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Monthly News from United Way of Northeast Louisiana
January 2026 Edition
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When Stability Is at Risk, Community Steps In
In Northeast Louisiana, 56% of households are ALICE or below — ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) families who are working hard but living without a financial safety net.
When an unexpected hardship hits, even a small disruption can threaten a family’s stability.
Through the Family Relief Effort, resources are distributed to pre-approved individuals and families to help cover urgent needs like utilities, food, or transportation — paired with case management support from United Way of Northeast Louisiana.
A gift of $50 — or any amount — helps working families regain their footing and move forward.
Apply for assistance or make a gift today—because when families face unexpected hardship, United is the way families find stability.
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Your Report Helps Our Community Recover
Our community has been through a lot.
If your residence experienced damage from recent severe weather, reporting it helps state officials assess needs and plan next steps.
Click the link below or scan the QR code to report your damage.
Reporting damage does not guarantee assistance or affect your insurance.
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United Is the Way We Recover
Across Northeast Louisiana, families are still navigating the aftermath of recent severe weather. Many remain without power, essential resources are stretched thin, and the road to recovery continues for our neighbors who were hardest hit.
This is where community steps in. Through VolunteerUNITED Disaster Response, volunteers are helping meet immediate needs, support local partners, and bring relief to families working to regain stability. Every act of service — big or small — makes a meaningful difference during this recovery period.
If you’re able to lend a hand, we invite you to serve alongside us. Together, we can help our community recover, rebuild, and move forward.
Sign up to volunteer by clicking the link below.
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Free Tax Preparation — No Waiting Required
Free tax preparation is available for households earning under $67,000 through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program.
Simply drop off your documents at a participating location and return later — no long waits. Each drop-off appointment includes a 15–20 minute intake interview with an IRS-certified volunteer.
Drop-off dates: February 3 – February 27
Documents must be dropped off during your scheduled appointment time at your selected location.
Drop-Off Locations & Dates
Monroe
Financial Health Center
- 1001 DeSiard St.
- Dates: February 3 – February 27
Ruston
United Way of Northeast Louisiana Ruston Office
- 939 N. Trenton St.
- Date: February 17
Jonesboro
Jackson Parish Library
- 614 S. Polk Ave.
- Date: February 10
Tallulah
Madison Parish Library
- 403 N. Mulberry St.
- Date: February 24
Farmerville
Union Parish Library
- 202 W. Jackson St.
- Date: March 10
Need help scheduling an appointment? Call 211
Click the link below to schedule and appointment.
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READ.LEARN.SUCCEED. is still changing lives — one reader at a time.
In just a few months, students like Ciara have made real gains in their reading skills thanks to the consistency and care of a volunteer reader by her side. And when Ciara gets to take books home each month to practice? Her smile says it all. “Thank you!” she says — because those books help her grow, learn, and believe in herself.
To our donors and volunteers: this is your impact. Your generosity, time, and belief in early literacy are opening doors for children across our community. From all of us — and from Ciara — thank you for making READ.LEARN.SUCCEED. possible.
Learn more and be part of the story by clicking the link below.
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A Day of Learning, Leadership, and Possibility at ULM
On January 14, students participating with Ready4Service spent a meaningful day at the University of Louisiana at Monroe, gaining firsthand insight into college life, leadership, and service in action. Students heard directly from current ULM students, toured the campus, and shared lunch from Johnny’s Pizza House alongside University President Dr. Carrie Castille.
The experience offered young leaders a powerful glimpse into what’s possible when education, service, and leadership come together.
We’re grateful to ULM for warmly welcoming these students and for encouraging the next generation of change-makers as they continue their journey of learning and service.
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Building Financial Futures Through Knowledge and Community
In partnership with the City of Monroe, we proudly co-hosted the Financial Empowerment Summit at the Benoit Community Center, featuring nationally recognized financial educator Tiffany "The Budgetnista" Aliche. Community members gathered for an engaging and empowering experience focused on building stronger financial futures.
Attendees gained practical tools and actionable guidance — from learning how to create and manage a household budget to understanding how to open a free, safe bank account through Bank On resources. These conversations helped break down barriers to financial stability and provided clear next steps for individuals and families across our region.
