Blog

May 19, 2020

    Supporting essential workers   From healthcare workers to grocery store employees to bus drivers, essential workers are keeping our region safe and healthy right now. But with kids home from school and many childcare facilities closed, parents need a safe place to send their children so they can continue to work.   With […]

    Critical support for East St. Louis   East St. Louis and its surrounding area are some of the most underserved communities in our region. With many families already facing limited access to transportation, childcare and grocery stores, COVID-19 has made it even harder for many to afford and access basic needs. Since the […]

    New hope for domestic violence survivors   Staying at home during the COVID-19 crisis may be the safest option for some, but that’s not the case for domestic violence survivors. Staying home means more time with their abuser, and all the stress of COVID-19 can trigger violence.   United Way 2-1-1 has actually […]

    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 4, 2020

      Why a strong nonprofit safety net is key to our region’s health   The following blog post originally ran in the St. Louis American.     The COVID-19 pandemic has brought extreme changes to our daily lives. Suddenly, an unprecedented number of neighbors are confronted with unimaginable circumstances stemming from job and […]

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 […]

April 17, 2020

    Twenty-one nonprofits serving Illinois residents receive $250,000 in emergency response funding United Way of Greater St. Louis awards local grants earmarked from the Illinois COVID-19 Response Fund   ST. LOUIS (April 14, 2020) – United Way of Greater St. Louis today announced it has awarded 21 nonprofits who serve Illinois residents with emergency […]

April 10, 2020

    5 Ways to Volunteer Virtually During COVID-19   Washing hands – check. Hand sanitizer – check. Social distancing – double-check. Volunteer opportunities – maybe? So many are managing the COVID-19 crisis for themselves and loved ones but are also wanting to help the community. Volunteering is challenging when group activities are restricted, but […]

April 8, 2020

  United Way awards 11 nonprofits with emergency response grants totaling $205,000 Funding backs organizations helping to alleviate hardships for families and communities impacted by COVID-19 crisis   ST. LOUIS (April 7, 2020) – United Way of Greater St. Louis today announced it has awarded 11 nonprofits with emergency response grants totaling $205,000 through Phase […]

April 6, 2020

    3 Ways to help RIGHT NOW during COVID-19   During these challenging times, everyone has an important role. For some, it’s working to help the sick, protecting our most vulnerable, or even providing an essential service to one of our neighbors. For others, it’s volunteering time where appropriate to ensure people on the […]

March 31, 2020

    5 Ways to Help Your Community During COVID-19   For most of us, the COVID-19 crisis has brought big changes to our day-to-day lives, and as we’re adjusting to the changes, we want to let you know we are here for you. And even though we’re social distancing, it’s time to come together […]

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 […]

March 4, 2020

    Plan a Day of Action in 4 steps   Each year, communities across the country host a Day of Action to encourage volunteers to connect with and make their community a better place.   As April, Global Volunteer Month, is rapidly approaching, why not organize your own Day of Action with your family? […]

  Unlocking the key to our region’s future through impact   United Way has proudly served the Missouri and Illinois region since 1922. We started as a volunteer-led organization raising money to help operate 40 nonprofits with one goal in mind: to help people live their best possible lives.   In 1922, the world was […]

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 […]

February 10, 2020

      United Way 2-1-1 Employee Helped Speak Hope And Life Into A Caller’s Situation     At United Way 2-1-1, trained professionals provide referrals to health and human services throughout Missouri and Southwest Illinois. With a database of more than 30,000 programs and services across Missouri and Southwest Illinois, 2-1-1 is the leader […]

  United Way 2-1-1 Moves People From Crisis To Stability   Did you know there’s a number you can call any day, any time to receive help with non-emergency life challenges? You know, the ones everyone could face at some point in the lives, like filing your taxes, looking for a ride to a doctor’s […]

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. […]

      This is what 100 Neediest Cases means for those in need   This holiday season, single mom Crystal was dealing with more than she thought she could bear.   After being sick for months, she was diagnosed with colon cancer at 36. She started undergoing treatment – endless doctor appointments, long hospital […]

December 10, 2019

    Meet the volunteers behind 100 Neediest Cases     100 Neediest Cases has been a holiday tradition in the St. Louis community for nearly a century.   Each year, people across the region adopt individuals and families in need, purchasing essential items and gifts to make their holidays brighter. Last year, 850 cases […]

    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 […]

November 18, 2019

    For many, the holiday season serves as a reminder to give thanks and give back. Getting involved in the community is a great opportunity to bring friends, family and coworkers together and to raise awareness about the community’s needs. For nearly a century, the St. Louis community has come together to help local […]

November 6, 2019

    Get Involved In The St. Louis Region During The 2019 Holiday Season   With the holiday season comes a sense of hope – an opportunity to bring out the best in our friends, family, community and even our region. Give back this holiday season at one (or more) of these volunteer opportunities in […]

October 17, 2019

Building strong communities   When you give to United Way, your generosity helps fund more than 160 nonprofit agencies in our region that position individuals and families for success. But the impact of your gift doesn’t stop there – you’re supporting a variety of programs and initiatives that help build a stronger region.   With […]

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 […]

July 23, 2019

      Bringing the Community Together – Blindfolded   On this field, the balls beep, the bases buzz and the crowd, even while on the edge of their seats, is silent.   This is Beepball, a variation on baseball that allows those who are blind or visually impaired to play, often alongside sighted players. […]

June 13, 2019

    21 Ways to Make an Impact in Your Community This Summer   Summertime means longer days and time off school and work, which means it’s the perfect time to give back to your community!   Want to make the most of your summer? Here are 21 ways to make an impact in your […]

June 7, 2019

    Flood Response & Recovery   Due to unprecedented flooding, many of our neighbors and friends are currently facing property damage and displacement. In times like these, United Way works diligently to leverage partnerships, resources and expertise to assist governments, agencies and individuals with relief and recovery efforts during a natural disaster. And, long […]