff accountant and Alycia Young is the new Manager of Donor Relations. Both ladies have a wealth of experience and are excellent additions to the team.