community
Tops Cares
Metro United Way BY KATHIE STAMPS • COURTESY PHOTOS
Metro United Way is one of 1,800 local affiliates (in 41 countries!) of the global United Way Worldwide network, the world’s largest privately funded nonprofit. Founded in 1917, Metro United Way has “empowered individuals and families to achieve their fullest potential by generating meaningful and lasting change in our community,” said Adria Johnson, president and CEO of the Greater Louisville organization. “We use data-driven insights to identify and prioritize the community’s greatest needs with a focus on equitable outcomes for all.” People who live in Jefferson, Bullitt, Oldham and Shelby counties in Kentucky and Clark, Floyd and Harrison counties in Indiana have so many programs and resources available to them, thanks to Metro United Way. One example is free tax preparation through the VITA program, Volunteer Income Tax Assistance. Another is free developmental screening, books and activities for parents and caregivers of children from birth to five years old. The 2-1-1 help line gives anyone and everyone access to community resources. “Together, we fight to improve the disparities that persist in education, income, health, housing and racial equality in the seven counties we serve,” Adria said. The four primary areas of focus for Metro United Way are enhancing impact, closing the education and wealth gaps, adopting a trust-based philanthropy model, and modeling their commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion for
all.
Metro United Way is super involved with all members of the community, bringing together 116 nonprofit partners, 865 businesses, more than 2,000 volunteers and advocates, and more than 41,000 donors. “We are working to create a culture of trust-based philanthropy that addresses inherent power imbalances, dismantles systemic racism and accelerates stra-
tegic investments,” she said.
90 TOPS LOUISVILLE | february 2022