Every parent wants the same things for their children: a safe place to call home, access to a quality education, nutritious meals, and someone to turn to when life feels overwhelming. Most of all, they want the opportunity to believe that tomorrow will be better than today.
That’s why United Way invests in trusted local organizations, brings people and resources together, and steps forward to lead solutions where our neighbors need more support.
This report is a look at what our community made possible together this year.
In 2025, we proudly celebrated 75 years of United Way of the Chattahoochee Valley bringing people together to make our community stronger. As we reflect on our history, we are reminded that while times and challenges may change, the values that have guided this organization remain constant: partnership, servant leadership, support for neighbors in need, and above all, a deep love for this community.
Today, United Way is more necessary than ever. Across the Chattahoochee Valley, hardworking families are striving to build stable futures for themselves and their children while navigating rising challenges and unexpected setbacks. We also recognize that many of the individuals who generously support this work through workplace campaigns are navigating those same realities, giving what they can while working hard to make ends meet. Where a child lives or how much a family earns should not determine their chances of success. We remain committed to connecting families with the resources, relationships, and opportunities that help create pathways toward long-term stability and help the next generation thrive.
Over the past several years, we have intentionally adapted our work to better meet our community’s evolving needs through strategic partnerships, innovative funding, and coordinated access to services. Since 2021, we have significantly reduced our reliance on workplace campaigns, which represented 83% of annual revenue and today account for 56% — an intentional strategy to strengthen long-term sustainability while honoring the generosity of those who continue to give. Grants now provide meaningful support for United Way-led initiatives, and this year we launched a capital campaign to expand what annual giving alone can accomplish and help secure the future of proven solutions for generations to come. Through initiatives like the 211 Community Resource Center, The Basics, Community Schools United, Home for Good, Resilient Chattahoochee Valley, and our community investment process, we help individuals and families find support, connection, and hope when they need it most.
None of this work is accomplished without you. We are deeply grateful to our donors, volunteers, partners, and community leaders whose generosity and commitment make this mission possible. As we look ahead to the next 75 years, we remain inspired by what can happen when people work together for the common good.
With gratitude,
Dionne Rosser-Mims Board Chair 2025 – 2026
Ben Moser President and CEO 2019 – Present
Celebrating 75 Years
For 75 years, United Way has helped bring people together who care for and invest in the Chattahoochee Valley. This milestone honors generations of neighbors, volunteers, donors, and partners whose generosity and commitment have helped shape our community.
We also celebrate devoted supporters like Mrs. Jean Kent, pictured, whose generosity and commitment since 1951 reflect the spirit of service that continues to shape our work today.
Our Promise to the Chattahoochee Valley
Ten Counties. Two States. One Region.
Proudly serving Chattahoochee, Clay, Harris, Marion, Muscogee, Quitman, Russell, Stewart, Talbot, and Taylor counties across west central Georgia and east Alabama.
Across the Chattahoochee Valley, families are working hard to build stable lives. They are raising children, caring for loved ones, and planning for the future. But for many, an unexpected expense—such as a medical bill, car repair, missed paycheck, or child care challenge—can quickly put that stability at risk. Families are often forced to make difficult choices between paying rent, buying groceries, getting medical care, or covering other basic needs. When people have to make these trade-offs, the effects are felt across our entire community.
For more than 75 years, United Way has worked alongside local partners to help make the Chattahoochee Valley a stronger place to live, work, and raise a family. We invest in trusted local programs, bring people together to solve community challenges, and lead initiatives that help meet urgent needs while building long-term stability across the Chattahoochee Valley.
This is our promise to the Chattahoochee Valley: to keep showing up, bringing people together, and leading solutions that strengthen our community. The future of this region depends on all of us, and we are proud to lead alongside those working to make it better.
The Power of Community: Ms. Kizzie’s Story
“It’s not just the resources. It’s the people.”
When an unexpected housing crisis forced Ms. Kizzie and her family to leave their home, she faced an uncertain road ahead. With the support of her daughter’s school and United Way, she found resources, encouragement, and people who continued to show up for her family.
Ms. Kizzie did the hard work of moving her family forward. The support around her helped make that journey a little less difficult and opened the door to new opportunities, greater stability, and hope for what comes next.
