Author: Leslie Schraeder

United Way of Southwest Alabama / Articles posted by Leslie Schraeder (Page 17)

AM/NS Calvert donated $20,000 to the United Way of Southwest Alabama (UWSWA) to provide grants to partner agencies in Southwest Alabama. The AM/NS Calvert employees were unable to have their traditional holiday gathering due to Covid-19. They decided to use that allotment of money to give back to the community they love. Partner agencies applied to receive funding just in time for the holidays for food, utility assistance, rent/mortgage assistance, and/or Christmas gifts. The UWSWA Allocation Committee met Wednesday, December 16 to discuss and distribute the money requested. Eight agencies were awarded funds.

The holiday season is a time to celebrate with friends, family and co-workers. While having alcohol at parties can enhance the holiday experience, it also can place you and others at risk if drinking gets out of hand.

Whether hosting or attending a party, here are a few tips that can help you celebrate safely throughout the holiday season and all year. Party tips are courtesy of the University of Wyoming (UW) Alcohol Wellness Alternatives, Research and Education (AWARE) Program (www.uwyo.edu/aware) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration’s National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information 

Hurricane Zeta ravaged areas in Clarke, Mobile, and Washington Counties. Many people are suffering in silence. Many storm victims are unaware there is help available. United Way of Southwest Alabama (UWSWA) and the other organizations that are part of the Mobile County Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD) are working to assist families in need. Volunteer efforts are essential while Southwest Alabama waits for a FEMA Declaration.

On Tuesday, November 10, Alabama Power donated $105,000 to the United Way of Southwest Alabama’s (UWSWA) 2020 Annual Campaign. Alabama Power Mobile Division Vice President Patrick Murphy presented the check to President & CEO Jill Chenoweth and Vice President of Resource Development Justine Herlihy Bixler. Campaign donations are used for program grants for our 46 partner agencies and to fund our 11 internal programs. 

Your United Way of Southwest Alabama (UWSWA) supports the Community Safety Net by funding 46 partner agencies through our Annual Campaign. In these uncertain times, due to COVID-19 and the recent hurricanes, UWSWA allocated emergency funds to our partners. These grants have helped them remain open and continue to provide relief to those affected by these tragic events.

UWSWA welcomes Harold Rudd Schultze to our Board of Trustees. Rudd is the Division Marketing Manager at Alabama Power. He received a Bachelor of Science from the University of Southern Mississippi and has several certifications in energy management and efficiency.

When asked why he accepted the offer to the board, Rudd replied, “I have always believed that it’s not enough to just talk about making a difference. Rather, making a difference takes individual effort as part of a larger team. As a long-time resident of the area, I have supported UWSWA through volunteerism and financial contributions. I have served on a United Way agency board and understand the unique challenges that our agencies face as they work to serve their clients and provide meaningful opportunities for them to strive in this region.”

11.05.2020 –  On Thursday Governor Kay Ivey  issued her nineteenth supplemental emergency proclamation containing an amended Safer at Home Order that includes a statewide mask requirement. Individuals will be required to wear a mask or other facial covering when in public and in close contact with other people, as described in the order. This amended order extends until Friday, December 11, 2020 at 5:00 p.m. .

UWSWA welcomes Bud McCrory to our Board of Trustees. Bud works as the Assistant Director of Administration for Mobile Water and Sewer System. He has a master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of South Alabama.

When asked why he accepted the invitation to the board, Bud responded, “to continue to grow a great organization with a great mission that I believe in.”