Last week, United Way of Coastal Georgia (UWCGA) launched its 2021-22 Annual Fundraising Campaign. This year’s theme is Care More. Do More. Live UNITED. Mary Jenrette, President and CEO of Marshland Credit Union, and Carly Oxenreider, Keller Williams Golden Isles REALTOR, will serve as Campaign Co-Chairs with Jones Hooks, Jekyll Island Authority Executive Director, serving as the Honorary Chairman.
“The mission of United Way is to increase self-sufficiency for every single person in Coastal Georgia through resources and programs that promote health, education and income stability,” said Justin Callaway, President & CEO. “Through investment in and partnership with local agencies, we strive to deliver strategic solutions related to child/youth readiness, stable environments, and workforce development.”
United Way is able to accomplish its mission year after year thanks to generous individuals and organizations who show their support through their financial contributions during the Annual Campaign as well as the invaluable gift of their time and talents. The 2021-22 Campaign will run through February 2022 and seeks to exceed its fundraising goal of $850,000. Nearly $150,000 has been raised in the weeks leading up to the Campaign Kickoff.
“For over 65 years, our local United Way has worked with local businesses, nonprofits, government, and civic- and faith-based groups, along with educators, health providers, senior citizens, young leaders, and other stakeholders to continue to build stronger communities in Glynn and McIntosh,” remarked Callaway. “Earlier this year, we expanded our services to include Camden County, as well. We are proud to work with new partners there and look forward to providing the same level of service and leadership to our neighbors in Camden as has come to be expected in Glynn and McIntosh.”
Although the UWCGA business operation will continue to be based in Brunswick, Callaway says the organization will have impact at the local level in all three counties, especially as they begin to fund programs operated by Camden, Glynn, and McIntosh nonprofits.
“Our local United Way remains committed to providing relevant, impactful service throughout the Coastal Georgia region,” added Callaway.
Dollars raised during United Way’s Annual Campaign benefit the UWCGA Community Fund.
Each Spring, a committee composed of United Way volunteers accepts grant applications, evaluates proposals, then directs those dollars to programs related to health, education, and income stability. The needs from year to year may be different than another, so through the well-established and rigorous Community Investment Process, the committee decides which charitable organizations and programs should be prioritized.
In addition to the UWCGA Community Fund and Community Investment Process, the organization also assists in operating the Community Emergency Needs Fund in partnership with the Communities of Coastal Georgia Foundation. Established in 2017 in response to the devastation related to Hurricane Irma, funds raised to support the emergency response efforts through the Community Emergency Needs Fund are not comingled with donations received from United Way’s Annual Campaign. Grant proposals and allocation requests are reviewed by an independent committee of volunteers from both United Way and the Communities of Coastal Georgia Foundation.
