Virginia's Blue Ridge
WHEN THE SAFETY NET FRAYS
Why Philanthropy Matters More Than Ever
Thank you for standing with us as we navigate a rapidly shifting funding landscape. We’re hearing through headlines, community updates, and alerts from trusted partners just how deeply recent and proposed federal funding losses are affecting the nonprofits our region counts on every day.
While a few programs have stayed afloat thanks to carry-over grants or short-term support, many others are being scaled back, paused, or shut down altogether. As Virginia works to reallocate its limited resources to fill the gaps left by federal cuts, the ripple effects are real. They’re threatening to unravel key parts of our community’s safety net.
These aren’t distant hypotheticals. These are real programs that impact real people, and they’ve been unfolding around us in recent months, showing up in inboxes, newsfeeds, and urgent calls from community leaders.
That’s why philanthropy matters now more than ever.
At United Way of Virginia’s Blue Ridge, we believe private giving can mean the difference between a program closing its doors and a community holding on. Your donations make sure that local organizations stay open, stay staffed, and stay focused on their mission when they are needed the most.
Every dollar you give helps keep families housed, children learning, and neighbors fed. Your donation sends a powerful message: that even in uncertain times, this community shows up for one another
Thank you for standing in the gap.
HERE’S JUST SOME OF WHAT’S BEEN PUBLICLY SHARED BY PARTNERS:
• Family Service of Roanoke Valley Teen Outreach Program® lost federal funding impacting over 500 students benefiting from mentorship and life-skills education.
• LEAP significantly reduced its Community Produce Program due to instability in the USDA’s Local Food Purchase Assistance Program, limiting the fresh food available to food access partners.
• Feeding Southwest Virginia is facing reductions in USDA support, weakening its ability to purchase and distribute food—directly affecting pantries and meal sites across the region.
• Commonwealth Catholic Charities laid off Roanoke staff after the loss of federal funding for refugee resettlement—leaving fewer hands to support new Americans finding their way.
• Community Health Worker programs once supported through COVID-relief grants and the Virginia Department of Health—are now scaling back, making it harder for high-need communities to connect with care.
• Restoration Housing, along with partners like TAP, Habitat for Humanity, and Renovation Alliance, has warned that the proposed elimination of Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) could stall affordable housing projects—at a time when housing insecurity is on the rise.
AT RISK: THE FUTURE OF COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKERS
Federal funding for Community Health Workers (CHWs) is being reduced and the impact will be felt immediately in our region.
This past March, Federal funding for our CHWs was abruptly cut and the ripple effects are severe. United Way of Virginia’s Blue Ridge employs two CHWs who serve Franklin County. Without new sources of funding to fill the gap, these positions, and the essential services they provide, could be eliminated impacting over 1,000 of Virginia’s Blue Ridge residents annually.
Community Health Workers (CHWs) are a vital link between individuals and the resources they need to lead healthier, more stable lives. From managing chronic conditions to connecting people to food, housing, and care, CHWs do the work that helps people stay healthy outside of hospital walls.
That means fewer people will have someone to walk alongside them as they navigate complex health and social service systems. It means more neighbors will go without the support they need providing critical assistance.
At the same time, we are continuing to build the region’s only Resource Navigation Initiative—a comprehensive development program designed to train a wide range of navigators across healthcare, housing, education, workforce, and beyond - with the skills, tools, and certifications needed to effectively connec families to crititcal resources and support long-term well-being.
If funding continues to erode, our region could lose not only the direct support CHWs provide but also the long-term opportunity to grow and train a workforce that meets people where they are and brings care into the communities that need it most.
SINCE SUMMER 2022 OUR CHWs HAVE: DISTRIBUTED
27,565 LBS OF FOOD TO HEALTH CARE, FOOD BOXES, AND RESOURCES CONNECTED NEARLY
14,000 COMMUNITY MEMBERS
CHWs generate a $3 return on every dollar invested - saving $1.5M in healthcare costs every year. DID YOU KNOW?
FINANCIAL SECURITY
Building Stronger Futures For Every Generation
United Way Worldwide has refreshed how we describe the work that drives lasting change in communities. As part of this rebranding, our impact pillars have evolved to better reflect the outcomes we strive for—and the ways we support individuals and families on their journeys to thrive.
One pillar, formerly called “Income” or “Financial Stability,” is now Financial Security. This shift reflects a deeper, more hopeful focus: United Way is not only working to increase incomes or help people to get by today but is committed to creating pathways toward a stronger, sustainable financial future for all generations. For example, by funding the OnRamp program delivered through a partnership between TAP and Greater Workforce Development Board- a workforce development initiative that pairs individuals with personal navigators who guide them through job training, connect them to essential support services, and help overcome barriers to employment like transportation- we are investing in workforce development, while empowering individuals, strengthening families, and building a more resilient local economy.
