FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
United Way of Southwest Virginia Receives $100,000 Donation from the Anne & Gene Worrell Foundation to Support Disaster Recovery After Winter Storm Jett
Abingdon, Va. (April 9, 2025) – In a powerful display of community support, the Anne & Gene Worrell Foundation has donated $100,000 to United Way of Southwest Virginia (UWSWVA) to aid in disaster recovery efforts following the devastation of Winter Storm Jett. This significant contribution will directly assist with repairing and rebuilding homes for citizens across Southwest Virginia who were impacted by the storm.
Between February 15-16, 2025, Southwest Virginia endured its fourth major flood in just four years. Winter Storm Jett wreaked havoc across the region, leaving hundreds of roads and bridges impassable, homes and businesses damaged or destroyed, and entire communities in crisis. The hardest-hit areas—Buchanan, Dickenson, Tazewell, and Wise counties—faced severe structural damage, displacing families and disrupting lives.
In response, United Way of Southwest Virginia mobilized immediately, deploying teams on February 17, 2025, to assess both immediate and long-term needs in affected communities. Their goal: ensure families can recover quickly, rebuild safely, and regain stability.
“Through strategic partnerships and community investments, United Way of Southwest Virginia is committed to mobilizing resources, coordinating relief efforts, and funding organizations specializing in disaster response, housing recovery, and financial assistance,” said Megan Parks, Executive Director of UWSWVA. “By prioritizing resilience, stability, and long-term recovery, we’re not just rebuilding homes—we’re restoring hope.”
The Anne & Gene Worrell Foundation's donation plays a critical role in making these efforts possible. By providing essential funding for housing repairs and reconstruction, this partnership ensures that families can return home safely and begin rebuilding their lives.
“The Anne & Gene Worrell Foundation is deeply committed to supporting the resilience and recovery of Southwest Virginia communities, especially in times of crisis,” said Holly Hatcher, President & CEO. “United Way of Southwest Virginia has a proven track record of stepping up when disaster strikes by mobilizing resources and coordinating relief efforts. Their dedication to long-term recovery and regional stability aligns with our mission to cultivate resilient communities and ecosystems in the places the Worrells called home. One of our core values is partnership, and we are honored to support UWSWVA’s efforts and help our neighbors recover, rebuild, and thrive. We encourage other donors, large and small, to join our efforts and support UWSWVA's critical disaster recovery work following Winter Storm Jett.”
United Way’s disaster recovery work is only possible through the support of dedicated partners and the strength of our communities. Through these collaborative efforts, UWSWVA is working to restore stability, support immediate needs, and create long-term pathways to financial recovery for those affected. Their mission is clear: no one should have to face disaster alone.
Looking ahead, United Way of Southwest Virginia remains committed to strengthening disaster preparedness, response, and recovery efforts across the region. By investing in preparedness education, emergency relief funding, and sustainable rebuilding initiatives, UWSWVA will continue to empower communities to withstand future crises and emerge stronger than before.
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United Way of Southwest Virginia (UWSWVA) fights for the health, education, and financial stability of every individual in Southwest Virginia because they are the building blocks for a good quality of life. With a collaborative approach that unites government, businesses, nonprofits, and individuals, UWSWVA strives to build strong schools, resilient families, and vibrant communities. Initiatives focus on creating long-term, sustainable change and empowering communities through innovation and partnership. Serving over 20% of the state, including the counties of Bland, Buchanan, Carroll, Dickenson, Floyd, Giles, Grayson, Lee, Montgomery, Pulaski, Russell, Scott, Smyth, Tazewell, Washington, Wise, and Wythe, and the cities of Bristol, Galax, Norton, and Radford, UWSWVA works to ensure access to quality health care, education, and financial resources, enabling all to thrive. Together, UWSWVA is building a brighter future where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.
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The Anne & Gene Worrell Foundation is committed to supporting initiatives and organizations that align with its mission to cultivate resilient communities and ecosystems in the places the Worrells called home. The Foundation focuses its grantmaking in specific Virginia counties in Greater Charlottesville, Far Southwest Virginia, and Surry County. Grantmaking focus areas include economic mobility and well-being, preserving natural assets, and family legacy initiatives. To learn more, visit www.agworrellfoundation.org.
Media Inquiries
Megan Parks
Executive Director, United Way of Southwest Virginia
Email: mparks@unitedwaswva.org
Phone: (276) 696-1865
Additional Resources
To learn more about or to donate to United Way of Southwest Virginia’s Disaster Recovery Efforts, click here.
