Blog

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 […]

February 2, 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 […]

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 […]

November 16, 2022

For the past 100 years, the generosity of so many local businesses and individuals throughout the St. Louis region has powered United Way to create powerful and positive change in our community. As we reflect in gratitude for this incredible support, a few of our nonprofit partners took the chance to express how thankful they […]

September 7, 2022

FOCUS St. Louis and United Way of Greater St. Louis are excited to team up to introduce a first of its kind, year-long partnership focused on exploring, understanding and addressing the most pressing needs of the St. Louis region.   A Community Needs Assessment released by United Way of Greater St. Louis in early 2020, […]

August 17, 2022

Last month, the St. Louis region experienced heavy rains that led to significant flooding. Many of our neighbors were impacted and looking for help with a variety of needs, such as temporary shelter, assistance for debris removal and clean up, and access to food, water, and other basic items.   During times of disaster throughout […]

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 […]

August 3, 2022

    Go behind the scenes of our community’s disaster response By Regina Greer   In the wake of a disaster, every hour, every resource matters to move from crisis to recovery.   When disaster strikes, hundreds or even thousands of survivors need help with anything from cleanup to counseling, from food to housing support. Hundreds of nonprofits step forward to offer […]

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 […]

June 3, 2022

His first job was as a messenger in 1956, delivering telegrams on a bicycle for $1 an hour. Decades later, Dr. Lynn Beckwith is now one of St. Louis’ most renowned educators with a public library named after him in Frontenac. But, he says that if it weren’t for the help of United Way and […]

May 4, 2022

United Way of Greater St. Louis today announced that Penny Pennington, managing partner of Edward Jones, and Rusty Keeley, CEO of Keeley Companies, will serve as chair and co-chair, respectively, of its 2022 annual community campaign. Additionally, Arica Harris, director of banking and payment operations at Edward Jones, will serve as vice chair.   This […]

April 22, 2022

The benefits of volunteering from a personal aspect are plentiful: you can be active in your community, you get to help your neighbors, and you can find personal satisfaction in knowing that you did your part in making the community a better place. For many, volunteering has helped their professional career.   Volunteer events give […]

April 21, 2022

In celebration of Global Volunteer Month and National Volunteer Week, we recognize our volunteers, their service, and the positive impact they have in neighborhoods across our region. We’ve seen thousands of people volunteer their time, talent, and resources to meet the critical needs of our community and to help our neighbors live their best possible […]

April 20, 2022

A lot has changed over a century, but volunteering remains a strong and consistent value of the St. Louis region 100 years later. This month, we’re looking back on the history of volunteering through our organization and community.   Our history of helping here United Way of Greater St. Louis was built by volunteers […]

March 14, 2022

United Way of Greater St. Louis awarded 26 nonprofits who serve Missouri and Illinois residents with emergency response grants totaling $252,400. The funding was earmarked for United Way member and non-member agencies serving people in Jefferson, Warren, Lincoln, and Franklin Counties in Missouri and Calhoun, Jersey, Madison, and Randolph Counties in Illinois.   Funding through […]

March 10, 2022

Singer and Actress Dolly Parton began the Dolly Parton Imagination Library program in 1995 to encourage children to value the importance of reading. The program started in East Tennessee where Parton grew up, but soon expanded to serve communities all over the country through partnerships with local organizations, including United Way of Greater St. Louis. […]

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 […]

March 7, 2022

  Sharing wisdom on International Women’s Day   In recognition of International Women’s Day on March 8, we’re celebrating women’s achievements and honoring the wisdom of women who are helping lead here in the St. Louis community.   In this spirit of allyship, we asked local women in leadership roles,   “What was the best […]

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 11th is National 2-1-1 Day, when we celebrate and raise awareness about United Way 2-1-1, our region’s navigation center. 2-1-1 has been critical to strengthening our community by providing free, fast, and confidential assistance. It has helped our neighbors get access to things such as housing, food, healthcare, transportation, and so much more. Last […]

December 15, 2021

For many families in our region, the holiday season can be a harsh reminder of the difficulties they face. It’s hard to think about what gifts you’re going to buy for your kids when you don’t know where your next meal is coming from or how you’re going to pay your rent. For nearly 100 […]

December 13, 2021

The St. Louis region and surrounding areas have been impacted by unforeseen circumstances and the fallout from them has left many people wondering what to do or who to seek for help. Whether it’s the ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 crisis or the recent devastation caused by severe weather, United Way is committed to helping […]

November 15, 2021

What we’re grateful for in 2021   Whether it’s through donating time, treasure or other resources, we are so grateful for the many ways our community has stepped up to help us build a better St. Louis region. Our neighbors and our region face many challenges, but when we come together, we can make an […]

October 29, 2021

Leadership Givers lift one another and our community   Originally published in the Edwardsville Intelligencer. By Meghan Freeman, Director of Leadership Giving for the United Way of Greater St. Louis   Through my work with United Way, I’ve come to see that each of us as individuals can only do so much, but when we come […]

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 […]

August 30, 2021

    Hurricane Ida: How to help   Our thoughts are with our colleagues in the South and with all those impacted by Hurricane Ida. We know that in times of disaster, our community has one question come to mind: How can we help?   Donate. The best way to help those impacted is to […]

August 13, 2021

      United Way’s summer impact roundup   This summer has been a busy one for our community. Even in the midst of continued challenges, we have come together as neighbors to provide help and hope. Here are five ways we’ve been helping here in the St. Louis region this summer.   1. Fighting […]