HEALTHY COMMUNITY
Because every person deserves to live a life of dignity, stability, and wellbeing
United Way Worldwide has reimagined the way we talk about our impact, refining our core pillars to reflect a deeper commitment to long-term, holistic community well-being. What was once referred to as “Health” is now Healthy Community—a meaningful shift that places people at the center of the systems that serve them.
This change mirrors the work that United Way of Virginia’s Blue Ridge has been doing all along: meeting people where they are, removing barriers, and helping people move towards lasting, permanent stability.
Health is more than a doctor’s visit. It’s the ability to get to your appointments. It’s having power in your home, food on the table, and someone to call when things go wrong. We focus on creating conditions that foster a lifetime of vital conditions of health and well-being, whether that means healthcare access, emotional support, housing, or assistance with navigating complicated systems. One of the most powerful tools in our toolkit are our Community Healthcare Workers (CHWs): the trusted neighbors embedded in the community who provide hands-on help when it’s needed most.
How United Way Steps In
Sometimes, staying healthy means being warm in the winter or steady on your feet. CHW Lucas regularly checks in on community members, delivering heaters, walkers, and other essentials to help people stay safe and comfortable in their homes. These practical touches prevent bigger emergencies—and offer a level of care that’s both personal and impactful.
Through our Healthy Community pillar, we’re investing in more than services—we’re investing in people who build trust, follow up, and stay until the job is done. Whether it’s access to care, maternal and child health, mental wellness, substance misuse prevention, or simply having someone to lean on, our work reflects the belief that well-being is something we build together. A truly healthy community doesn’t just treat symptoms but instead strengthen lives. When people are supported, safe, and seen, everything else becomes possible.
6,946
Children under age 5 gained access to high-quality early childhood education in 523 classrooms across our footprint.
These affordable programs empower parents to pursue work or education, meeting their family’s needs while giving their children a strong start.
Expanding access to quality care equips our youngest citizens for success in adulthood, laying the foundation for an estimated $32 million in lifetime earnings.
BETTER CHILDCARE = STRONGER FAMILIES AND COMMUNITIES
At United Way, we believe every child deserves a great start — and that starts with having high-quality childcare centers where they can learn, grow, and feel safe. We’ve been working hard to make sure the centers in our region are the best they can be, so parents can feel good about where they send their kids, and teachers can get the support they need to do their jobs well.
877 teachers in our area utilized United Way programs to help improve the quality of care they provide. Because of their hard work, they could earn up to $2.8 million in extra pay, a well-deserved reward for the important role they play in shaping our kids’ futures.
192 childcare centers are serviced by our United Way Early Learning Team — that’s 558 classrooms - helping them meet Virginia’s quality standards for early education.
1321 teachers received hands-on training and support from United Way to make sure their classrooms are welcoming, fun, and ready for learning.
SUPPORTING UWVBR IN GIVE ROANOKE Virginia's Blue Ridge
YOU!
UWVBR RECEIVES $25,000 FROM HCA FUND THANK YOU
Congratulations to this year’s honorees of the 100 Heroes Project! These amazing unsung heroes are quietly making a difference across our community.
The purpose of the 100 Heroes Project is to ensure that those around us are recognized for the difference they are making in our community. Thanks to everyone who placed a nomination! At United Way, we understand that true success is achieved when we come together and support our neighbors. To learn more about these heroes visit www.uwvbr.org/heroes
LewisGale Medical Center, through the HCA Healthcare Foundation, has awarded a generous $25,000 grant to United Way of Virginia’s Blue Ridge. This funding will bolster our Community Resource Hub efforts, reinforcing our dedication to equitable, community-based health access and the vital role of Community Health Workers (CHWs) in connecting residents to resources, relationships, and essential systems of support.
With this grant, we will amplify awareness and advocacy for the important work of CHWs, while expanding training, support, and deployment of these invaluable health professionals who strengthen health access and outcomes across our communities.
“LewisGale Medical Center has been a longstanding partner of the United Way and we are grateful for the donation from the HCA Healthcare Foundation as we continue working together toward sustainable, long-term community health and well-being,” said Cheryl Mosley, vice president, Community Impact. “These funds will help us create a legacy of healthier, more accessible communities where everyone has the opportunity to succeed and thrive.”
The grant is part of the HCA Healthcare Foundation’s Healthier Tomorrow Fund, a $75 million community impact fund supporting innovative initiatives focused on addressing high-priority community needs and health access.
“United Way of Virginia's Blue Ridge shares our commitment to transforming the future of community health,” said Collin McLaughlin, chief executive officer of LewisGale Medical Center. “Collectively, we’ll address gaps in mental wellness, healthcare access and workforce readiness.”
July 10th 6:00 PM
Join us for an exciting evening recognizing United Way of Virginia’s Blue Ridge partners, volunteers, community leaders, and unsung heroes for their support and commitment.
Special Guest Honorees: Stan and Elise Lanford | Peter and Carla Lewis
The Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center 110 Shenandoah Ave NE
Roanoke, VA 24016
Virginia's Blue Ridge Dinner | Online Auction | Business Attire