Each day, United Way for Jackson & George Counties (United Way JGC) improves the lives of men, women, and children in our two-county service area. Combined with the work of our 17-member agencies, our collaborations with local businesses and community partners help identify the critical needs in our communities and provide the support and resources needed for positive and substantive change.
Below are just a few examples of how YOUR United Way has formed community partnerships that enable us to extend our helping hand beyond that of our traditionally funded programs.
UNITED WAY & THE GOVERNOR’S EMERGENCY EDUCATION RESPONSE (GEER) GRANT
Over the years, United Way for Jackson & George Counties has been fortunate to partner with many dynamic businesses and organizations in our area. Two such groups are the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce (JCCC) and the Jackson County Economic Development Foundation (JCEDF). Together with United Way for Jackson & George Counties, JCCC and JCEDF received a GEER grant to create the P3 Program – Passion*Purpose*Paycheck. This groundbreaking initiative helps link students to well-paying jobs. Each public high school in Jackson County now has a Career Coach who works directly with students to determine what career path will be best suited for them. Future funding to sustain the program in Jackson County and to introduce it in George County is being sought so that all students in our area will have a solid plan to move forward after they graduate.
UNITED WAY & THE CARES ACT GRANT
United Way for Jackson & George Counties applied for a grant through the City of Pascagoula to assist people of color who are low income and who need help accessing a substance abuse treatment facility. In partnership with one of our member agencies, Home of Grace, we’ve been able to sponsor several men and women through the program at the Home.
UNITED WAY & GEORGE COUNTY
In addition to the services offered to George County residents through our member agencies, United Way JGC has been given the opportunity to assist several local organizations that are making a positive difference in George County.
- In 2021, we provided Love Thy Neighbor Ministries with Wayne Lee’s gift cards so they could purchase needed items for their food pantry. This generated revenue for the Lucedale grocery store as well.
- Through our membership in Lucedale Rotary, United Way JGC sponsored several young men in George County to attend Boy Scout Camp so they could learn about service, community engagement, and leadership development – skills that will help them today, tomorrow, and for the rest of their lives.
- United Way was also honored to partner with the George County Regional Health System Foundation to assist in a young woman’s long-term recovery. She was critically injured when a bridge in George County collapsed following Hurricane Ida and was released after spending 5 months in the hospital.
- United Way JGC has organized a group of citizens in George County that we’re meeting with on a regular basis in order to gauge the unmet needs. We’ve identified a few areas of concern, such as homelessness, that we’ll be focusing on in 2022 and we’ll share updates as they become available. Stay tuned!!