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UNITED FOR HOPE

UNITED WAY ANNUAL REPORT

PRIORITY AREAS

Our community is working to reduce poverty by improving Health Access, Economic Mobility, and Educational Equity for every person in the Chattahoochee Valley. 

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HEALTH ACCESS

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ECONOMIC MOBILITY

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EDUCATIONAL EQUITY

UNITED FOR HOPE

Letter from Ben Moser, United Way President and CEO

Community Investment: Revamping this process to make sure we are serving our whole community equitably and working towards bold goals.

211: Creating an integrated call center with our United Way and Home for Good staff, focused on service and efficiency that will be responsive to community need in real-time

Community Schools United: Directly coordinating services for thousands of residents in high poverty density areas through our Community School Coordinators, and companion strategies The Basics, and Resilient Chattahoochee Valley

Home for Good: Leading the regional Continuum of Care; preventing homelessness and addressing it once it occurs

Office of Poverty Reduction: Creating this office in strategic partnership with the Chattahoochee Valley Poverty Reduction Coalition, the Columbus Consolidated Government, Columbus 2025, and many other regional stakeholders. The goal of the office will be to reduce poverty by 50% in a ten-year period

CHIPS4CHIPS: Addressing poverty through advanced manufacturing attraction to the Chattahoochee Valley We could not do any of this work with your investment of time, treasure, and talent.

Thank you for supporting United Way and engaging with us to create a resilient community where everyone can thrive.

Ben Moser
President & CEO, United Way of the Chattahoochee Valley

Ben Moser, President and CEO, annual report
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UNITED FOR HEALTH ACCESS

Poor health and poverty are deeply intertwined. Unmet social needs, environmental factors, and barriers to accessing health care contribute to worse health outcomes for people with lower incomes, which often leads to difficulty obtaining health insurance, accessing primary care, or paying for medications. Limited access to healthy foods and higher instances of violences can affect health, behavior, and stress. United Way’s network of partners addresses food insecurity, helps individuals recover from trauma, and ensures access to physical and mental health care services and supports.

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Our 211 strategy removes barriers to accessing resources for individuals and families by providing the most robust community resource directory in the Chattahoochee Valley. 211 can help you find the assistance you need, delivered by people who care. 211 has helped more than 26,000 people get connected to essential services. Get connected today: 211uwcv.org

Over 58% of Georgia residents reported experiencing at least one Adverse Childhood Experience (ACE) before the age of 18. ACEs encompass a range of traumatic experiences that occur during childhood and have strong correlations to poor outcomes later in life. Resilient Chattahoochee Valley seeks to improve these outcomes and increase our regions’ shared level of resiliency by educating our community on some of the everyday challenges that exist for children and aligning collective efforts to enable our community to become trauma-informed. Visit resilientcv.org for more information.

MELODY TRIMBLE

CEO, ST. Francis-Emory Healthcare
2023 United Way Campaign Chair

was stationed in Fort Knox, Kentucky, where she and her siblings were raised by a strong code of ethics that everyone makes up a “wagon wheel” – if any part is removed, the wheel falls apart, so it is important to always show up and take care of the person to the right and left of you.

Raised by these principles, Melody was drawn into the healthcare field and naturally advanced into various leadership roles within healthcare and across the community. Melody’s passion for serving others has resulted in her earning several awards, including being named one of the Most Powerful Women in Healthcare.

Outside of serving the people of our community, Melody cherishes her time with family. Melody has been married to her husband, James Michael (“Mike”) Trimble for nearly 40 years, and has two daughters, Mary Elizabeth Daws and Michaela Lynne Trimble, and three grandchildren: Hayden, Hunter, and Hannah.

As a notable community leader and member of the United Way of the Chattahoochee Valley Board of Directors, Melody was invited to serve as 2023 Campaign Chair to lead fundraising efforts and support programs that directly impact the families and children who need it most in our community.

Melody’s guiding mission is to empower helping hands to do what they do best by addressing the whole person – body, mind, and spirit – which is closely aligned with United Way’s 360° approach in areas of health access, economic mobility, and educational equity.

“Creating access, opening doors for people and inspiring hope is our responsibility. We can and will make a difference in this community. We have for over 70 years, and we’re going to keep doing that.”

We invite you to get involved with us by deepening your commitment to United Way through volunteering, giving, or advocacy.

Melody Trimble, united way annual report

“I truly believe that it is my calling in life to serve others and to listen to those in need with intent and kindness.”

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UNITED FOR ECONOMIC MOBILITY

The ability of an individual or family to improve their financial status can have a multi-generational, positive impact on the overall well-being of the child, family, and community.

