-
Meeting People Where They Are
When someone’s power gets shut off, it’s easy to say, “Just call the utility company.”When a neighbor misses dialysis appointments, the system might not even notice.But Community Health Workers (CHWs) do. CHWs are connectors. They don’t sit behind desks waiting for people to show up — they meet people where they are. They listen. They help navigate…
-
The Power of Connection Through CHWs
Sometimes the smallest acts create the most lasting impact. That’s something Lucas, one of United Way of Virginia’s Blue Ridge’s Community Health Workers (CHWs), knows well. During a routine food box delivery, Lucas visited Ms. Jones, an older adult living alone in Franklin County. As he always does, he asked if there was anything else…
-
Who Will Be There When Crisis Strikes?
Lashara, one of our dedicated Community Health Workers (CHWs), received a referral about a mother and her 25-year-old son who had been walking for three months from Myrtle Beach, experiencing homelessness. While passing through Franklin County, tragedy struck—the son was hit by a vehicle and killed. Alone, grieving, and without support, the mother had nowhere to…
-
Financial Security in the Blue Ridge: A Path Forward
For many households in the Blue Ridge, financial insecurity is a daily reality. The 2024 VA ALICE Report reveals that over 43% of households in our region are working hard but still struggling to cover the basics. That means nearly half of our neighbors, coworkers, and friends are facing tough financial decisions every day—often forced…
-
Rebuilding After Incarceration: The Path to Financial Security
After incarceration, rebuilding a life isn’t easy. Finding stable housing, securing a job, and accessing basic resources can feel like an uphill battle. But with the right support, it’s possible to turn things around. One recent success story from New Horizons Healthcare demonstrates the power of this collaborative approach. A patient who had recently reentered…
-
Driving Opportunity: How United Way’s Support of OnRamp Helped Michael Secure His Future
A determined job seeker in the community faced a major setback on his path to financial stability. His vehicle, essential for transportation, was unsafe and unable to pass inspection due to severely worn tires. The timing of this issue could not have been worse—he had an upcoming job interview for a position that could provide…
-
Uniting for Impact: How OnRamp Helped a Local Family Find Stability
United Way of Virginia’s Blue Ridge partners with local nonprofits to create lasting impact, providing financial and training support while connecting people in our community to vital resources. One of these partners, OnRamp, works directly with individuals facing financial hardship to help them regain stability and move toward a brighter future. One OnRamp client came…
-
A Helping Hand, A New Beginning: How a Community Health Worker Transformed One Neighbor’s Life
When Michelle lost her husband last March, her life was turned upside down. Forced to leave their shared home, she moved into a camper on a stranger’s property, unsure of what to do next. With no income and ongoing health challenges, she struggled to access basic necessities like electricity, water, and food. Desperate for help,…
