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Why Every Gift Matters: How Nonprofits Are Funded and Why Your $25 Counts
Why Your Donation Matters When most people think about philanthropy, they imagine big checks from wealthy donors. But here’s the truth: the majority of gifts in the U.S. are $100 or less at a time.1 But those gifts add up to billions of dollars fueling schools, food banks, afterschool programs, and family services. 2 And…
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After School, Building Success
When the last school bell rings, learning does not have to stop. Afterschool programs give kids a safe place to go where they can finish homework, get tutoring or mental health support, eat a healthy snack, and spend time with caring adults. Many programs also offer opportunities like art, sports, or dance lessons—activities children may…
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The Childcare Crisis: Rising Costs and Limited Access Are Holding Families Back
Across the country — and here at home — families are caught in a childcare crisis. Costs are climbing, quality options are scarce, and parents are being forced to make tough choices. The numbers are staggering, but together, we can change the story. Read to see the data and how United Way of Virginia’s Blue…
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Bridging the Gap: Why CHWs Are Essential in Our Region
Community Health Workers (CHWs) are more than just healthcare support—they are the backbone of equitable, accessible, and culturally responsive care in underserved communities. Often drawn from the very neighborhoods they serve, CHWs embody trust, empathy, and advocacy. In our region, unfolding across diverse landscapes and populations, they’re instrumental in bridging critical gaps in healthcare access…
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Why Quality Early Learning Matters
Early childhood is more than just adorable milestones — it’s the stage where lifelong pathways are shaped. High-quality early learning isn’t just pivotal for individual children; it benefits families, communities, and society as a whole. 1. A Critical Developmental Window From birth through age eight, children’s brains grow at extraordinary speed, forming neural pathways that…
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Back-to-School and Back to Balance: 5 Ways to Start the Year Strong
The first few weeks of school are a whirlwind—new routines, early mornings, packed lunches, and maybe a few nervous jitters along the way. While this season brings excitement and fresh possibilities, it can also pile on stress for students and parents. At United Way of Virginia’s Blue Ridge, we know that academic success starts with…
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Why Volunteering Matters: Beyond Donations, It’s About Building Stronger Communities
When we think about supporting causes close to our hearts, financial donations often come to mind first. But volunteering offers a unique and invaluable form of support that goes far beyond dollars and cents. At United Way, we believe that giving your time and talents is a powerful way to build stronger communities, foster connection,…
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Peter & Carla Lewis: A Legacy of Leadership, Love, and Community
At this year’s Celebrate United event, we honored two remarkable couples whose lifelong service has helped shape our region. Peter and Carla Lewis were recognized with the 2025 Legacy of Leadership Award, which celebrates visionaries whose bold thinking, strategic action, and community-rooted service have sparked lasting change across the Roanoke Valley. Carla Lewis served more…