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United Way’s Home for Good strategy helps move individuals and families from homelessness to permanent, stable housing. Through collaboration and partnerships, Home for Good assists in proven measures to prevent homelessness before it happens, because everyone deserves a place to call home.

Home for Good leads our local Continuum of Care (CoC) program designed to promote community-wide commitment to the goal of ending homelessness. The CoC consists of partner agencies working together to promote access and utilization of their programs. One of the most important ways this group identifies the needs in our community is through the annual Point In Time Count. Every year, Home for Good, along with many other volunteers and partner agencies, conducts a survey to assess the number of people in our community who are experiencing homelessness.

The Home for Good team and CoC partners use this information to continue the work to end homelessness in the Chattahoochee Valley.

PARTNERSHIP SPOTLIGHT

Home for Good & Better Work


lawns, but it wasn’t enough to pay for a safe and reliable place to live. When he discovered Home for Good, he was immediately connected with an advocate who worked with him to find affordable housing. With one of his basic needs secured, the next step was to find better work.

He met Kristin Barker from BETTER WORK Columbus when she was providing on-site assistance to other Home for Good clients. BETTER WORK Columbus and the Home for Good team provided support with the job search and application processes, such as obtaining necessary documentation and completing paperwork. This help resulted in securing a job with a top-rated hotel in Columbus where he is happily employed and thriving today.


“Finding housing and a steady job was a team effort between Home for Good and BETTER WORK,” Kristin said. “He succeeded because he didn’t give up.”


Data: 97% of people housed through Home for Good remain in permanent stable homes in our community, united way annual report
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UNITED FOR EDUCATIONAL EQUITY

A child’s education doesn’t begin or end in the classroom. United Way is focused on supporting the whole child and aims to ensure that all children have a great start in life, are supported in school and in their community, are reading on grade level, and graduate high school on time – ready for college or career.

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Community Schools United is a cross-cutting, equity-based strategy committed to transforming schools to be centers for creating neighborhoods where the strategy, schools, students, families, and community thrive as a unit to achieve student success. Community Schools work to address each school’s unique opportunities, assets, and priorities, all to create positive, sustainable, and transformational impact.


We currently serve 4 schools in Muscogee County, Georgia, and Russell County, Alabama:

Muscogee County

  • Dorothy I. Height Elementary School
  • Martin Luther King, Jr. Elementary School
  • Brewer Elementary School

Russell County

  • Phenix City Elementary School

Children’s brains grow the most during the first three years of life, and simple, daily, positive interactions can help give them a great start in life!

The Basics Chattahoochee Valley shares five Basics Principles in our community to enhance children’s social, emotional, and cognitive development from birth to age three and beyond. The Basics will help give children in our region the skills to enter kindergarten ready to learn and prepare them to read at grade level by third grade. Learn more at cv.theBasics.org.

TAKING ACTION

Community Schools United & Volunteers

to find a creative solution that would help children arrive to school on time and ready to learn. A “Walking School Bus” effectively accomplishes this mission while efficiently strengthening relationships with the school, students, their families, and community members.

The Walking School Bus involves recruiting community members to volunteer their time in the early morning to accompany students on their walking routes to school. Otherwise, these students are likely to navigate the route alone and encounter barriers such as traffic, weather, stray animals, or crime.

The positive impact of this effort spreads well beyond starting the day with a smile. Having a physical presence within the community and building lasting relationships that result in positive changed behaviors have been shown to improve attendance, health and wellness outcomes, and nourish a culture of belonging, safety, and care.

annual report data: 70% of students experienced growth in core subjects
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UNITED FOR INVESTMENT

United Way of the Chattahoochee Valley is proud of the community-led process that ensures all dollars raised remain in our community. United Way provides Community Investment Grants to invest campaign resources for impact in the Chattahoochee Valley. This funding supports a network of Community Partners that work collectively and collaboratively to ensure help is available, accessible, and responsive to emerging needs.

In 2022, Community Investment Grants helped children and youth succeed, met the most basic needs of food, shelter, and safety, increased access to physical and mental health care, and changed lives across our community.

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PARTNERSHIP SPOTLIGHT

Community Volunteer at YMCA

my behavior and character through the YMCA Core values: Caring, Honesty, Responsibility, and Respect. 

The YMCA helped me improve my grades and graduate from high school. They are my second family and helped me through childhood and as an adult. I am so grateful for the YMCA investing in me and now I am investing the same values in my children and the youth in my Columbus community. I am now working alongside some of my childhood heroes at the YMCA. 

I have learned through my upbringing at the YMCA, that I have a responsibility to help my community in the same way that  I was helped as a youth. I mentor youth ages four to high school age in the after school programs and summer day camps. I also volunteer as a youth sports coach. I never imagined myself making any type of difference, but since being at the YMCA, it made it easy for me to “do the right thing.” 