Every dollar raised here stays here, supporting trusted programs, community partnerships, and local solutions that help children, families, and communities build stronger futures.
Local Dollars Stay Local
Donations made through local workplace campaigns support programs, services, and solutions that directly benefit people across the Chattahoochee Valley.
We Invest in What Works
We invest in trusted nonprofit partners and community programs focused on measurable outcomes, long-term stability, and lasting results for local families and individuals.
We Bring People Together
We connect employers, volunteers, nonprofits, schools, and community leaders to solve problems, strengthen services, and respond to community needs.
We Lead Community Solutions
In addition to investing in partners, United Way leads and helps grow initiatives that address unmet needs, connect people to support, and strengthen the Chattahoochee Valley.
Investing in Our Community
Every gift to United Way creates impact in multiple ways. Workplace campaigns, community investment, and United Way-led initiatives strengthen the network of support that helps children, families, and older adults across the Chattahoochee Valley.
Workplace Giving
For more than 75 years, workplace campaigns have been the foundation of United Way’s impact. Hundreds of employers and thousands of employees across the Chattahoochee Valley invest in our community each year through payroll deduction, corporate gifts, and employee giving. These partnerships provide reliable, local support for programs and initiatives that strengthen our region while helping ensure every dollar raised here stays here.
Our top 25 workplace campaigns generated nearly 90% of all workplace campaign dollars raised. We are grateful for the remarkable leadership of these organizations, whose commitment inspires generosity across our community and helps create lasting impact for local children, families, and older adults.
Top 25 Workplace Campaigns by Annual Fundraising Total (FY2025-2026)
Aflac
FIS Total Issuing Solutions (TSYS)
Pinnacle Financial Partners (Synovus)
Publix Supermarkets
W.C. Bradley Co.
Columbus Consolidated Government
Columbus Water Works
Phenix City Government
Covey Equity
Russell County Government
Muscogee County Schools
Pratt & Whitney / RTX
Georgia Power Company
Alexander Electric Company
Greystone Properties / RAM Partners
Marsh McLennan Agency
Robinson, Grimes & Company, CPAs
Piedmont Columbus Regional
Thayer Companies
Flournoy Companies
Truist Bank
Phenix City Public Schools
Alabama Power Company
Eastman Kodak
BEAM
Community Investment
United Way invests in trusted nonprofit partners through a competitive Community Investment process that helps address our community’s greatest needs. Volunteer reviewers evaluate funding requests based on local priorities, measurable outcomes, financial stewardship, and long-term impact, ensuring donor dollars are invested where they can make the greatest difference.
In addition to investing in nonprofit partners, United Way leads collaborative initiatives that bring organizations, schools, businesses, and community leaders together to address challenges no single agency can solve alone. These strategies help strengthen systems, expand access to resources, and create lasting change across the Chattahoochee Valley.
Every child deserves the opportunity to succeed, but success starts long before the first day of school.
Across the Chattahoochee Valley, access to quality early learning, affordable child care, and strong support systems continues to shape outcomes for children and families. United Way helps address these challenges by investing in trusted nonprofit partners, supporting families, and leading strategies that help children succeed from early childhood through young adulthood.
This year, United Way partnered with the Low Income Investment Fund (LIIF) and the Columbus Consolidated Government to better understand child care needs across the region, helping guide local action around practical solutions for working families. Through United Way-led strategies like The Basics Chattahoochee Valley, Community Schools United, and Resilient Chattahoochee Valley, we work alongside schools, caregivers, and community partners to support learning and resilience.
The Power of Showing Up
This year, United Way’s Community Schools United launched the PAW (Perfect Attendance Winner) Store at Dorothy Height Elementary School in partnership with Principal Meredith Adams and school staff. The initiative helps encourage student attendance while providing families access to essentials like toiletries, clothing, and household goods at no cost.
For many working families, everyday necessities can stretch already tight budgets. Students earn “Bone Bucks” through perfect monthly attendance, which families can use to shop at the PAW Store. By helping ease everyday pressures at home, the program supports students in coming to school ready to learn.
Health and well-being are shaped by more than medical care alone.
Across the Chattahoochee Valley, challenges such as food insecurity, mental health needs, trauma, and limited access to services continue to affect children, families, and older adults in many ways. United Way strengthens community well-being by investing in trusted nonprofit partners that provide nutritious meals, behavioral health services, crisis support, shelter, and trauma-informed care.
