President

These are indeed uncertain times.

No one could have predicted that a pandemic would rise up and affect so many lives in a matter of weeks.

Most organizations do not plan for a pandemic and its ripple effects on the economy. We are in uncharted waters as these circumstances affect the globe, not just our community.

A Message from Joe Young, United Way Board Chair, and Amanda Burt, President

Although we aren’t meeting in person now, and business as usual is anything but usual, a lot is happening at United Way and with our community partners on the front lines of the Covid-19 crisis. 

We want to share some quick updates and actions United Way has taken. 

When I think of our community, one word, in particular, comes to mind...compassionate.

Having just returned from the National President's Roundtable meeting with other United Way colleagues from across the United States, I am reminded how lucky I am to live and raise my family in Dalton, Georgia.

During our time together, we shared stories of the life-changing work we are all doing in our communities. We shared our wins, our losses, and what keeps us up at night.

We all know that February is most recognized as a month focused on love. We celebrate Valentine’s Day by gifting stuffed animals, chocolates, and flowers for those who are special in our lives. 

These are the “Hallmark” ways of showing love to each other.  But, what if I told you that you could share your love a little differently this February?

Be a good neighbor.

Every person, I believe, wants to make a difference in his or her community. But where does one begin? How does one go about giving back for a life they have been richly blessed with? For me, that journey started seven years ago, arriving in Dalton, Georgia, from the Chicago, Illinois area.

As a teenager, I heard a quote from Ronald Reagan. He stated, “We can’t help everyone, but everyone can help someone.”

During this holiday season of giving and all the hustle and bustle, we can sometimes forget that not everyone has something to celebrate.

The holidays can be an unwelcome reminder to many of what they have lost, but here at United Way we help individuals and families see hope for a better tomorrow. 

At United Way, we are in the business of building better futures, not just during the holiday season, but 365 days a year.

A message from Bob Hardaway, United Way of Northwest Georgia Campaign Chairman

It’s happening all the time: nearly 20 people per minute are physically abused by an intimate partner in the United States (https://ncadv.org/statistics). That’s more than 10 million women and men a year. Domestic violence is not just a criminal issue; it is also a public health issue. Consider these health implications:

-Only about a third of those injured by a partner receive medical care

It’s hard to believe that we are already gearing up for the 2019 United Way campaign! It seems like time goes by faster each year.  Looking back, we have had some pretty amazing things happen over the last year.

I don’t know about you, but it always seems like summer goes by faster each year.

As a parent, I know how chaotic it can be to prepare your children to go back to school.