I am so overcome with joy to see many childhood friends who are adults now and are still involved with the YMCA. The YMCA has helped me and so many other past participants to see that we can make a difference and help our community do and get better. The YMCA is a forever home for so many children and adults.

annual report data: 68,000 people improved physical and mental health, 99% of people affected their economic mobility in a positive way, 90% of students maintained or improved school attendance,
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UNITED FOR EMERGING LEADERS

Emerging Leaders United (ELU) members are the next generation’s trailblazers. Guided by passion, they dedicate their time and talents to service, education, and leadership. Emerging Leaders are an inspiring group of young people, under the age of 40, who each make annual contributions of $365 or more to their community through United Way of the Chattahoochee Valley. 

This group gathers throughout the year for leadership opportunities with other changemakers. Their annual event, The Great Chatt, allows attendees to have the opportunity to meet and deepen connections with notable community leaders through small group discussion around the dinner table. Emerging Leaders United awards an annual scholarship to a graduating high school senior within our ten-county service area, making a lasting impact on students and their families. ELU is a great way to get involved with your community and network with like-minded peers. 

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MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

ALEX HARRISON – TSYS, a Global Payments Company

from Kennesaw State University. After graduating from college, Alex moved  to Columbus, Georgia to accept a job at TSYS, where he is currently employed as a program analyst.  

“My mom instilled in me from childhood that you always give back and help others. The first time I remember being in a service role was in the 5th grade as a peer helper. In middle and high school, I was a member of the Junior Beta and Beta clubs and honor societies, where I volunteered at different community agencies, like Habitat for Humanity. It always feels good to give back, even if it’s just your time. And my favorite part of any volunteer service project is the opportunity to meet the people we’re serving. Experiencing their gratitude is one of the most rewarding parts.” 
After making financial contributions to United Way through his workplace campaign, Alex joined the Leadership Circle Step-Up Program, which automatically qualified him as a member of Emerging Leaders United.  
“I wanted to become more involved than what I already was in ELU, and I felt like I could make a greater impact by serving on the steering committee.” 

When we asked Alex what he loves the most about ELU, he said, “Since I’m not originally from Columbus, one of my favorite things has been meeting new people. Especially knowing that you’re working alongside like-minded, quality people who also want the best for the community and have a heart for service.”

Alex Harrison, annual report
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UNITED FOR TOCQUEVILLE

United Way of the Chattahoochee Valley’s Tocqueville Society is a group of extraordinary community leaders, executives, and philanthropists who demonstrate their commitment to making our community a better place to live, work, and raise a family by supporting our annual campaign at the highest level. Throughout the year, Tocqueville Society members connect for exclusive social gatherings, service projects, and other special events. Our Tocqueville Society is comprised of over 100 unique individuals and families who each make annual contributions of $10,000 or more.

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TOCQUEVILLE STEP-UP PROGRAM

The Tocqueville Society Step-Up Program is a convenient way to increase your level of giving over a three-year period. 

  • YEAR 1: Your Gift $5,000  
  • YEAR 2: Your Gift $7,500  
  • YEAR 3: Your Gift $10,000  

As a Tocqueville Society member, you are making a significant impact on our community. Join us in inspiring hope and creating opportunities for a better tomorrow.

tocqueville society group, annual report
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UNITED FOR LEADERSHIP

The Leadership Circle is a group of dedicated individuals who love where they live and want to make a difference in the lives of those who need it most. Join this dynamic network of leaders who create positive change across the Chattahoochee Valley, and enjoy benefits such as: 

  • Networking opportunities with like-minded community leaders who have a shared passion for advocacy and driving social impact 
  • Volunteer engagement opportunities that make a lasting impact on children and families in our community 
  • Automatically become a member of Women United and/or Emerging Leaders United groups 

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LEADERSHIP CIRCLE STEP-UP PROGRAM

The Leadership Circle Step-Up Program is a convenient way to increase your level of giving over a three-year period. 

  • YEAR 1: Your Gift $500 
  • YEAR 2: Your Gift $750 
  • YEAR 3: Your Gift $1000 

As a Leadership Circle member, you are making a significant impact on our community. Join us in inspiring hope and creating opportunities for a better tomorrow.

leadership circle group of people, annual report
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UNITED FOR SUPPORTING WOMEN

Women United is a dynamic network of women leaders building opportunities for women and girls of all ages and inspiring hope for future generations. Members are responsible for leading various events and service projects throughout the year, including the annual Power of the Purse event. Together, we inspire and support one another to make meaningful change in the Chattahoochee Valley, because amazing things happen when women support women.  

