What is United Way?

United Way of the River Cities is a non-profit organization that seeks to better the human condition in our community.  United Way garners resources - human and financial - and directs them to the organization, initiative or collaborative partnership that best addresses our area's most pressing problems.

United Way raises money in an annual campaign and generates revenue through grant-writing. In addition, the organization secures in-kind support from the community to reach the most people and to do the most good.

The annual campaign is a vehicle through which donors can support services and strategies that are addressing critical issues in the River Cities area.

Why United Way?

When donors invest in United Way, they can be confident that their contribution will be pooled with others and invested in the most powerful strategies and effective institutions locally in order to get results for people in the community.  United Way is unique in its ability to mobilize resources, individuals and institution in order to combine their efforts to focus on the same issues and opportunities. Leveraging our relationships with such a diverse group of players produces greater results for the donor.

Your support Provides:

When donors and volunteers lend a hand, they support the work of local agencies, and collaborative partnership efforts. Here is a sampling of the program services and issues that your support helps address:

• thousands of pounds of food to pantries in our area each year
  (Huntington Area Food Bank)
• disaster and emergency assistance to those in need (American Red Cross)
• pregnancy tests to those who cannot afford one (Birthright)
• professional child care for low income families
  (Kiwanis Day Care, Barnett Child Care Center, Children’s Place)
• counseling and parenting support services (Goodwill Industries/Family Services)
• dental and eye exams to those who may not otherwise receive them
  (Cabell Huntington Coalition for the Homeless)
• prescription medications to those who are unable to afford them
  (United Health Foundation)
• after school activities for children who would otherwise be unsupervised
  (Boys and Girls Club)
• underprivileged youth with the opportunity to be involved in group
  fitness activities (YMCA)
• medications, diapers, vitamins and formula to new mothers who are
  unable to provide for their newborn (Well Child Clinic)
• tutoring to raise the literacy levels of adults (Tri-State Literacy Council)
• mentoring for at-risk youth (Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Tri-State)
• school starter kits for families who cannot afford supplies (YWCA)
• athletic events for disabled youth Special Olympics
  (Cabell, Wayne and Lawrence Counties)
• scouting activities and events for low-income youth
  (Girl Scouts of Black Diamond Council and Wilderness Road Council)
• assistance with utilities and back to school clothing for families in need
  (Stella Fuller Settlement)
• shelter for victims of domestic violence (Branches)
• food orders and transportation for individuals and families in need
  (The Salvation Army)
• special programming and camperships for disadvantaged youth
  (Boy Scouts Tri-State Area Council and Simon Kenton Council)
• counseling for women in recovery from substance abuse
  (Renaissance Prestera)
• medical services, home visits, and immunizations for children
  (Huntington Pediatric Clinic)
• assessments, therapy and equipment for children with disabilities
  (Developmental Therapy Center)
• chronic disease management program supplies (Ebenezer Medical Outreach)
• clothing and rent for disadvantaged individuals and families
  (City Welfare Mission)
• recreation for troubled youth (Cammack Children’s Center)
• fitness center for youth and seniors and Buddy Basketball for youth
  (Chesapeake Community Center)
• youth and senior fitness programs (C-K Community Center)
• early childhood education and kindergarten readiness (Success by Six)
• warm clothing for elementary-aged children and community service opportunities for high school-aged youth (The Big Cover Up Project)
• helping families become more self sufficient (Earned Income Tax Credit)
• addressing the graduation rate at area high schools (Evening School)
• dealing with issues related to obesity and substance abuse prevention
  (Wellness Council)