The Greater Valdosta United Way (GVUW) is one of the region's most engaged philanthropic organizations focused on helping families put food on the table, pay utility bills, fund afterschool programs, tackle homelessness, and escape domestic violence. 

During 2022, the GVUW awarded $650,000 to 20 local nonprofit partners and $16,674 to non-United Way organizations. Additionally, the GVUW distributed more than $62,000 in grants to help nonprofits build capacity and expand their programs and services.

The GVUW recently released its 2022 Annual Report and launched an updated website (www.gvuw.org).

The 28-page annual report summarizes the organization's strong advocacy efforts and celebrates GVUW's record-breaking $1 million annual campaign. The report also spotlights GVUW’s mental health awareness programs and involvement with the City of Valdosta to allocate $955,000 from the city's American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to more than 30 Valdosta area nonprofit agencies. 

In addition, the annual report shares GVUW's focus on distributing funds that positively impact lives within its 11-county service region, including Atkinson, Bacon, Berrien, Brooks, Clinch, Coffee, Echols, Jeff Davis, Lanier, Lowndes, and Ware counties.

According to Logan Cole, GVUW Development and Marketing Coordinator, the revised website is more interactive and user-friendly, and its enhanced creative design appeals to viewers.                                    

The website includes resources such as an assistance portal, sign-up forms for volunteers, and various opportunities for people to help the region's most vulnerable populations. Visitors can explore new pages, including the "Tools and Resources" section that gives people in need access to local resources that are not always readily available. 

"The website provides an information platform and is the most effective way to inform people of services and resources available in our region," Cole said. "We invite people to explore the updated website and gain a better understanding of our programs and the work we're doing through the Greater Valdosta United Way and nonprofit partners."

Michael Smith, CEO and President of GVUW, is grateful for community partners and donors that trust GVUW to distribute funds and help improve lives in South Georgia.

“The annual report is a way to show the work GVUW and partner nonprofits are doing across the region and advocate for the human services sector,” Smith said. “I encourage you to check out our new website and annual report online, along with following GVUW on social media to stay updated with community resources.”

The annual report is available now on the GVUW website.