As this year comes to a close, the United Way of Southeast Georgia welcomes three agencies into the group of agencies they support annually. The majority of this non-profit organization funding comes from workplace campaigns. The agency meets with different industries (business sectors) and present giving options to employees. If an employee agrees to participate and support the United Way they will do so through payroll deductions.
Carey Cassedy, United Way of Southeast Georgia Executive Director, discussed the United Way’s accomplishments, this year. “This year we have definitely seen an increase in people’s needs and services because of inflation,” Cassedy says. “We were very fortunate to add three partner new agencies to our list of programs and services."
To be a United Way partner agency, organizations must apply every year. After, completing the rigorous application process, United Way has a group of local volunteers that evaluate applications. These volunteers make a recommendation for funding to the LOCAL board of directors based on community needs, numbers of people impacted and the amount of funds raised. They research the organizations and if accepted they add you on as an agency. The agencies added this year are:
- Lift as you grow
- Salvation Army
- Homebound Services
Bulloch county citizens care about their community
“We live in such a generous community and we have so many people who have really stepped up during this time not just financially but volunteering as well,” Cassedy said. “We partner with 15 different agencies and everybody just comes together and it’s been really neat to see how many people care.”
Cassedy used the slogan , ‘It takes a village.’ This explains the great relationships that are built between United Way of Southeast Ga and their partner agencies. United Way helped start a non-profit network meeting at the end of every month, giving all non-profits the opportunity to network with other organizations.
History of United Way Southeast Georgia
In 1980, United Way was started in Southeast Georgia as the United Way of Bulloch. The first year's campaign raised $112,368 to be allocated to the ten United Way agencies. In 1984, the Bulloch United Way Board adopted a mission statement that limited United Way funding to only basic human needs. The United Way of Bulloch became the United Way of Southeast Georgia in 1988 when it began providing services to 5 other counties including Candler, Evans, Emanuel, Tattnall, Jenkins (United Way Southeast GA website).
Their focus areas are educational, health, and financial stability for the last 30 years. In 2023, United Way will be accepting volunteers in February to help evaluate community needs by reviewing applications.
For more information on volunteering or giving please email Carey Cassedy or visit the website.
