United Way of the Chattahoochee Valley

06/01/2026

“This is my way of paying it forward. From mentee to mentor.” — Dalando

When Jayson’s mother sought extra support for her son, she hoped to find someone he could look up to. Through Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Chattahoochee Valley, Jayson was matched with Dalando, someone who understands the power of mentorship in a deeply personal way.

Why? Because Dalando was once a Little Brother in the same program.

Over the past year and a half, mentorship has helped Jayson grow in confidence, communication, and trust, while strengthening Dalando’s leadership and purpose along the way.

Stories like this are why youth mentorship matters. Read Jayson & Dalando’s full story: https://unitedcv.org/story/youth-mentorship-jayson-dalando/

05/19/2026

This quarter, the Resilient Chattahoochee Valley Book Club is diving into stories about identity, healing, second chances, and the many ways people learn to keep going through life’s hardest moments. These books open conversations about trauma, belonging, mental health, family, and hope. All things that shape how we care for ourselves, our children, and our communities.

Here’s what we’re reading this quarter:

🍊 Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit by Jeanette Winterson
A coming-of-age story about identity, family expectations, and finding your own voice. This book reminds us that resilience can mean honoring who you are, even when the path feels difficult.

🫶 What Happened to You? by Oprah Winfrey & Dr. Bruce Perry
This compassionate read reframes trauma through understanding instead of judgment. It explores how our experiences shape us and how healing begins through safety, support, and connection.

🌲 Magic Hour by Kristin Hannah
A moving novel about a child psychiatrist helping a young girl rebuild trust after trauma. It highlights the healing power of patience, community care, and human connection.

📖 The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
Between regret and possibility, Nora Seed explores alternate versions of her life and discovers meaning in the present. A hopeful reflection on choice, self-worth, and second chances.

Which one are you picking up first?
What themes are resonating with you this season?

05/15/2026

When disasters happen, families need more than immediate relief. They need a community ready to respond. We’re proud to support organizations like American Red Cross of Southwest Georgia as a community investment partner, helping connect families to resources through 211 and mobilizing volunteers to support recovery efforts: https://unitedcv.org/story/disaster-assistance-chattahoochee-valley-red-cross/

05/08/2026

Some women change lives quietly every day. Let’s make sure they’re seen.

Nominate someone special through Women United Honors: https://unitedcv.org/wu/

Honor her impact. Support women in need. ❤

05/07/2026

Today we celebrate 7 years of The Basics Chattahoochee Valley!

Launched to the community on May 7, 2019, this work has always been bigger than any one organization. It’s powered by a committed network of partners, educators, healthcare providers, families, and community leaders who believe every child deserves a strong start.

What started with a room full of leaders at Columbus State University has grown into a movement, thanks to incredible partners like Community Foundation of the Chattahoochee Valley, YMCA of Metropolitan Columbus, Georgia Georgia Department of Public Health, The Columbus Museum and MANY more who continue to champion this work.

We’re grateful for every organization, educator, and family helping build brighter futures. Happy birthday!

Learn and grow together with The Basics Insights, a free text messaging program for families with children under 5: https://cv.thebasics.org/basics-insights/

05/04/2026

Community volunteers learn about United Way's 211 Call Center through an immersive experience that includes discussion around needs in the Chattahoochee Valley and time spent alongside 211 Coordinators as they receive calls from community members.

Thank you to everyone who has joined us so far this year. Your time spent helps us share this vital resource more broadly and connect neighbors to the support they need. 💙

Interested in volunteering as a 211 Shadow Volunteer? Learn more and sign up at https://unitedcv.vomo.org/opportunity/6920993935e46

05/01/2026

“David,” a 5th grader, was reading nearly two grade levels behind and starting to disengage in class.

Through the YMCA of Metropolitan Columbus, Georgia Afterschool program, he received consistent homework help, one-on-one reading support, and encouragement to keep going. By the end of the quarter, he improved his reading fluency by 20 words per minute and completed his first chapter book. Now, he volunteers to read aloud in class.

Stories like this show how youth opportunity programs supported by United Way of the Chattahoochee Valley are helping students build confidence and succeed.

Read more: https://unitedcv.org/story/youth-opportunity-chattahoochee-valley-david/

04/29/2026

Did you know that 80 percent of brain development happens before age 3? 🧠

In recognition of the Week of the Young Child, members of the Resilient Chattahoochee Valley Coalition and Community Partners came together to review The Basics Principles and assemble interactive Basics stations for use across the community. Special shout out to the Synovus / Pinnacle volunteers for lending a helping hand with assembly.

These interactive stations will be available through several RCV Coalition members and United Way Partners. To learn more ways to practice The Basics or to explore available resources, visit https://cv.thebasics.org/

04/27/2026

⏰ Happening next week! Celebrate The Basics Chattahoochee Valley’s birthday with a Lunch & Learn that is interactive, practical, and inspiring. Register today: https://unitedcv.org/events/event/the-basics-lunch-and-learn-chattahoochee-valley/

Help us celebrate The Basics Chattahoochee Valley’s Birthday!

On May 7th, join Emerging Leaders United and Women United for a Lunch & Learn: The Basics in Action.

Discover how simple, everyday interactions can strengthen families and build a more resilient Chattahoochee Valley. This engaging, hands-on session will feature interactive activity tables and science-based strategies to support early childhood development.

Whether you're a parent, professional, or community advocate, you'll leave inspired with practical tools you can start using right away.

👉 Register today: https://unitedcv.org/events/event/the-basics-lunch-and-learn-chattahoochee-valley/

Simple actions. Stronger families. A more resilient Chattahoochee Valley. 💙

04/27/2026

United Way volunteers teamed up with Community Partner MercyMed of Columbus to support the MercyMed Farm, helping expand access to fresh produce for MercyMed clinic patients and the surrounding neighborhood. 🌱

Volunteers harvested collard greens, weeded garden beds, and prepared the soil for planting peppers this spring- making a hands‑on impact for healthier communities!