Ahead of the summit, Bank On partners and community collaborators had the opportunity to connect with Tiffany during a special reception at our Monroe office. This meaningful gathering strengthened relationships and reinforced our shared commitment to advancing financial empowerment throughout Northeast Louisiana.
It was a powerful weekend of learning, collaboration, and impact — and a reminder of what’s possible when community comes together with purpose.
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Learning, Connecting, and Growing With United For ALICE
A few members of our team were proud to gather with colleagues from across the nation to learn, collaborate, and grow alongside United For ALICE partners.
Together, participants shared insights, best practices, and strategies to better understand and communicate the realities facing ALICE households. These conversations strengthened our work locally and reinforced our commitment to using data and storytelling to drive meaningful impact across Northeast Louisiana.
Interested in learning more about ALICE in Northeast Louisiana and how this data informs our work? Click the link below to learn more.
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From Northeast Louisiana to the National Stage
We’re proud to see our own Meghan Jones, Director of Marketing & Communications, representing us on a national stage in Miami!
Meghan presented “The Changing Face of ALICE: Telling the ALICE Story in a Bold, New Way,” sharing a case study from our own United Way and delivering best practices for brand-compliant, authentic, and impactful storytelling — showcasing how refreshed brand storytelling can elevate ALICE data, strengthen narrative impact, and better connect communities to the realities facing hardworking families.
As a member of our leadership team, Meghan continues to help shape how data, design, and storytelling come together to drive understanding, action, and change across our 12-parish region — and beyond!
#UnitedIsTheWay we tell the story
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What if your next job helped change lives — every single day?
We’re hiring a Director of Resource Development to lead year-round fundraising, donor engagement, and community partnerships that make our mission possible at United Way of Northeast Louisiana.
This leadership role helps shape our future, sits at the decision-making table, and connects generosity to real, measurable impact across Northeast Louisiana.
Learn more & apply by clicking the link below.
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The Heirship Project: Protecting Homes, Preserving Legacies
The Heirship Project is an initiative aimed at educating residents who need help obtaining a clear property title or legal documents for final wishes (will) or transferring ownership of property to another person (deed). By addressing these critical issues, The Heirship Project empowers residents to protect their assets and secure their family’s future.
What is Heir Property?
Heir Property comes about when necessary legal work isn't done after a property owner dies. Heirs who have a verbal agreement to live on the property, but no legal title could face many obstacles, including selling the property, making repairs on the property, or qualitfying for government aid to fix damages to the home.
What is a will? What is a deed?
Wills and deeds are both legal documents, but serve different purposes:
- Will: A legal document that outlines how a person's assets and estate should be distributed after their death
- Deed: A legal document used to transfer ownership of real estate or property from one person (or entity) to another
When is the Heirship Project?
- April 16 | 6:00 - 7:45 p.m. | United Way NELA Monroe Office | Community Members
Individuals seeking help to obtain a clear property title—or those wanting to learn more about heir property—can benefit from The Heirship Project. You can click the link below to view the workshops we offer for both community members and attorneys.
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It’s time to mark your calendars!
We’re excited to invite you to our annual Celebrating Excellence events this spring! Join us as we honor outstanding partners, share community impact highlights, and celebrate the power of working together.
Regional Event
Tuesday, April 22, 2026
University of Louisiana Monroe
Lincoln, Union & Jackson Parishes Event
Wednesday, April 23, 2026
Louisiana Tech University
Schedule for both events
• Doors open at 7:30 a.m.
• Breakfast & Program from 8:00–9:30 a.m.
More details coming soon. We can’t wait to celebrate with you!
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Life happens. 211 helps.
United Way of Northeast Louisiana 211is a free, confidential service that connects people to essential resources in our community. Whether you need help with housing, food, healthcare, transportation, crisis support, or just someone to talk to, 211 is here for you—24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
When life throws you a curveball, simply dial 211 or text your ZIP code to 898-211 to get connected with support you can count on.
Help us spread the message—view and download additional materials below. You never know who might need it!
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211 DASHBOARD:
This dashboard presents aggregate, non-personally identifiable data on United Way 211 help seekers since January 1, 2019, including their locations, referrals, expressed needs, and demographics.
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211 DATABASE:
The 211 database connects people to a wide range of local resources and services, and it is available 24/7 through a computer, phone, or other devices for convenient and immediate access.
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