Men: Leading and Serving Our Community

On June 16, we will celebrate and honor all of the wonderful fathers in our lives. Our United Way has been blessed over the years to have many exceptional dads that have led us in our mission of

“Improving Lives. Inspiring Donors. Uniting Community.”

These dedicated men have fought for the education, basic needs and health of every person in our community. As I look around and see the men who are donors, volunteers and community leaders, I am reminded how lucky we are to live in a place where so many people are caring and generous.

We also have men in our community who have dedicated their lives to fight for our freedom.

They have given us so much. Now, we are able to serve them through United Way Veterans like Charlie benefit from our programs serving the elderly to help them remain safe and independent in their homes.

Charlie, a Dalton native, entered the Air Force shortly after graduating high school. He served during the Korean War in the supply division of the Air Force. After Charlie left the Air Force, he continued his education at Fort Valley State College in Georgia. He moved back to Dalton to settle down. Charlie worked at a variety of companies including Shaw Industries. He eventually began work in the electrical and plumbing industry. After learning the trade, he opened his own business.

Recently, Charlie fell and injured his nervous system, resulting in an inability to walk.

After several months in rehab, Charlie decided that he wanted to enjoy life again and worked hard in physical therapy to regain his strength. Charlie’s daughter and son-in-law live with him to help care for him. He attends RossWoods Adult Day Services, a United Way Community Partner, while his children are at work.

He enjoys RossWoods because there is always something to do and it keeps his mind sharp. One of his favorite activities is a group Bible study. Charlie says he learns something new every day! Charlie has worked hard for our country and our community. It is a privilege to give back to him now.

Charlie is a great example of a hard-working man who is committed to his family and his community.

Recently, our Young Leaders Society (YLS) learned that many students in our community are without a positive figure, such as Charlie. They are in need of strong role models. According to Big Brothers Big Sisters of America’s 2018 Impact Report, 60% of children in need of mentors come from single-parent homes.

YLS members are working with our Community Partner, Big Brothers Big Sisters, to bring a mentoring program to Valley Point Middle School this fall. Valley Point Elementary School is currently involved in the Buddy Program with students at Southeast Whitfield High School.

Currently, the Buddy Program ends for children once they enter the sixth grade. The Young Leaders Society saw the need for these students to have a mentor, and our members raised their hands to develop the sixth-grade Buddy Program at the middle school! The goal will be to develop a relationship with each Buddy throughout middle school and serve as a positive role model until their Buddy reaches high school.

We are truly blessed with all of the wonderful men and women in our community who fight to help build a better future for all of us. We are honored at United Way to play a part in building up the next generation and to care for those who have sacrificed so much for us.

Today and in the coming week, we celebrate all of the dads and positive role models in our lives and thank them for all that they do for us.

Amanda Burt is the president of the United Way of Northwest Georgia.