Page 194 - South Mississippi Living - December, 2018

THEFINALSAY KATHY
SPRINGER
CEO, United Way of South Mississippi
photo courtesy of Kathy Springer
United Way of South Mississippi (UWSM) can be traced back to 1961, when the Kiwanis Club and the Picauyne Chamber of Commerce began the United Fund of South Pearl River County, Inc. Soon after that, Hancock County chartered the United Fund of Hancock County, followed by the United Fund of Harrison County, which was
born out of a merger between the Gulfport Community Chest and the Biloxi United Fund. In 1992, United
Way of South Mississippi began operation under new articles of incorporation which merged the three smaller organizations, covering Hancock, Harrison and Pearl River Counties. Stone County was added in 2014.
Today our Vision is clear — To improve outcomes
in education, health and income for everyone in South Mississippi by giving children and families the tools and support they need to thrive in our community.
In UWSM’s last grant cycle, nine local non-profit agencies were funded and we awarded seven emerging needs grants to local agencies and programs.The next grant cycle begins in early 2019.
United Way programs include Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library (1,700 children actively enrolled), five “PreK4ward” classrooms and “Teachers Empowering Teachers.” Other programs are Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and “Familywize” Prescription Savings Card. Volunteer South Mississippi is a coordination of more than 8,550 volunteers in 2017 dedicating more than 151,846 hours of service to South Mississippi nonprofits. The 2018 “Fill the Bus” school supply drive donated over 24,106 school supplies to schools in the
four counties served. United Way of South Mississippi is a partner with Mississippi’s Campaign for Grade Level Reading and Excel by 5.
As we go forward, we will work to collaborate with the counties we serve and work to improve lives by leveraging partnerships through education, income stability and healthy living. United Way of South Mississippi is proud to partner with local and national companies, local governments, non-profits and other organizations to build a stronger community. It’s never been easier to give with features such as online giving, payroll deduction and direct billing. Contact United Way of South Mississippi for more information at 228.896.2213 or log onto www.unitedwaysm.org.
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