Dalton, GA — September 19, 2025 — United Way of Northwest Georgia kicked off its 2025–2026 annual campaign in true Camp United style at Burr Park on September 18, announcing a bold goal of $4.155 million to change lives in Whitfield and Murray counties.
Get ready to roll up your sleeping bag and pack your camp spirit—because the 2025 United Way Campaign is here! This year, husband-and-wife team Sara and David Pennington are leading the way as Campaign Co-Chairs. With their enthusiasm and dedication, this campaign will spark new possibilities for families across Whitfield and Murray counties.
As we wrap up summer and head into another school year, we celebrate thirteen local students who recently graduated from United Way of Northwest Georgia’s goLEAD program—an immersive three-day leadership experience held July 29–31. I am proud of these students and our staff leadership at United Way, who pour into these students to help them become better leaders and better community citizens.
School’s out, but learning does not have to stop! At United Way, we are working hard to make sure kids in Whitfield and Murray counties stay engaged, curious, and on track for success this summer.
Our Keep Kids Thriving program, part of our year-round Read United initiative, helps children fight the “summer slide”—the learning loss that can happen when school takes a break. Research shows that this slide can cause two-thirds of the reading gap between low—and middle-income students by ninth grade. But we are here to change that!
Celebrating Mother’s Day, we honor the women who shape our lives through compassion, courage, and love. Mothers, grandmothers, teachers, mentors, and friends—these women nurture not just families but entire communities, guiding others with strength and grace. This month is about celebrating the power of women who lead with their hearts and lift others along the way.
We couldn’t have been more thankful for the perfect spring day for our third annual Power of the Purse event, hosted by the Women’s Leadership Council of United Way of Northwest Georgia. The skies were clear, spring was in full bloom, and more than 300 local women gathered at Walnut Hill Farm on April 30 to connect, laugh, and leave inspired.
We all want to find our passion and purpose in life. But here’s the secret: the best way to discover both is by serving others. At United Way of Northwest Georgia, we connect people with passion and resources to create lasting change. And guess what? You do not have to look far to make an impact—our community is full of opportunities to give back!
Spring is in the air, and there is just something refreshing about more sunlight, greener grass, and daffodils blooming. At United Way of Northwest Georgia, we are energized by all the momentum we are building for 2025! Under the leadership of our Board Chair, Jill Schubert of Mohawk Industries, we are driving bold initiatives, strengthening our community, and making an even greater impact together.
Reflecting on the past year, one thing is clear—our community is stronger when we come together. In 2024, your generosity, passion, and commitment made an incredible impact through United Way of Northwest Georgia. Whether you volunteered your time, made a financial gift, or used your voice to advocate for change, you played a vital role in making a difference. Thank you!