Page 75 - South Mississippi Living - December, 2016

GIVING BACK serving the community
United Way of South Mississippi
11975 Seaway Rd., Suite B-170, Gulfport | 228.896.2213 | www.unitedwaysm.org
photos courtesy of United Way investing in children and families story by Lynn Lofton
United Way of South Mississippi works through the brand of United Way Worldwide that began in 1887 when six leaders in Denver decided to work together for change. Locally, a similar group met in 1962 to form what’s now United Way of South Mississippi (UWSM.) Since then, UWSM has worked to rally resources, collaboratives and leadership for the needs of communities.
Today, UWSM is still working
to advance the common good by investing in young children and their families. “But how that investment occurred was adjusted in 2012. After listening to donors, UWSM accepted the challenge to improve the futures of our children,” Cynthia Walker, CEO, said. “Local experts gathered
to determine the focus of UWSM funds: getting all children ready for kindergarten and having students reading on grade level by third grade. But prior to 2012, UWSM gave funds to many community organizations causing an inch-deep, mile-wide effect. It wasn’t offering a lasting impact. By addressing root causes of our communities’ issues, particularly in education, United Way is now able to see meaningful change!”
UWSM serves numerous organizations in Hancock, Harrison, Pearl River and Stone Counties
and awarded more than $800,000
in 2015. United Way sponsored
nine agencies, seven PreK4ward classes, three summer programs,
10 teacher training sessions in two
districts and agencies creating new programs through “emerging” grants. Additionally, UWSM works closely with Catholic Social Services, Share Your Blessings, and Project Share.
“By February, UWSM will post a grant Request For Proposals for 2017. Interested nonprofits in UWSM’s service area may call 228.896.2213 for information,” Walker said.
Other programs include Earned Income Tax Credit Assistance, the FamilyWize discount prescription card, Women’s Leadership Council, Vroom to teach parents activities that build children’s brains, and Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library that sends one free book monthly to 2,200 enrolled children until they turn five.
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