Greater Valdosta United Way celebrates impactful year

By: Rachel Larson |, The Valdosta Daily Times, Ga.
·2 min read

Mar. 27—VALDOSTA — The Greater Valdosta United Way has published its 2023 annual report.

"2023 was one of the most impactful years in GVUW's 70-year history, and we are so proud of the work of our staff, board, and impact partners," said Direct Services Coordinator of the GVUW Korrelle Trollmann.

2023 was a big year for advocacy. According to the GVUW's annual report, members worked hard to advocate for the 2-1-1 system, Hurricane Idalia recovery, and mental health awareness.

The 2-1-1 system is a 24/7 resource that helps direct people to local agencies providing food, shelter, utility assistance, employment opportunities, emergency information, and more.

"Georgia is not at 100 percent coverage," CEO of GVUW Michael Smith said. "It's a United Way priority and greatly needed, especially in rural communities. It would have been invaluable for us in Valdosta and surrounding counties during recovery from Hurricane Idalia when people needed to know where to go for assistance."

Smith also touched on the GVUW's work with United for ALICE.

ALICE is an acronym that stands for Assist Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. ALICE represents those who earn above the federal poverty line but still live from paycheck to paycheck and are one unplanned expense or emergency away from a financial crisis.

"We want our legislators to be aware so they can allocate state and federal dollars to communities with the highest ALICE numbers, which are often rural communities," said Smith.

"United Ways and nonprofits can better use the information to focus dollars and resources on ALICE families, prepare grants, and develop fundraising strategies that inform donors on the most pressing needs in their communities."

The GVUW annual report also shows that the GVUW worked with a large list of impact partners in 2023.

GVUW provided $802,200 to 22 impact partners to fund programs and services to the greater Valdosta community. Some of their partners include the Boys & Girls Club of Valdosta, Habitat for Humanity, Lowndes Associated Ministries of People, Second Harvest of South Georgia, and the YMCA.

Now that 2023 is behind them, the GVUW is looking forward to 2024.

The GVUW will be holding its Spring Day of Caring on May 17, a semi-annual event to support partner nonprofits and the community by gathering volunteers to complete service projects.

"We have also just announced the Bruce Williams Legacy Grant for GVUW impact partners," said Trollmann. "This grant is to honor Bruce Williams' commitment to the community and support of GVUW. There will be over half a million dollars invested in the community this year, thanks to his generosity!"

If anyone is the Valdosta-Lowndes community would like to donate or sign up to volunteer with the GVUW, you can do so on their website https://www.unitedwayvaldosta.org.