National Culinary Month
July 23, 2021
By Justine Bixler, UWSWA Vice President of Resource Development
“We quickly learned that food is a powerful tool to heal communities in times of crisis and beyond.” –Chef Jose Andres
Author: Leslie Schraeder
2021 Staff Spotlight – Erica Berger
July 22, 2021
Office Manager Erica Berger joined United Way of Southwest Alabama when she was hired as temporary help during the holidays. She enjoyed the work so much that she wanted to stay. “An opportunity came up and they called and asked if I was interested and I was,” she said. “I’ve been here for 3 years.”
National Culinary Month – Food Deserts
July 19, 2021
By Trista Stout-Walker, Vice President of Community Impact
Have you ever returned home from the grocery store and realized you forgot an important item or ingredient? It can be the most frustrating thing at times. Especially, when we spend time preparing for the trip, traveling to the store, shopping for goods, and returning home. For some in our catchment area that requires hours, substantial money, and resources. This is because they live in a “food desert”. According to Wikipedia, a food desert is an area that has limited access to affordable and nutritious food, in contrast with an area with higher access to supermarkets with fresh foods, which is called a food oasis.
Fox 10 Playground Project
July 16, 2021
MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) — Fox10 News kicked off a brand new project Wednesday, teaming up with the United Way of Southwest Alabama, PlayPower and ‘Make an Impact’ to build a brand new playground at Walsh Park.
Walsh Park, located at 1401 Windsor Ave in Mobile, has given children in the surrounding neighborhood a space to get outdoors and play but has been missing something — that something being a playground.
The playground that will be built will be more than just a place for play, it will also be great for families and neighbors to create memories together.
Scam Alert: Woman Fraudulently Using the United Way Name
July 15, 2021
Scam Alert: Woman Fraudulently Using the United Way Name to Obtain Banking Information
This afternoon [Thursday, July 15, 2021], the United Way of Southwest Alabama (UWSWA) discovered that a woman allegedly named Linda Vaughn fraudulently uses the name United Way to contact individuals through Facebook Messenger with nonexistent grant funding. Vaughn allegedly asserts she is a Claims Agent for United Way Worldwide and can provide grants to individuals in our community. She then asks for the individual’s bank account information so that she can cover her fees to process the requests.
2021 Staff Spotlight – Delena Wylie
July 13, 2021
Resource Development Associate Delena Wylie came to United Way of Southwest Alabama (UWSWA) fresh out of high school. She was looking for a job with meaning and purpose, she said, and has been with UWSWA for 23 years.
Pride Month Reflections
June 22, 2021
By Justine Bixler, UWSWA Vice President of Resource Development
It is in times of need that we discover the full impact and influence of a community United. Whether it is in Mobile, in our neighboring communities or across the United States nurturing empathy and understanding is an integral part of our commitment to build strong and healthy communities.
Emerging Leaders – June Lunch & Learn: Professional Development
June 21, 2021
United Way of Southwest Alabama’s Emerging Leaders is hosting our second Lunch and Learn of the year. This professional development workshop will consist of a panel of accomplished Mobilians, break-out rooms, and a Q&A session.
A Reflection on Juneteenth
June 18, 2021
By LaToya Stevens is the Marketing and Communications Director at Heart of Missouri United Way
Juneteenth (June 19) is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. Today, Juneteenth commemorates African American freedom, and emphasizes education and achievement.
It’s celebrated across America with block parties, cookouts and educational events. You may not know the history of Juneteenth because until today, it has not been recognized as a federal holiday. If it’s not part of your culture, this may be your first time hearing about Juneteenth.
For United Way, Vaccines Are Part of Recovery & Rebuilding
June 8, 2021
By Dr. Juliette Tuakli, Founder and Medical Director of CHILDAccra
Good start, right direction, but more to do.
That’s how United Way leaders see the job ahead when it comes to recovery and rebuilding in the wake of COVID-19.
While the world’s largest privately-funded nonprofit raised an unprecedented amount of money last year for COVID-19 relief, the pandemic’s multiple waves around the world remind us that our work is far from over.