What began nearly 30 years ago as a humble food pantry in a local church has grown into a comprehensive social services agency—thanks in part to the funding and guidance of the United Way of Greater St. Louis. While our staff and volunteers proudly maintain that we are still a “Food Pantry First,” the breadth…

Girl Scouts don’t need to grow up to start leading. They’re changing the world right now. At Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois, we are witnessing this every single day – and none of this could be possible without the generous support of our local community. Girl Scouts began in 1912 when Juliette Gordon Low phoned…

Changing a child’s story… In 1988, the Honorable Milton S. Wharten, the late Gary Trentman and the Belleville Foster Parents identified the lack of information for children who experience parental child abuse and/or neglect. This information was extremely critical in order to resolve juvenile cases expeditiously. A call to action was answered: The inception of…

“As a United Way partner, we’re part of a powerful community of change-makers. United Way provides more than funding – they connect us with resources, volunteers, and partners who share our mission. Together, we are strengthening the Metro East for generations to come.” At Community Care Center, we believe that no one in our community…

Catholic Urban Programs has been a United Way Partner since 2020. The United Way is such a large entity in the Metro East, but their partnership with us is personal. Through this partnership we are not just serving families with essential services, we’re building stronger, more resilient households. United Way’s investment helps Catholic Urban Programs…

For more than six decades, Caritas Family Solutions has been a lifeline for individuals and families across southern Illinois and the Metro East, empowering them to overcome challenges, find stability, and build stronger, more connected communities. Caritas serves over 6,300 people each year through vital programs such as foster care and adoption, senior living, family…

Brightpoint (formerly Children’s Home & Aid), is a leading human service agency serving over 34,000 children and families annually. Since 1883, we have shown up for families in more than 70 counties across Illinois by providing a comprehensive range of services that include child welfare, parent support, early care and education, counseling, and youth services.…

  When 11-year-old Marcus* first met his Big Brother, James*, he struggled with confidence, school challenges, and navigating friendships. Over weekly outings, homework help, and simple conversations, Marcus began to see a future filled with possibility. “James doesn’t just help me with school,” Marcus shared. “He believes in me even when I don’t believe in…

The American Red Cross of South and West Central Illinois serves 1,059,746 people in 33 counties in Illinois including Adams, Bond, Brown, Cass, Christian, Clinton, Fayette, Franklin, Fulton, Greene, Hamilton, Hancock, Jefferson, Macon, Macoupin, Marion, McDonough, Menard, Montgomery, Morgan, Moultrie, Perry, Pike, Sangamon, Schuyler, Scott, Shelby, Washington, and Williamson. Missouri Counties: Clark, Lewis, Marion, and…

United Way of Greater St. Louis (UWGSL) has been a beacon of hope and stability for more than a century, helping neighbors navigate uncertainty and crisis. Whether it’s providing food assistance, housing support, or disaster relief after events like the May 16 storms, UWGSL is there—just as we have been for the past 103 years.…