Financial Impact Stories
Our Financial Support & Services initiatives help individuals and families in our area access and leverage the resources they need to reach their financial goals. Hear from clients who have participated in programs, such as the Family Investment Program or Pathway to Prosperity, and recipients of Minority Enterprise Grants and/or Envision Small Business Grants.
Dorian’s Story: From a “Dreamer” to a First-Time Homebuyer With the Help of United Way of Greater Charlottesville
"Thank you for making it possible for me to say, with pride and joy, I own my first home. Your work, your donations, your belief in programs like these—it all matters more than you know." Read More
Sade’s Story: United Way’s “Life-Changing” Transportation Programs Helped Charlottesville Mom Get to Work
When a local Charlottesville mom lost her vehicle, she used our transportation services to help her purchase a new vehicle, maintain her job, and avoid spending hundreds of dollars each month on ride shares. Read More
Anwar’s Story: Shortbread, Long-Term Success with the Help of a Small business Grant from United Way of Greater Charlottesville
Over the past two years, Allen’s Scottish Shortbread has been awarded a Minority Enterprise Grant, an Envision Small Business Grant, and an international distribution contract with Whole Foods. Read More
Victoria’s Story: Providing for Her Sons While She Works to Buy a Home
Meet Victoria. Victoria is a mother in our community who worked her way through odd jobs and is currently working as a paralegal to provide for her sons and reach her goal of owning her own home. Read More
Mayra & Silvestre’s Story: The Gift of Peace While Purchasing a Family Home
Mayra and Silvestre had a goal to purchase a home where their family could live for many years to come. When Mayra unexpectedly lost her job, help from the United Way enabled them to still achieve that goal. Read More
A Note from the Field: Our Role in Helping Our Community Thrive
Ella Jordan, Senior Financial Stability Director, reflects on key moments with a client who was able to become a new homeowner in Albemarle County through our Family Investment Program. Read More
Kizzy’s Story: Accomplishing her Goal of Buying a “Forever” Home in Charlottesville
Kizzy Walker, a participant in United Way’s Family Investment Program, details her journey from dropping out of high school, to getting her GED, to finally becoming a homeowner in Charlottesville. Read MoreChildcare & Education Stories
Through our Childcare & Education programs, we aim to help local children receive the education they need to succeed in school and life. Read stories from clients who have participated in programs, such as Early Learner Scholarships, or hear from those who are making moves in our community in this area.
Thomasina’s Story: From a head Start Educator to a Head Start Provider
Thomasina Tuner, owner of Mountain Lake Childcare, shares about her journey in early childhood care and education, the importance of offering programs like Head Start, and more. Read More
Sana’s Story: Becoming an Early Learning Educator
A mother and immigrant from Pakistan, Sana Fatima shares how United Way's ELCL program has set her up for future success. Read More
Early Learning Career Launch & Piedmont Family YMCA: Celebrating Our Community’s New Educators
Graduates of the Early Learning Career Launch (ELCL) program have kickstarted their careers as early educators with Piedmont Family YMCA at the new Sentara location! Read More
TamYon’s Story: Tam’s Toddler Town Childcare is Small Yet Mighty
We chat with TamYon Williams, owner and founder of Tam's Toddler Town Childcare and a recipient of an FY25 School Readiness Impact Grant, about her experience working in childcare. Read More
The Coopers’ Story: Building the Foundation for Accessible Early Learning & Childcare for Charlottesville Families
Chris and Wendy Cooper have served Charlottesville’s 10th and Page neighborhood as co-pastors of Pilgrim Baptist Church for over a decade. Now, they’re focused on opening our community’s first Black-owned Montessori program. Read More
Kelcee’s Story: Finding Purpose as an Advocate
Kelcee Jones discovered her passion for helping others during the pandemic. Now, she brings her passion to life by working at a local nonprofit and advocating for families through Ready Region Blue Ridge Family Council. Read More
Brittany’s Story: The Impacts of Preschool Scholarships on a Single Parent
Brittany Hughes received a United Way early education grant through our Mixed Delivery program, which enabled her to send her two sons to daycare while she finished earning her degree. Read More
Fatu’s Story: How Affordable and Reliable Childcare is Helping Me Through Nursing School
Fatu Weyee came to America to pursue a better life working in nursing. She was blessed with two daughters while working full-time during her studies, but couldn’t find accessible childcare until she found United Way. Read MoreCommunity Impact Stories
Through our Community Involvement initiatives, we bring our community together to learn, volunteer, and make our shared home a better place. Read stories about programs, such as Day of Caring, Caring for Community Awards, Envision Radio, and more.
The Jefferson School & United Way: A Legacy of Impact on Greater Charlottesville’s Stories
To celebrate 100 years of the Jefferson School, we spoke to Kimberly Sheffield, Executive Director of the Jefferson School Foundation, about the importance of storytelling and how they're celebrating the school's century of impact. Read More
Rod & Gaines’s Story: Neighbors Helping Neighbors Out of the Snow
Rod and Gaines Ballard were some of the Greater Charlottesville community members who volunteered with United Way to shovel snow for their neighbors. Read More
Jason’s Story: Being Named the Inaugural Day of Caring MVP
Jason Espinoza, former Marine and current Assistant Superintendent at Hourigan, was named the 2025 Day of Caring MVP for his community service at Camp Albemarle. Read More
Mack’s Story: Using The Power of “Simunye” to Help Our Community Thrive
Dean of Students, Diversity, & Inclusion at Renaissance School, Welford “Mack” Mclellan Jr. talks about coming to Charlottesville, the draw to work in education, and his involvement with United Way. Read More