Blog

The United Way of Southwest Alabama (UWSWA) welcomed Myles Cook as a Spring 2021 intern. Myles attends Spring Hill College, majoring in Financial Economics.

Myles chose to become an intern at UWSWA because it would give him the ability to offer his time to the community which is a very important aspect of his life.

By Justine Bixler, UWSWA Vice President of Resource Development

On an annual basis, United Way of Southwest Alabama funds over 100 programs operated by our 46 non-profit partner agencies. In addition to these programs, our staff facilitates 11 internal programs that also provide direct services to individuals throughout our local community. Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA) is one of these 11 programs. The VITA program offers free basic tax return preparation for qualified individuals. The program has operated for over 50 years, offering free tax help to:

  • People who generally make $57,000 or less
  • Persons with disabilities; and
  • Limited English-speaking taxpayers
  • Who need assistance when preparing their own returns.

Do you know someone with a HEART OF GOLD?

Has someone you know gone above and beyond the call of duty?

Do you know someone on the front lines during this unique time that has impacted you or an agency in our community?  

UWSWA is proud to honor its volunteers with the Heart of Gold Award. The awards recognize volunteers for their dedication and service in the areas of education, health, financial stability, or essentials. The engagement of the hundreds of individuals who volunteer with us each year is critical to the success of both UWSWA and our 46 partner agencies.

Do you know someone with a HEART OF GOLD?

Has someone you know gone above and beyond the call of duty?

Do you know someone on the front lines during this unique time that has impacted you or an agency in Choctaw, Clarke, or Washington Counties?  

In 2021, UWSWA is proud to honor its volunteers with the Heart of Gold Award, which recognizes up to four volunteers in Choctaw, Clarke, and Washington Counties — for their dedication and service in the areas of education, health, financial stability, or essentials. The engagement of the hundreds of individuals who volunteer with us each year is critical to the success of both UWSWA and our 46 partner agencies.

By Brad Martin, Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program Coordinator

United Way of Southwest Alabama (UWSWA) is one of several Mobile area nonprofit organizations that partners with the IRS to offer the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. Indeed, UWSWA partner agencies Goodwill Gulf Coast and Mobile Community Action also participate in helping low and middle income taxpayers file their tax returns for free with the help of certified volunteers. And many other organizations join us in this work.

The United Way of Southwest Alabama welcomed Daniella Amador as a Spring 2021 intern.  Daniella attends Spring Hill College, majoring in Computer Information Systems. 

She chose to become an intern for the opportunity to expand her business knowledge while improving her computer skills. She plans for a career in the computer industry. She also believes that giving back is the best way to improve our community.

MONTGOMERY –Governor Kay Ivey on Wednesday, April 7, issued her twenty-sixth supplemental emergency proclamation transitioning the state from an amended Safer at Home Order to a new Safer Apart Order, the third phase of COVID-19 pandemic health orders. Masks will no longer be mandated statewide, but individuals are strongly encouraged to wear a mask or other facial covering when in public and in close contact with other people. This order goes into effect at 5 p.m. on Friday, April 9, 2021 and extends until 5 p.m. on Wednesday, May 5, 2021.

The United Way of Southwest Alabama mourns with the Asian American and Pacific Islander community—including those in our United Way family—after the murder of eight people, including six women of Asian descent, in Georgia. It’s important that we say their names: Delaina Ashley Yaun, Daoyou Feng, Xiaojie Tan, Paul Andre Michels, Soon Chung Park, Suncha Kim, Yong Ae Yue, and Hyun Jung Grant.