Annual Report 2021 Introduction

Together, We Live United

Advocating for a 10-county region, the Greater Valdosta United Way is bringing donors, volunteers, organizations, and business and community leaders together to solve critical problems that impact the lives of children and adults.

We are working to establish the GVUW as a valued leader and resource for local, state, and federal government representatives by:

• Advocating for legislation that meets the critical needs of South Georgia’s most vulnerable populations.
• Ensuring that state and federal dollars are distributed to GVUW partner agencies, other nonprofits, and community organizations.
• Creating an awareness of issues that improve our community through education, income stability, and health and wellness initiatives that serve as building blocks for better lives and stronger communities.

Finding help when you need it can be a challenge. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, people in need were confused and frustrated trying to find resources available within their communities.

If your community has the 211 system, help is just a phone call, text, or click away. However, only 60 % of Georgians have access to 211, and 41 counties in South Georgia are without this valuable service. The Greater Valdosta United Way is working with state leaders and various foundations to secure funding to implement 211 statewide, especially in rural communities.

Through the national 211 system, people looking for assistance like housing, food, transportation, and healthcare, can access a local community resource specialist that provides information about food and nutrition programs, shelter and housing options, utility assistance, services for veterans, employment and education opportunities, mental health support, and safe and confidential help for physical and domestic emotional abuse.

In 2021, the Greater Valdosta United Way launched the Child Well-Being Index, a set of 14 measures that provides a score for children, families, communities, and overall child well-being ranking. These scores represent key indicators that outline essential aspects of a community’s health and civic life.

Developed by Greater United Way of Atlanta, the Child Well-Being Index is being implemented by United Way agencies across Georgia. Serving as a “conversation starter,” sharing this crucial information with community leaders will facilitate the development of goals that drive transformational change that will benefit the region’s most vulnerable children and families.

Through an AmeriCorps grant, the Greater Valdosta United Way provides Charity Tracker at no charge for two years to local nonprofits, including churches and organizations that provide food, shelter, and utility assistance to people in need.

The web-based system allows charitable organizations to share information that ensures resources are given to individuals and families with critical needs and prevents duplication of services.