Through the 211 Community Resource Center, one of our community’s most trusted connections to help, neighbors are connected to food, healthcare, housing, mental health services, and urgent support when they need it most. Through other United Way-led strategies like Resilient Chattahoochee Valley, we also partner with schools, healthcare providers, and community organizations to advance trauma-informed solutions that build resilience across our region.
Creativity, Literacy, and Opportunity
In partnership with the Columbus Museum, United Way is helping young learners grow through Museum PALS, a program that brings art, storytelling, and creative exploration into Pre-K classrooms across Muscogee County.
Financial stability starts with opportunity and the support families need to build lasting independence.
Rising housing costs, limited affordable options, and economic pressures continue to make it harder for hardworking families to stay stable and plan for the future. United Way helps create pathways to greater economic security by investing in housing assistance, workforce development, financial coaching, and career readiness programs that help individuals and families move forward.
This year, United Way partnered with the Georgia Institute of Technology to better understand workforce housing needs across the region, helping guide local action and bringing together employers, developers, nonprofits, and community leaders around practical solutions. Through Home for Good, our coordinated housing strategy, families experiencing homelessness are connected to stable housing, case management, and support designed for long-term success.
For the Women Who Make a Difference, Every Day
Ahead of Mother’s Day, United Way launched Women United Honors, inviting our community to recognize the women who quietly lead, support, encourage, and care for others every day.
Nominations support the Women Helping Women Assistance Fund, providing immediate assistance and hope for women and girls facing difficult circumstances as they work toward a brighter future.
Strong communities are built on support systems people can rely on in times of need.
When emergencies happen, strong local systems can make the difference between crisis and recovery. Across the Chattahoochee Valley, severe weather, financial hardship, health challenges, and unexpected emergencies can make it harder for families to regain stability. United Way helps strengthen community resiliency by connecting people to trusted support systems and organizing resources and volunteers when challenges arise.
At the center of this work is 211, our region’s trusted connection to care and support. This year, United Way of the Chattahoochee Valley received approval for federal funding to begin planning an expansion of 211 services into uncovered counties across Georgia. The project will be implemented during the next fiscal year, creating new pathways for individuals and families to find available services and resources in communities with fewer local support options. Georgia has had 211 since 1997, but remains one of only three states without statewide 211 coverage.
A Lifeline for the Chattahoochee Valley
This year, United Way helped establish local recognition of 211 Day through a city proclamation on February 11, 2026, joining a national effort to celebrate the three-digit number that connects residents to critical health and human services.
Thousands of neighbors across the Chattahoochee Valley turn to 211 each year for support during life’s most difficult moments. Behind every call is compassionate guidance, trusted resources, and a commitment to helping neighbors move forward.
A Community in Action
Change happens when people show up for one another. Across the Chattahoochee Valley, volunteers, workplace partners, leadership groups, and community champions are giving their time, talent, and expertise to strengthen our region.
Community Investment Volunteers
Community Investment volunteers help guide how local donor dollars are invested. By reviewing nonprofit applications and programs, they help ensure funding decisions are thoughtful, transparent, and focused on local needs.
650 volunteer hours contributed by 46 community volunteers($24k in staffing value) $3.54M invested in accredited nonprofit partners
Workplace Volunteerism
Local workplaces and employees are making a difference through hands-on service. Together, volunteers supported community organizations through projects that provided essential items and direct support to local nonprofits.
3.6K+ volunteer hours totaling $118K+ of in-kind Economic Impact 785 community kits assembled and distributed to support local organizations
Lead United
Launched this year, Lead United connects nonprofit organizations with skilled volunteer leaders. Through training, networking, and board readiness support, the program helps strengthen leadership across the Chattahoochee Valley.
Emerging Leaders United brings together young professionals under 40 who want to make a difference in the Chattahoochee Valley. Members support local initiatives through volunteer opportunities, leadership experiences, and community events.
400 membersengaged, giving $340,000 annually
Women United
Women United brings women together to invest time, talent, and resources in support of local women and families. Through service and giving, members help strengthen programs that meet urgent needs across our community.
