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Behind the Work: Strengthening Early Childhood Quality with UWVBR and Ready Region West
When people think about early childhood education, they picture story time, alphabet charts, and small chairs around even smaller tables. What they don’t see is the systems work happening behind the scenes — the coaching, measurement, and continuous improvement that help classrooms move from basic care to true quality. That’s where Jessica Griffith, M.Ed., comes
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Child Care Is a Workforce Issue — and a Community One
Photo courtesy of United Way of SWVA
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What Stability Really Looks Like for Families
When we talk about stability for families, we’re not talking about perfection — or even comfort. We’re talking about whether families can meet their basic needs without constant trade-offs. Can parents afford child care and still go to work? Can families pay rent without skipping meals? Can children grow up with consistent access to education,
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Get to Know Tamika White, UWVBR’s New VP of Community Impact
At United Way of Virginia’s Blue Ridge, community impact is about more than programs or metrics — it’s about people, partnerships, and building systems that help families thrive over the long term. That work is guided by leadership rooted in both strategy and lived experience. We’re excited to introduce Tamika White, our new Vice President
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When the Decorations Come Down, the Impact Remains
As the lights dim and the ornaments are tucked away, there’s a quiet moment after the holidays that often feels both reflective and hopeful. It’s a season of celebration and generosity, and it’s also a season that reminds us how deeply our community shows up—not just for the joy of the moment, but for the
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Fashions for Evergreens 2025 — A Record-Breaking Season
Fashions for Evergreens 2025 Recap This holiday season, Fashions for Evergreens proved once again what’s possible when creativity, generosity, and community come together. In partnership with The Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center, decorators, sponsors, and supporters delivered one of the most successful seasons in the event’s history—turning a cherished holiday tradition into meaningful local impact.
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Community Resiliency Starts With Families — and Grows Through Partnership
During this season of gratitude and giving, many of us reflect on what it truly means to be a strong community. At United Way of Virginia’s Blue Ridge, community resiliency starts with families — and grows through the partnerships, programs, and people who support them every day. Resiliency isn’t just about responding to crises. It’s
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What Is Giving Tuesday? The Story of a Global Movement — and How It Strengthens Communities Like Ours
You’ve likely heard of Black Friday and Cyber Monday — the two biggest shopping days of the year. But in 2012, something new emerged: a day dedicated not to spending, but to giving. Giving Tuesday was created by New York’s 92nd Street Y and its Belfer Center for Innovation & Social Impact as a reminder
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Why Food Drives Matter: Small Acts That Build Community Resilience
As the holiday season begins, many families in our region are facing rising food costs, reduced benefits, and growing uncertainty. For some, the pantry runs low long before the next paycheck arrives. That’s why community-led efforts like the Western Virginia Water Authority (WVWA) food drive matter. This week, WVWA and UWVBR staff collected and delivered hundreds of
We have officially moved our administrative offices to 3800 Electric Road, Suite 406, Roanoke, VA 24018
