The issues that people face in our community are often complicated and multi-faceted. They may need a network of services to help them overcome challenges and move from dependence to independence. The truth is, no single nonprofit is able to address every issue facing our neighbors. We strengthen our community as a whole by bringing together local companies, individuals, government and nonprofit agencies to tackle big issues. We work hard to raise funds that support more than 30 essential programs right here in Smith County.
OUR IMPACT AREAS
United Way of Smith County supports programs that target four essential impact areas. By focusing on these impact areas, we hope to ensure that every citizen in Smith County has access to education, adequate health care services, help in the midst of a crisis and a clear path toward financial stability. Visit each impact area to learn more about the amazing organizations we support.
100% STAYS LOCAL AND GOES DIRECTLY TO HELPING FAMILIES MOVE FROM DEPENDENCE TO INDEPENDENCE.
EDUCATION
Improving education in Smith County means focusing not only on school programming and resources, but also parent engagement tools, access to GED and ESL classes for adults, and increasing post-secondary enrollment.
HEALTH & WELLNESS
We are working to create a healthier Smith County by partnering with programs that offer affordable chronic illness treatments and disease prevention. Health related issues can be a barrier to employment and more.
FINANCIAL STABILITY
If families and individuals have secure financial footing, they are less likely to require other services and more likely to succeed. We are working with our partner agencies to identify the root causes and support those efforts.
CRISIS INTERVENTION
Many families are torn apart by domestic violence in Smith County each year. Our focus is on preventing more future violence and supporting services that provide counseling, advocates, and shelter to those victims of abuse.
ADDITIONAL DIRECT SERVICES
A program of United Way, the East Texas Center for Non Profits (ETCN) is committed to helping nonprofits throughout East Texas by providing management training and coaching services to ensure a stable and sustainable future. Our onsite library and personalized services in the areas of Board Governance, Strategic Planning, Grant Research, and 501c3 help strengthen nonprofits by providing essential tools and resources they need to succeed. Membership helps us to provide these services at low cost or even no-fee.
2-1-1 East Texas is a free, anonymous, information and referral service that is available to anyone, 7 days per week, 24 hours each day. The service helps to connect people with critical social services and charitable programs that are available in the local community. You can simply dial 2-1-1 from any phone to speak to someone who can help. Trained and certified Community Resource Specialists assist every caller in assessing his/her need and providing referrals to available local charitable, nonprofit, and govermental agencies.
VOLUNTEER AND MAKE A DIFFERENCE
DAY OF CARING
The Day of Caring is a great opportunity for local citizens to give back! No matter your passions or talents, there is always a place for you to get involved. Stay tuned for more details on the 2020 Day of Caring and how you can get involved this year!
WANT TO VOLUNTEER?
For decades, the United Way of Smith County has been a hub for listing volunteer opportunities and connecting volunteers with agencies. Stay tuned, as that database and website are being updated. In the meantime, always feel free to reach out to our stellar partner agencies to inquire about volunteer needs!
OUR COMMUNITY PILLAR SPONSORS
Each year, a select group of local companies designate their corporate gift to help cover the admin of our local United Way campaign. Thanks to our community pillar companies, your gift is going to meet real needs in our community and is not exhausted on United Way overhead costs.
ALWAYS TRANSPARENT
OUR RECENT STORIES
Brookshire Grocery Company stands in solidarity with Ukraine
Brookshire Grocery Company, a community pillar sponsor for our local United Way shared on Friday that they will no longer ...
Read More
Read More
Salvation Army in Tyler in need of bell ringers
Our team at United Way of Smith County volunteers to ring the bell for our local Salvation Army each year, ...
Read More
Read More
Habitat for Humanity of Smith County Receives USDA Grant
TYLER, TEXAS – Habitat for Humanity of Smith County has received a $300,000 Housing Preservation Grant from the United States ...
Read More
Read More
United Way local agency, Alzheimer’s Alliance, hosts annual Dementia Care Conference.
Join us for our annual Dementia Care Conference 2021 "In It Together." This conference is for professional and family caregivers ...
Read More
Read More
Altra Federal Credit Union Steps Up To Help Smith County Families
A HUGE thank you to our friends at Altra Federal Credit Union for answering the call to help meet some increasing ...
Read More
Read More
TRUIST Provides Emergency Funding for COVID-19 Relief
The Truist Foundation (Formerly SunTrust & BB&T) recently awarded United Way of Smith County with a $10,000 grant to assist ...
Read More
Read More