1,665 members engaged, giving $1.07M annually 26 children and 14 women in crisis received support through the Women Helping Women Assistance Fund
Get involved
There are many ways to make a difference through United Way. Whether you want to volunteer, give, advocate, or join a leadership group, there is a place for you to get involved.
United Way is guided by volunteer leaders who help shape the work behind the scenes, providing oversight, expertise, and local perspective that strengthen our impact across the Chattahoochee Valley. We are grateful to the members of our Board of Directors and leadership committees who give their time and expertise in service to our community.
Board of Directors, 2025-2026
Mr. Kevin Blair Pinnacle Financial Partners (Synovus)
Ms. Catherine Budzynski Community Leader/Attorney
Mr. Craig Burgess, J.D. Morehouse College
Mr. Mike Burns Retired, Fort Benning Maneuver Center of Excellence
Ms. Melissa Gauntt East Alabama Chamber of Commerce *Treasurer
Dr. Asanté Hilts Valley Healthcare System
Mr. Isaiah Hugley Columbus Mayor Elect
Mr. Bill Little St. Francis Emory Healthcare
Mr. Reggie Lewis FIS Total Issuing Solutions (TSYS)
Ms. Tana McHale Pratt Whitney Commercial Engines
Mr. Rinkesh Patel RAM Hotel Management
Mr. Robbie Raybon Covey Equity
Mr. Teddy Reese The Office of Poverty Reduction / The Reese Firm LLC
Dr. Andy Roddenbery Columbus Surgical Specialists, LLC
Dr. Dionne Rosser-Mims Troy University *Chair
Ms. Gwen Ruff Columbus Water Works
Mr. Chris Schoonover Pinnacle Financial Partners (Synovus)
Rabbi Beth Schwartz Retired, Temple Israel
Ms. Jackie Screws Retired, Chattahoochee Valley Community College
Mr. Len Sexton Synovus Securities, Inc.
Mr. Raymond Smith Retired, Phenix City, AL Government
Mr. Will Thompson Pinnacle Financial Partners (Synovus)
Mr. W. Clark Turner W.C. Turner Investments
Mr. Jack Turner Gwaltney Ventures/TigerJack LLC
Mr. Rob Ward St. Luke Church
Ms. Randi Adkins-Warren Aflac *Immediate Past Chair
Leadership Committees
Stephanie Chastain City of Phenix City, Alabama
Heather Dryman Piedmont Columbus Regional
Onteria Foster One Main Focus
Lucas Hammock Columbus Water Works
Rob Harris FIS Total Issuing Solutions (TSYS)
Alex Harrison FIS Total Issuing Solutions (TSYS)
Nese Holloway Pinnacle Financial Partners (Synovus)
Jessica Lopez Regions Bank
Brittney Lyles Columbus Consolidated Government
Tamara Reyes United Way of the Chattahoochee Valley
Dr. Marlon Darnell Scott, Sr. Piedmont Columbus Regional
Erika J. Torres Columbus Water Works
Catherine Budzynski Community Leader/Attorney
Joan Clarke-Narcisse Aflac
Lesley Dudley FIS Total Issuing Solutions (TSYS)
Chris Schoonover Pinnacle Financial Partners (Synovus) *Chair
Angelia Sharpe FIS Total Issuing Solutions (TSYS)
Ray Smith Retired, Phenix City, AL Government
Clark Turner W.C. Turner Investments
Lakeita Arrington-Judkins U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Kristin Barker Georgia Center for Opportunity
Seth Brown Columbus Consolidated Government
Adrian Chester Greater Beallwood Baptist Church
Jonathan Evans The Housing Authority of Columbus, Georgia
Jennifer Lowman City of Phenix City
Trikella Nelson Muscogee County School District
Joan Clarke-Narcisse Aflac *Corporate Chair
Shaun Culligan City of Phenix City, AL *Account Development Chair
Melissa Gauntt East Alabama Chamber of Commerce *Corporate Chair
Geniece Granville Davis Broadcasting, Inc. *Small Business Chair
Will Thompson Pinnacle Financial Partners (Synovus) *Chair
Jansen Tidmore Greater Columbus Georgia Chamber of Commerce *Small Business Chair
Rob Ward St. Luke Church *Sponsorship Chair
Randi Adkins-Warren Aflac *Chair
Lakeita Arrington-Judkins, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Ben Bryan Marsh & McLennan Agency
Patrick Dietz FIS Total Issuing Solutions (TSYS)
J.T. Fellows Piedmont Healthcare
Alex Harrison FIS Total Issuing Solutions (TSYS)
Rubria Hintz Fifth 3rd Bank
Alex Lilley Columbus Clingstones
Payton Linder Chattahoochee Valley Community College
Abigail Littleton The Leadership Institute at Columbus State University
Madison Montgomery Aflac
Brantley Pittman FIS Total Issuing Solutions (TSYS)
