Blog

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, […]

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 […]

October 6, 2021

People You’re Helping Here in Greater St. Louis   The St. Louis region is our home. We all want to be a part of a thriving community and your support plays a big part in Helping Here. Your support of United Way helps 1 in 3 people across 324 ZIP codes. That’s 1 million people […]

May 14, 2021

  Breaking down big vaccine barriers: Access to transportation   Access to safe, reliable transportation is a major barrier that many of our neighbors face every day, and it’s one of the top reasons people miss medical appointments. COVID-19 has amplified these challenges in accessing care, including the COVID-19 vaccine.   Thanks to a unique, […]

  Five tips to support a loved one’s mental health   At more than two years into the COVID-19 crisis, our community is still facing incredible challenges that are impacting our neighbors’ mental health. United Way and our partner nonprofits have seen it firsthand.   “We are hearing about increases in anxiety, lower moods, and […]

  Our mental health check-in checklist   May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to lift up the importance of maintaining mental health – and the perfect time to check in on how you’re doing.   Our safety net nonprofit partners know that taking care of our mental health is one of the most […]

May 13, 2021

  A Man’s Best Friend: Duo’s K9 Bridge 4 Heroes   Mental health affects all aspects of a person’s life – from how they think and feel to how they make choices or relate to others.   Rates of mental health conditions have been increasing for years, and our strong network of local organizations is […]

May 6, 2021

  How United Way is improving health in the St. Louis community   Many of our neighbors in the St. Louis region face barriers in navigating the healthcare system and finding the help they need to thrive – and it’s putting local people at risk.   “High costs of care, being uninsured or underinsured, or […]

February 8, 2021

  United Way 2-1-1 to the Rescue! Mike’s Story Mike’s father-in-law had an urgent need, and thanks to United Way 2-1-1, he was able to get it addressed.   Last year, Mike’s father-in-law, John, experienced a significant decline in health. So much so that he required a wheelchair to leave home. Unfortunately, his house contains […]

  United Way 2-1-1 Got Mary Back On Her Feet After grief and homelessness, Mary* was able to find resources through a friendly United Way 2-1-1 operator.   Several years ago, Mary lost a family member and had lost the extra support she was receiving to care for another family member. She was unable to […]

May 19, 2020

    Access to healthcare for immigrants   Immigrants and non-native English speakers are particularly vulnerable during the COVID-19 crisis. On top of social distancing, they face cultural, language and insurance barriers to receiving healthcare. Quality care is vital, especially for those who have had exposure to COVID-19.   United Way is stepping up to […]

May 1, 2020

    How we can all take care of our mental health during COVID-19   There’s no doubt that COVID-19 has brought big changes to our day-to-day lives. From work to school to social activities to the global economy, so much has changed since the crisis began – even our community’s mental health.   This is […]

  COVID-19 Response Spotlight: St. Louis Area Foodbank   Our region is facing unprecedented challenges because of the COVID-19 crisis. People who were already vulnerable are now at even greater risk. And many people are reaching out for help for the first time. Our community’s nonprofit organizations are under higher demand than ever before. That’s why United Way’s […]

March 27, 2020

    A note to you A note to you from Michelle D. Tucker, our president and CEO   Dear Greater St. Louis region,   When 2020 began, I, like many of you, was full of hope and excitement for the future of our region. While I continue to be full of hope and optimism, […]

March 12, 2020

    What food insecurity means for a child’s development     Food insecurity – not knowing where your next meal is coming from – can affect everyone. From adults, children and families, food insecurity can place an added stressor on their daily lives.   It puts pressure on parents to find enough healthy food […]

December 16, 2019

    United Way awards one-time grant to Amare   ST. LOUIS (December 16, 2019) — The Southwest Illinois Division of United Way of Greater St. Louis recently awarded Amare, a non-profit based in Wood River, Ill., a $6,432 one-time grant through the Carol F. Martin Trust Grant Fund. The grant will help fund a […]

December 10, 2019

    How United Way and Lyft are joining forces to overcome barriers     When Phillip* found out he needed a blood transfusion, his heart dropped.   Phillip has sickle cell anemia, which prevents his blood from carrying enough oxygen through his body. This puts him at a higher risk of other complications, such […]

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 […]

July 10, 2019

    Not Missing a Beat     Three-year-old Keegan is transfixed, concentrating on shoveling rocks into his pail in the backyard. Suddenly, he’s interrupted from his task and looks up at the sky. He points to a passing airplane.   Watching from the porch, his mom, Mitzi, grins from ear to ear.   When […]

May 9, 2019

Every day, Elizabeth watched her husband’s moods rise and plummet without warning. She knew something was wrong, but the more she begged him to seek help, the more he brushed it off.   “I didn’t know what it was; I didn’t know what was going on,” Elizabeth recalled. “Between not understanding what he was going […]

March 15, 2019

When Molly adopted Shawn*, she was anxious to provide a loving home for a child in need.   Molly knew that Shawn had ended up in foster care because his biological mother had struggled with substance use disorder. Shawn and his biological mother had experienced homelessness and ongoing physical abuse and violence as a result. […]