Greater Valdosta United Way officially launched its 2027 United for ALICE Campaign on Tuesday, October 6, bringing community leaders, businesses, nonprofit partners, and supporters together to address the growing financial challenges facing hardworking families across South Georgia.

Greater Valdosta United Way (GVUW) officially launched its 2027 United for ALICE Campaign on Tuesday, October 6, bringing community leaders, businesses, nonprofit partners, and supporters together to address the growing financial challenges facing hardworking families across South Georgia.

With a $1.5 million campaign goal, GVUW is already 25% of the way there, thanks to early support from generous donors and community partners. The 2027 campaign highlights ALICE — Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed — individuals and families who work but earn more than the Federal Poverty Level while still struggling to afford basic living costs in their communities. In Georgia, 44% of households were below the ALICE Threshold in 2024, highlighting the significant number of families who are working hard but still facing financial hardship.

“ALICE families are our neighbors, coworkers, friends, and family members,” said Michael Smith, President and CEO of Greater Valdosta United Way. “They are working, contributing to our communities, and doing everything they can to provide for their families. But for many, the rising cost of everyday necessities can make it difficult to get ahead. Through the 2027 United for ALICE Campaign, we have an opportunity to come together and create pathways to a stronger and more secure future.”

Through strategic investments, GVUW works to address the challenges facing ALICE families across its 17-county South Georgia service area. The organization currently supports 23 Impact Partner Agencies and 38 programs focused on four key impact areas: Youth Opportunity, Financial Security, Healthy Community, and Community Resiliency.
Campaign investments help create opportunities for young people, provide critical financial assistance, strengthen access to health and mental health resources, and help communities prepare for, respond to, and recover from challenges and disasters.

“Reaching 25% of our goal so early in the campaign is an incredible reflection of the generosity and commitment of South Georgia,” said Tia Mayes, Marketing and Development Director at Greater Valdosta United Way. “But there is still work to do. Every gift brings us closer to our $1.5 million goal and helps us strengthen South Georgia by investing in the people, programs, and communities that need us most.”

GVUW is calling on individuals, businesses, organizations, and community leaders to Give, Advocate, and Volunteer throughout the 2027 campaign. Community members can make a gift to help create pathways to opportunity for ALICE families, volunteer their time and talents, or use their voice to advocate for solutions that address the barriers hardworking families face.

Your gift can help strengthen South Georgia. Every contribution helps Greater Valdosta United Way invest in programs and services that support families, strengthen communities, and create opportunities for a more secure future.

To support the 2027 United for ALICE Campaign, visit www.unitedwayvaldosta.org or contact Greater Valdosta United Way at (229) 242-2208.