Angel Taylor Columbus Water Works
Steve White W.C. Bradley Company Real Estate
Jennifer Adams Valley Hospitality Services, LLC
Kim Beck The Columbus Museum
Joe Bialoncik Boys & Girls Clubs of the Chattahoochee Valley
Frank Bonner Retired, Callaway Blue
Craig Burgess, J.D. Morehouse College
Elizabeth Cook Community Leader
Vickie Clark Columbus Water Works
Nick Dudley FIS Total Issuing Solutions (TSYS)
Melissa Gauntt East Alabama Chamber of Commerce Chair
Pam Hodge Columbus Consolidated Government
Barber Wilson Marsh & McLennan Agency
Lakeita Arrington-Judkins U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Kristin Barker Georgia Center for Opportunity
Seth Brown Columbus Consolidated Government
Adrian Chester Greater Beallwood Baptist Church
Jonathan Evans The Housing Authority of Columbus, Georgia
Pat Frey United Way of the Chattahoochee Valley
Captain Curtis Lockette Muscogee County Sheriff’s Department
Jennifer Lowman City of Phenix City
Trikella Nelson Muscogee County School District
Kim Adams FIS Total Issuing Solutions (TSYS)
Lakeita Arrington-Judkins U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Robin Babcock FIS Total Issuing Solutions (TSYS)
Holli Browder Columbus Consolidated Government
Melonese Close Piedmont Columbus Regional
Sherricka Day Aflac
Lesley Dudley FIS Total Issuing Solutions (TSYS)
Denise Eckley Goodwill Industries of the Southern Rivers
Chemitra Glenn Community Foundation of the Chattahoochee Valley
Lisa Goodwin Columbus Consolidated Government
Laura Hanley Pinnacle Financial Partners (Synovus)
Amy Hatfield FIS Total Issuing Solutions (TSYS)
DeAnne Huff Aflac
Tonya Jones W.C. Bradley Company
Fetima Kelly W.C. Bradley Company *Immediate Past Chair
United Way of the Chattahoochee Valley is committed to responsible fiscal stewardship. We are nationally recognized for financial accountability and transparency, earning the highest 4-star rating from Charity Navigator and a Platinum Seal of Transparency from Candid.
Every investment we make is guided by local and regional data and shaped through collaboration with nonprofit partners, donors, volunteers, and community leaders. Our approach is accredited, evidence-based, and collaborative. We invest where the need is clear and the impact is proven.
As community needs have changed, so has the way we invest in local solutions. Workplace giving remains the foundation of our work, while grants, partnerships, and strategic fundraising help support United Way led efforts like the 211 Community Resource Center, The Basics, Community Schools United, Home for Good, and Resilient Chattahoochee Valley.
This year, United Way launched a capital campaign to expand what annual giving alone can accomplish. Workplace giving sustains the work of today. The capital campaign helps secure the future by scaling proven solutions designed to improve outcomes for even more children and families across the Chattahoochee Valley for generations to come.
Revenue & Investments Snapshot (FY2024-2025)
Financial information reflects United Way’s most recently approved audited financial statements (FY2024-2025).
In FY2024-25, $7.6 million (80%) of United Way’s expenses directly supported nonprofit partners and United Way programs that advance community solutions across our region. The remaining investments strengthened our local workforce and the technology, fundraising, and operational support needed to deliver these services and steward donor dollars responsibly.
We’re proud to have partnered with over 100 workplaces, nearly 8,500 donors, and hundreds of volunteers who gave more than 3,600 hours of service this past year. These partnerships represent people who care deeply about the communities where we live and work.
This work is only possible because of people like you. Thank you for standing with us, investing in our community, and helping create a Chattahoochee Valley where every child, family, and neighbor has the opportunity to succeed.
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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
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