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Women United funds vouchers and collects undergarments every year to deliver essential items to local women and girls in need. To date, Women United is responsible for donating over 21,000 pieces of clothing. 

Women United provides assistance for non-traditional students pursuing college degrees and certificates. Since 2013, Women United has awarded scholarships totaling over $14,000.  

With help from our community partners, Women United aids women and female-headed households with rent, utility assistance, medical expenses, and childcare. 

EVENT SPOTLIGHT

POWER OF THE PURSE – MARCH 2023

Power of the Purse is an opportunity to celebrate efforts to support women and girls in the community, raise funds for programs and scholarships, and collect undergarments for those in need. In addition, this year’s event was one of many firsts: It was Women United’s first time hosting a Saturday brunch, hosting an incredible women’s panel, and having educators in attendance from Community School partners Dorothy I. Height, Martin Luther King, Jr., and Brewer Elementary Schools in Muscogee County and Phenix City Elementary School in Russell County. 

This year’s line-up of guest panelists included Linda Demmler, COO of IBM Global Asset Recovery & member of Women United Global Leadership Council; Tami McDonald, CEO of Brookstone Wealth Management & past Women United Chair; and Dr. Dionne Rosser-Mims, Vice Chancellor for the Troy University Phenix City Campus & UWCV Executive Board member. The panel discussion included topics such as how our educational institutions can best support women and girls, how to maintain balance in the workplace and at home, and how women in leadership roles can be perceived differently. The panel was moderated by Emmy Award winning journalist, Barbara Gauthier. 

Power of the Purse 2023 Dr. Dionne Rosser-Mims & Tami McDonald
power of the purse 2023 Barbara Gauthier & Linda Demmler
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UNITED FOR COLLABORATION

  • Terry Bargy – W. C. Bradley Company  
  • Kevin Blair  – Synovus  
  • Catherine Budzynski – Ohmium 
  • Craig Burgess – Columbus State University  
  • Mike Burns – Fort Benning  
  • Randy Burt  – Publix Supermarkets  
  • Dr. Brenda Coley – Russell County School District  
  • Sebastian Dixon – Alabama Power Company  
  • Melissa Gauntt – CTV Beam  
  • John Greenhaw – Retired, United Way of the Chattahoochee Valley  
  • Isaiah Hugley – Columbus Consolidated Government  
  • Rodney Mahone – Chronicle of Philanthropy 
  • David Mitchell – Columbus State University 
  • Rinkesh Patel – RAM Hotel Management  
  • Keith Pierce – Retired, TSYS, a Global Payments Company
  • Robbie Raybon – Covey Equity  
  • Teddy Reese – The Reese Firm, LLC  
  • Dr. Andy Roddenbery – Columbus Surgical Specialists, LLC  
  • Dr. Dionne Rosser-Mims – Troy University  
  • GwenDolyn (Gwen) Ruff – Columbus Water Works  
  • Rabbi Beth Schwartz – Retired, Temple Israel   
  • Jackie Screws – Chattahoochee Valley Community College  
  • Len Sexton – Synovus Securities, Inc.  
  • Chief Raymond (Ray) Smith – Phenix City Police Department  
  • D. Melody Trimble – St. Francis-Emory Healthcare  
  • W. Clark Turner – W. C. Turner Investments   
  • Jack Turner – Gwaltney Ventures/TigerJack LLC    
  • Erica Walker – Community Foundation of the Chattahoochee Valley  
  • Rob Ward – St. Luke   
  • Randi Warren – Aflac

 

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UNITED FOR OUR COMMUNITY

United Way of the Chattahoochee Valley is excited to share that the total dollar amount raised from this year’s campaign is $7,550,786! All donations stay right here in the Chattahoochee Valley, helping people thrive and succeed. 

We are sincerely grateful for the support of over 11,000 corporate and community partners, donors, and volunteers. You all made this possible through your time and contributions. Our community’s involvement is crucial to the success of the United Way strategies that drive regional growth and opportunity for local individuals and families:.

In addition, we recognize and appreciate all of our media partners for the work you do to share our story and spread awareness throughout the Chattahoochee Valley. Thank you so much for sharing the stories of United Way. Whether it’s time on the radio or interviews on the local news stations, it has a significant impact on the campaign.

Together, we will continue to create a more equitable and compassionate community that shows everyone is valued and deserves a chance to succeed.

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UNITED FOR ACCOUNTABILITY

2023 revenue data

2022 expenses data

Connect with Us

1005 Front Avenue Columbus, GA 31901
PO Box 1157 Columbus, GA 31902
706-327-3255 (Phone) 678-619-0387 (Fax)
EWELLS@UNITEDCV.ORG (EMAIL)
Made with ♥ in the Chattahoochee Valley