What Does the United Way Do?

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Sep 18, 2025
by United Way of the Midlands

Generational Change Starts Here

What Does United Way Do?

You've seen our name on donation drives, volunteer emails, or in the news and wondered: What exactly does United Way do?

Spoiler: a lot. And it all comes down to one big idea-creating generational change.

Yes, we love supply drives and packing events. Kids need pencils this week. Families need groceries tonight. Neighbors need disaster relief now. But if we only focused on today, we'd miss tomorrow.

That's why United Way is about the "and."
We meet urgent needs and build long-term systems. We hand out meals and help families secure housing. We provide books and pathways to college and careers. People deserve both: tools for today and opportunities for the future.

And every dollar raised, every volunteer hour given, stays right here in the Midlands. It's neighbors helping neighbors-in the most powerful way possible.

Creating Youth Opportunity

Imagine a child eager to learn but needing guidance. Programs like Young Men United and the Midlands Reading Consortium provide literacy, mentorship, and safe after-school spaces.

Hundreds of students gain access to books, support, and structured learning. We're not just helping with homework-we're building skills for school, work, and life. That's how cycles of crisis are replaced with cycles of opportunity.

Promoting Community Resiliency

Crises and disasters shake communities, but neighbors stepping up makes the difference. Through Resilient Midlands and Disaster Relief, we equip organizations and volunteers to respond fast.

Last year, volunteers gave thousands of hours-from distributing hurricane supplies to helping families after home loss-strengthening the safety net for when the unexpected hits.

Sustaining a Healthy Community

Health is the foundation of a thriving life. Our WellPartners Free Dental and Eye Clinics provide thousands of visits every year:

  • 5,110 dental visits for adults and children

  • 1,426 eye clinic visits and 1,196 pairs of glasses

  • 2,201 seniors supported for independence

  • Nearly 300,000 meals provided to seniors

These aren't just numbers-they're restored smiles, clearer vision, hot meals, and dignity regained.

Building Financial Stability

Financial security allows families to thrive. Through the Continuum of Care, Whole Family Strategy, and housing investments, we help families access shelter, skills, and resources.

  • 1,320 people placed in long-term housing (85% still stable after six months)

  • 2,630 people provided emergency shelter

  • $330,814 administered for food, shelter, and emergency aid

  • $5.56 million invested in housing and repair projects, leveraging $83+ million in total impact

This created or preserved 548 housing units-from teacher homes in Fairfield, to apartments for families in Richland, to critical repairs after Hurricane Helene.

At Millwood Place, 10 young women facing housing instability will soon have a safe home, following the success of MIRCI's male home, where 85% of residents improved their income and stability. In Winnsboro, 16 teachers and staff now live in affordable homes, strengthening schools and neighborhoods.

Stable housing builds stronger futures.

The Volunteer Center: A Multiplier of Impact

At the heart of a thriving community are volunteers. The Volunteer Center of the Midlands connects more than 15,400 volunteers and 190 agencies, multiplying impact across the region.

From delivering supplies to jumping into disaster response, every act of service ripples outward.

Last year alone:

  • 12,000 school supplies delivered to 22 schools (serving 1,100 students)

  • 15,000 relief supplies distributed after Hurricane Helene

  • 450 volunteers served 26 nonprofits during Volunteer Week

Volunteers fuel not just programs, but the connections that make our community stronger, kinder, and more resilient.

The Heart of Our Work: Collaboration and Volunteerism

At United Way, none of this happens alone. We unite people and resources-neighbors, companies, nonprofits, and volunteers-to create measurable impact.

We don't just respond to crises-we build systems.
We don't just hand out supplies-we create opportunity.
And we don't just hope things improve-we make it happen, together.

Keep Making Generational Change

Your time matters. Your voice matters. Your generosity matters.

  • Continue volunteering. Every hour you give strengthens our community.  Groups  |  Individuals

  • Share the experience. Invite your friends, family, and coworkers to join you.

  • Become a Monthly Donor. Help fuel creating generational success in our community.

At United Way of the Midlands along with our nonprofit partners, we're not just changing today. We're building a Midlands where everyone can thrive - for generations to come.