United Way of the Lowcountry

United Way of the Lowcountry
Making A Local Impact
Hidden behind the beautiful scenery and postcard-perfect views of the Lowcountry, there are people in our community struggling to make ends meet.  There are working families who are living paycheck to paycheck, desperately trying to keep the lights on and a roof over their heads.  There are seniors on fixed incomes who are having to choose between buying their prescriptions and putting food on the table.  While it’s hard to even imagine, nearly one out of five children in Beaufort County and two out of five children in Jasper County live in poverty.
With the community’s support, United Way of the Lowcountry is helping to meet the immediate needs of our neighbors who need it the most through their internal HELPLINE and by working with many of their partner agencies throughout the community.  “Through the HELPLINE, we have the privilege of talking with people one on one during their darkest hours.
Once we understand their situation, we provide them with information and resources, referrals to our partner agencies and community partners, and financial assistance to help improve their situation,” said Chrystie Turner, Vice President of Community Impact.
United Way of the Lowcountry not only helps meet the immediate needs of our neighbors but continues to work to create lasting, positive change.  Through Community Impact, United Way is working to address the root causes of key issues facing our community, focusing on Basic Needs, Education, Health and Income/Family Stability.
With the help of more than 275 volunteers and AmeriCorps members, United Way’s Early Grade Reading Initiative, Read Indeed is making a big impact on children in our community like 2nd grader Adiel.  Through this program, Adiel received one-on-one in school tutoring last school year and made great gains.
At the beginning of first grade, Adiel struggled to read and was behind but with the help of volunteer reading tutors, he made tremendous gains in reading and built confidence.  By the time he entered 2nd grade, he was reading chapter books and graduated from the program.  Adiel is just one of the hundreds of children each year who are impacted by this program.  98% of the students who participated in the Read Indeed program increased their reading scores.
United Way of the Lowcountry’s Annual Campaign is in full swing as they work to raise $2.3 million dollars for our community.  “The dollars we raise here in the Lowcountry, stay local, helping our friends and neighbors throughout Beaufort and Jasper Counties,” says Mandy Parsons, United Way of the Lowcountry Interim President & CEO.  “During this season of giving, we hope you will consider making a donation to United Way of the Lowcountry.”
If you are interested in making a gift to United Way of the Lowcountry, donations can be made online at www.uwlowcountry.org or by mailing a check to United Way of the Lowcountry at P.O. Box 202 Beaufort, SC 29901.