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United Way of Southwest Virginia fights for the health, education and financial stability of every person in Southwest Virginia because they are the building blocks for a good quality of life.

As the needs of Southwest Virginians change, so too do the best practices for meeting those needs.

Join us in our fight for our friends and neighbors in Southwest Virginia by exploring the options below.

United Way of Southwest Virginia fights for the health, education and financial stability of every person in Southwest Virginia because they are the building blocks for a good quality of life.

United Way of Southwest Virginia is a volunteer-directed organization. We are governed by a local volunteer Board of Directors that represents every sector and region that we serve.

The Board is comprised of local business and civic leaders from throughout the community. Members provide leadership for vision and overall direction, approve the annual business plan, goals and priority outcomes, monitor progress, and have a fiduciary responsibility for the programmatic and fiscal integrity of the organization.

Executive Committee

Brendan McSheehy, Chair
VP of Innovation & Intellectual Property, Universal Fiber Systems LLC

Dr. Kris Westover, Vice Chair
President, Mountain Empire Community College

Alan Jones Jr., Treasurer
Vice President-Technical Accounting, Alpha Metallurgical Resources

Cameron Bell, Secretary
Attorney, PennStuart

Board Members

Todd Asbury
President and CEO, New Peoples Bank

Haskel Bledsoe
Vice President, Special Projects, Food City

Dennis Carter
Smyth County Superintendent

Whitney Czelusniak
Economic Development, AEP

Stacey Ely
Community and Government Relations, Director-Virginia, Ballad Health

Donna Henry
Chancellor, UVA-Wise

Kalen Hunter
Program Director, GO Virginia, UVA-Wise

Rick Nunley
Director of Human Resources, Universal Fiber Systems LLC

Andre Richmond
Regional Administrative Manager, Virginia Department of Social Services

AJ Robinson
Director of Communications and Tourism, Tazewell County

Chuck Slemp
Chief Deputy Attorney General of Virginia

Johnathan Sweet
County Administrator, Pulaski County

Chad Whittington
Plant Manager, Mohawk Industries

United Way of Southwest Virginia (UWSWVA) is excited to announce a funding commitment of $4 million from Wellspring Foundation of Southwest Virginia for the Workforce Development & Childcare Center.

In addition to a childcare center, the 87,000-square-foot center will also house STEM labs for teacher training, Shared Services Alliance to support existing childcare centers, and an innovative, hands-on career simulation center to showcase local jobs and career paths for K-12.

Read the full release at the link in our bio!

Registration for Virginia’s Inaugural Community Schools Conference will close June 2!

Don’t miss out on creating a blueprint for building schools that utilize the power of our communities to ensure that the needs of staff, students, and families are met.

The event will feature a keynote delivered by Hasan Davis as well as a panel discussion with regional professionals from multiple sectors who will explore the power and potential of schools acting as community hubs. Register at the link in our bio!

Abingdon, VA (May 19, 2023) – United Way of Southwest Virginia, Food City and the Town of Abingdon, Virginia, announced plans to transform the former Kmart building in Abingdon, VA into the anchor campus for a region-wide workforce initiative. United Way of Southwest Virginia purchased the property thanks to a partnership with Food City.

“This is a critical moment for United Way of Southwest Virginia and the communities we serve,” shared Travis Staton, CEO and President. “It would not be possible without the generosity and support of Food City, who has partnered with us on the purchase of the property.”

Food City partnered with United Way of Southwest Virginia to make the purchase of 87,000 square feet of usable space in a prime location at one of the busiest intersections in the town possible.

To see the full press release, click the link: http://ow.ly/6ojg50Os9cq

Abingdon, VA (May 19, 2023) – United Way of Southwest Virginia (UWSWVA), Food City, and the Town of Abingdon announced plans to transform the former Kmart building in Abingdon, VA into the anchor campus for a region-wide workforce initiative. United Way of Southwest Virginia purchased the property thanks to a partnership with Food City.

“This is a critical moment for United Way of Southwest Virginia and the communities we serve,” shared Travis Staton, CEO and President. “It would not be possible without the generosity and support of Food City, who has partnered with us on the purchase of the property.”

Food City partnered with United Way of Southwest Virginia to make the purchase of 87,000 square feet of usable space in a prime location at one of the busiest intersections in the town possible.

To see the full press release, click the link in our bio!

In partnership with @balladhealth, we are grateful to be able to provide Kinder Camps again this year! Districts hosting K-Camps include Norton City, Bristol City, and Smyth County. Along with all of the excitement of preparing children for kindergarten socially & emotionally, we will also be able to offer them the Amplify Boost literacy program that will lay the groundwork for foundational literacy skills they will need to be successful in the classroom and beyond.

Protecting children from thirdhand smoke is critical for their overall health and well-being.

Infants and young children are especially at risk of exposure to thirdhand smoke because of their high metabolism, time spent on the ground, and their tendency to put things in their mouths.

To learn more and view helpful resources, visit the link in our bio.

Top 10 in the United States by Charity Navigator in 2018

Guidestar Platinum Seal of Transparency

Charity Navigator Four Star Charity

United Way 2020 Membership Requirements Completed