Dear United Way,

This month I want to share with you some remarkable strides we've achieved in the past month with our Community Schools initiative. The Path to Success Walking School Bus Clean-Up in Pleasant Hill was nothing short of extraordinary. Over 100 volunteers from various organizations united to fill 76 trash bags, not only cleaning up our community but also fostering a remarkable spirit of collective impact.

The core mission of the Path to Success project is crystal clear: we aim to increase school attendance while at the same time creating a safer, more engaged community.. What makes this endeavor even more special is the addition of seniors as route leaders and porch watchers. This not only enhances safety along our Walking School Bus routes but also empowers our seniors to actively support the younger generation. It's a beautiful intergenerational connection that embodies the very essence of community spirit—and community schools. Our inaugural Walking School Bus project is poised to hit the ground running on October 4th at L.H. Williams Elementary School!

Now, let's shift our focus to our VITA program—a true beacon of financial empowerment. Last season, VITA prepared a staggering 932 returns, saving individuals a total of $335,300 in tax preparation fees and returning over $1.6 million to the Central Georgia Community, including our ALICE families! Volunteers like you are the driving force behind this remarkable success. I extend a personal invitation to you to join us and become a VITA volunteer. Your involvement has the potential to change the financial trajectory of our community. Please scroll down to our Program Spotlight to learn more.

As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, it's an excellent opportunity to spotlight our Parents as Teachers (PAT) program's dedication to Hispanic families in Central Georgia. PAT provides bilingual staff, materials, and active involvement in culturally relevant events. Further below, you'll find a list of Hispanic Heritage Celebrations taking place around Central Georgia. I invite you to join us as we collectively celebrate diversity and make a positive impact in our community!

Our commitment to ALICE—Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed—is evident in all our programs. By focusing on inclusivity and understanding the challenges faced by hardworking individuals and families, we are ensuring that every member of our community has the opportunity to thrive.

Your commitment to United Way creates a ripple effect, resulting in positive change in the lives of those we serve. I encourage you to consider signing up as a volunteer, engaging with our outreach efforts, making a gift, and becoming an integral part of our community's transformative journey.



Together, we are building a stronger, more inclusive Central Georgia. Your continued support is the driving force behind our shared success, and for that, we are immensely grateful.

With heartfelt gratitude,

George McCanless

President & CEO

Hardworking families in Central Georgia face challenges in accessing certified tax preparers, resulting in missed opportunities for crucial tax credits. This financial disparity can hinder their ability to maximize refunds and access vital resources. In partnership with the IRS, we spearhead a coalition that offers free tax preparation services by certified IRS-trained volunteers. Our IRS-certified volunteers provide free basic income tax preparation with electronic filing to qualified individuals, allowing families to maximize their tax refunds and claim eligible credits. The impact of the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program transcends tax season, contributing to the financial stability of Central Georgia's communities, enabling families to thrive, and achieving greater financial security.

We invite you to join us in this impactful initiative. Become a VITA volunteer and help Central Georgia families navigate their path toward financial stability. Together, we can build a stronger and more financially secure Central Georgia.

Adrian faced significant challenges, becoming homeless after losing his car. He had to spend hundreds on Uber rides just to commute to work. Fortunately, United Way and Brookdale Resource Center helped support his path to stable housing, and thanks to Geico's remarkable generosity, Adrian received a life-changing gift—a car. This incredible act removed the burden of transportation, enabling Adrian to focus on his personal and professional growth. With newfound independence, he is now thriving and making a lasting impact. This inspiring success story exemplifies the power of compassion and collaboration, showing that together, we can create positive change in people's lives.

UWCG's Caring Club Card: Invest in your community and save!

Unlock exclusive savings with UWCG's Caring Club Card! Make a gift of $156 or more to the Community Impact Fund or one of our impact areas and receive this special card. Valid for a year, it offers discounts at 57 local businesses supporting United Way. Your donation not only provides savings for you but also contributes to building a better community for all!



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