In addition to funding 16 local nonprofit organizations, we operate 6 in-house programs led by our staff. Each of these programs was thoughtfully developed to meet an emerging need in our community and demonstrates our dedication to innovation, long-term impact, and active community involvement.
Opelika Share:
Opelika Share assists qualified elderly and disabled individuals facing financial challenges with payment on an Opelika Power Services Bill.
United Way Community Fund:
The Community Fund aims to help qualified individuals with necessary expenses during times of extreme financial hardship. This fund primarily assists with power or gas bills and is generally reserved for elderly and disabled individuals residing in Lee County. Assistance may only be given to an individual a maximum of once per calendar year.
United Way Student Health Fund:
United Way Student Health Fund is a program that can help pay for medical or dental needs of uninsured students enrolled in Auburn City Schools, Lee County Schools or Opelika City Schools. Routine cleanings and physicals are not eligible to receive funds and UWLC must receive a referral from the school system or DHR. In 2024, United Way provided a grant to support Mental Health Coordinators in Auburn City Schools, Lee County Schools, and Opelika City Schools.
United Way Last Resort Fund:
United Way partners with Publix to provide qualified individuals with short-term assistance following a major catastrophic event. Individuals requesting assistance MUST be employed and must have documentation of a recent and unexpected hardship that resulted in a significant loss of income.
Dolly Parton's Imagination Library:
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is the flagship program of The Dollywood Foundation. It reaches more children than any other early childhood book gifting program, and mails free, high-quality, age-appropriate books to children from birth until age five, no matter their family’s income.
Disaster Services:
United Way also works with the Lee County Emergency Management Agency to set up Volunteer Reception Centers (VRC) if a major event occurs. A VRC helps to organize, document, and mobilize large numbers of spontaneous volunteers.