Mission, Vision & History
Our Mission
To improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of the community through giving, advocating, and volunteering.
Every day, United Way of East Mississippi brings people, organizations, and resources together to address our community's most pressing needs. Through strategic partnerships, donor support, and volunteer engagement, we work to create lasting impact across Clarke, Kemper, Lauderdale, and Neshoba counties.
Our Vision
We envision a future where every person in every community can reach their full potential.
Our Impact
United Way of East Mississippi turns generosity into measurable community impact. Through the support of donors, volunteers, workplace campaigns, and community partners, we invest in programs and initiatives that improve lives throughout our four-county service area.
Our work includes:
Supporting local nonprofit partner agencies
Funding community impact initiatives
Providing books to children through Dolly Parton's Imagination Library
Helping families save on prescription costs through FamilyWize
Supplying students with school essentials through Stuff the Bus
Connecting volunteers with meaningful opportunities to serve
When our community comes together, lives are changed.
Our History
United Way's story in East Mississippi began in 1940 with the formation of the Community Chest of Meridian, created to support the Council of Nine Social Agencies with an operating budget of $24,669.
As community needs evolved, so did the organization. In 1953, the Community Chest became the United Fund, expanding its efforts to meet growing local needs. In 1960, the organization received a nonprofit charter as the Greater Lauderdale Organized Welfare Fund (GLOW Fund).
On August 22, 1974, the organization officially became United Way of Meridian, Inc., strengthening its commitment to bringing people and resources together to address community needs.
Today, United Way of East Mississippi serves Clarke, Kemper, Lauderdale, and Neshoba counties, investing in local partner agencies and community programs that advance education, financial stability, health, and basic needs throughout the region.
Our Commitment to Inclusion
United Way of East Mississippi is committed to fostering an inclusive environment that values the unique experiences, perspectives, and contributions of all people.
We believe our communities are strongest when everyone has the opportunity to participate, contribute, and succeed. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are essential to our mission and guide how we serve, partner, and lead.
We strive to engage voices that have historically been underrepresented and work alongside community members to create solutions that expand opportunity and improve quality of life for all.
United Is the Way™
Creating lasting change takes all of us. By bringing people, organizations, and resources together, United Way of East Mississippi helps build stronger communities across our four-county service area.
Together, we create opportunities, strengthen lives, and move our region forward.