Blog

March 1, 2023

The current economic climate has left many individuals and families worried about their future. Inflation and the ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 crisis have made it difficult for a lot of people to afford basic necessities, and those struggling before are finding it even more challenging. United Way of Greater St. Louis provides education, training […]

February 27, 2023

The below article was initially published in The Telegraph.   Reflections during Black History Month remind us of an astounding spectrum of historical firsts and life-changing moments with far reaching impacts spanning generations and populations worldwide. Yet, as this month quickly draws to an end, the opportunity to celebrate and acknowledge the accomplishments of Black […]

February 15, 2023

As we celebrate Black History Month, we reflect and marvel at how much some of our nonprofit partners have done for the advancement of Black people. Partner agencies like the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis, YWCA, and Annie Malone Children and Family Services, have been working to uplift communities of color for decades.   […]

February 8, 2023

A trip down memory lane. That infinite road can route us all the way back to our mere, unassuming childhood, where whimsical moments are the norm and complex matters, well, typically aren’t. Once we scratch the surface, though, we may discover applicable life lessons tucked away. After all, that is Kim Cameron’s experience.   Growing […]

January 13, 2023

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was a force for good in the world at a time when our society was incredibly divided and polarized. Dr. King believed we ought to set aside our differences and judge people by the content of their character, and not the color of their skin. Many were opposed to this […]

December 8, 2022

Elvira enjoyed a nice, peaceful life growing up in her home country of Bosnia. She grew up living with her parents, grandmother, and sister in a small tight-knit community where everyone knew each other. Elvira loved the geographic landscape that surrounded her community – the beautiful rivers, mountains and greenery made for fun activities for […]

September 20, 2022

To achieve our full potential as a region, inclusive workforce development and training must be available to all residents who have the desire to work hard and earn a livable wage. A workforce where everyone contributes helps to stimulate the economy and make for a thriving St. Louis region. When a group of people are […]

August 16, 2022

  Our Leadership Giving Societies are an important component of what we do at United Way. With over 7,000 members, our Leadership Givers are passionate, community-focused philanthropists who serve our region and develop as leaders for change. Members raise their hands to support our community through volunteerism and fundraising. They exemplify what it means to […]

July 19, 2022

In late June, United Way brought the community together through a hosted panel discussion on ways to address important issues throughout the St. Louis region.   This discussion focused on the need for our region to work together collaboratively to effectively drive impact and change in how our neighbors receive help and access resources to […]

March 10, 2022

Among some of the most pressing challenges facing the black community today are disparities in education, economic mobility, and healthcare. Identifying effective strategies to help address inequities in these areas is extremely important to our local community and the work underway across multiple sectors. We spoke with three local leaders, currently partnering with United Way, […]

March 9, 2022

This year marks United Way of Greater St. Louis’ 100-year anniversary, and empowering women and girls across the St. Louis region is an important part of our history. As we celebrate Women’s History Month, we’re taking a look at some of our partner organizations whose missions and programs are dedicated to helping women and young […]

February 23, 2022

Black History Month is a time to reflect, learn, and remember. As United Way of Greater St. Louis celebrates its 100-year anniversary, we’re taking a look back at several local trailblazers who have helped to build and shape our organization through diversity and inclusion.   Frankie Freeman was a pillar in community organization and civil […]

February 11, 2022

Good nutrition is essential to a healthy life and a longer life span. Though according to several recent studies, African Americans are at a significantly greater risk of developing diabetes in their lifetime due to poor nutrition.   In 2020, United Way of Greater St. Louis awarded Healthy Humans a grant through its Student United […]

February 1, 2022

Keith Williamson, president of the Centene Charitable Foundation, has been named the 2022-2024 chair of the board of directors for United Way of Greater St. Louis. He succeeds Michael Moehn, executive vice president and chief financial officer at Ameren Corp. and president of Ameren Services, who held the board chair position since 2020. “United […]

February 12, 2021

    A New Normal   For nearly a year, we have been impacted by incredible challenges stemming from a global pandemic. Hundreds of thousands of lives have been lost and millions of Americans have lost their jobs and their livelihood. Our St. Louis region has not been immune to any of these struggles.   […]

May 31, 2020

Message from our president and CEO   We are a nation and region in pain. Six years ago, we felt the collective anguish of Michael Brown’s death. And, while we have made limited steps toward healing and equity, we still have a long way to go to dismantle the systems of injustice and inequality that […]

February 18, 2020

  How United Way is building a more equitable community   For Sherita Haigler, United Way’s vice president of diversity, equity and inclusion, helping people live their best possible lives means looking at the possibilities.   “We don’t just want to meet a need, but how can we help people to thrive and move to […]

January 10, 2020

      Consistency: A resolution worth making     Each January, we honor the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr., who believed in working locally to promote peace, justice, kindness and equality for all. He believed in giving your all in everything you do and dedicated life to making the world a better place. […]

December 5, 2019

  7 Best Moments from 2019   It’s been another incredible year helping our community through United Way!   With 2019 coming to a close, we rounded up some of our favorite memories and biggest impacts.     171,155 United Way 2-1-1 calls Answered Our 2-1-1 call specialists answered 171,155 calls for a total of […]

November 19, 2019

Our region’s thriving small business scene is one of the things that makes our community great. But what you may not realize is it’s even more diverse than you think.   According to the St. Louis Mosaic Project, immigrants in our region are 60% more likely to start new businesses than native-born Americans, with a […]

September 27, 2019

    Regina Greer on making connections and lasting change     United Way has always been there to connect local people to what they need, but the ways it touches people and the ways in which it needs to connect have grown and changed over the years.   In her nearly 10 years at […]

August 23, 2019

    A Warrior for the Community: Charmaine Chapman’s legacy in St. Louis endures   A vigilant advocate for the community. An unwavering commitment to helping people. Charmaine Chapman worked tirelessly to raise expectations and inspire the St. Louis community to help people.   “Over the last eight years, there has been no one who […]

February 7, 2019

There’s an old saying that kids are like sponges, and it’s proven true. In the early years, children constantly and effortlessly absorb everything, noticing patterns and creating rules for what they see around them.   This means that, whether parents realize it or not, while children are picking up new words and skills, they’re also […]

January 18, 2019

In 1990, Dave Steward was looking for a new adventure.   Some may have been nervous or scared to start something new, but Steward wasn’t. He had already made a name for himself by developing a system to make the auditing process quicker for railroads, and he wanted to continue using technology in new and […]

November 6, 2018

Attitudes about disabilities and accessibility are changing, and one local volunteer group is leading the charge.   The Arts and Culture Accessibility Collaborative (ACAC), formed last year by MindsEye Radio, a United Way supported agency, is working to make St. Louis’ arts and culture scene more accessible for people with disabilities as visitors, patrons, […]