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Meet Hollie: Connecting Families to the Support They Need
When families try to find childcare or early learning support, it’s not always simple. There are long waitlists. Applications. Paperwork. And often, no clear place to start. That’s where Hollie Harmon-Smith comes in. Hollie is the Access and Engagement Coordinator at United Way of Virginia’s Blue Ridge. When asked to describe her role, she said, “I feel like…
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Connecting with Families at the Blue Ridge Kite Festival
Each spring, families from across the region gather at Green Hill Park for the Blue Ridge Kite Festival, a longtime community tradition that draws nearly 10,000 attendees and fills the sky with color, energy, and connection. This year, UWVBR and Ready Region West were proud to be part of that experience for the fourth year,…
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A New Home, a New Law, and a Region Ready to Move
UWVBR opens its doors — and marks a historic turning point on childcare By Abby Verdillo Hamilton, President & CEO, United Way of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Tuesday morning, we cut the ribbon on our new headquarters, and it turned out to be a bigger moment than even we anticipated. For a hundred years, United Way…
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What Is VQB5 and Why It Matters for Kindergarten Readiness
A conversation with Catie Sumner. When families search for childcare or preschool, the questions are usually practical. Is there an open spot? Is it close to work or home? Does it fit the schedule? What most families do not see are the systems working behind the scenes to strengthen early learning before children ever reach…
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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…
