This summer, the United Way of Southwest Alabama (UWSWA) is launching an early childhood development program called The Basics. The Basics aims to eliminate the learning gap for many children in our community. We are excited about the new program and ready to recruit a Program Manager.
Phins Apparel will host the Inaugural Phins Fishing Classic (PFC) in eight Southern states and will benefit over 240 United Ways. The goal of this tournament is to raise funds and awareness for United Way, as well as connect anglers to their local United Way chapter. The net proceeds will be divided between the United Ways based on how many anglers participate in each community. Locally, the United Way of Southwest Alabama (UWSWA) will benefit from the anglers fishing in Choctaw, Clarke, Mobile, and Washington Counties. The tournament kicks off on April 9 and continues through May 1, 2022.
Michi Lunceford, Chief Financial Officer, came to United Way in August 2018. “I previously worked at a partner agency and was excited about working at a place that serves an even greater population,” she said.
Brad Martin, VITA Program Coordinator, came to United Way in 2013. He is very passionate about helping people achieve financial stability. “I think that so many people today are just not equipped to manage their finances,” he said. “I help people with their taxes, but can also talk them through the steps of filing and refer them to other people to help them get in a better situation than they were before.
Katherine Pitman, Outreach and Community Engagement Coordinator, has been with United Way since 2017. She enjoys her job because it gives her an opportunity to have direct, positive effects on people.
Mary Clare Tortorice, Manager of Donor Relations, came to work at United Way of Southwest Alabama because she was inspired to make a difference during the Covid-19 pandemic. “For a countless number of years I have heard about United Way of Southwest Alabama, but when the Covid-19 pandemic hit our service area, I was ready to help a nonprofit that was eager to serve Mobile during times of uncertainty,” she said. “That is when I landed at the doors of United Way of Southwest Alabama.”
On Wednesday, September 1, United Way of Southwest Alabama (UWSWA) announced its 2021 Volunteer and Campaign Award recipients as part of its Annual Community Campaign Kickoff. Each year, UWSWA recognizes and celebrates the people, organizations, and workplaces that work tirelessly to change lives and save lives in Southwest Alabama. Fox 10 newscasts highlighted the award recipients, and UWSWA highlighted them in four Facebook Lives.
On Wednesday, September 1, 2021, United Way of Southwest Alabama (UWSWA) will feature its partner agencies, internal programs, award winners, sponsors, and pacesetters. During all of the FOX 10 newscasts, including Studio 10, there will be guests appearing to talk about all things UWSWA. In addition to the television broadcast, Fox 10 and UWSWA will each host live streamed segments on Facebook.
This year, iHeart Radio local stations will feature UWSWA on its 5 local radio stations and digital platforms.
MOBILE, Alabama – Last week, Southeastern retail chain Shoe Station pledged to give over $20,000 to United Way of Southwest Alabama (UWSWA) in 2021. More than 200 members of Shoe Station’s team collectively pledged approximately $11,000, and Shoe Station’s president, Brent Barkin, and his wife, Lauren, personally matched the staff’s donation.
Financial Assistant Sara Knox has been with United Way of Southwest Alabama for two years. “The opportunity arose and I was eager to take it,” she said. “I’ve always admired what United Way does, so I was excited to join the amazing team here.”