👣 How United Way of Colquitt County Supports ALICE Households

More than 54% of households in Colquitt County live below the ALICE Threshold — meaning they earn above the federal poverty level but still can’t afford basic needs like housing, food, child care, health care, and transportation.

United Way of Colquitt County (UWCC) focuses on three key areas to support these working individuals and families (these are just a few of the programs we support - 52 overall):

🧠 1. Education – Building Opportunity from the Start

We invest in programs that break the cycle of instability by supporting early literacy, student success, and workforce preparation.

• Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library: Over 13,000 books mailed to children under age 5 last year, helping build home libraries and language skills.
  
  

• REACH Georgia Scholarships: Mentorship and up to $10,000 in college funding for students from low-income households.
  
  

• Project Purpose & Leadership Legends: Enrichment programs for students, including youth facing academic and behavioral challenges.
  
  

• Keys to Excellence & Money Matters: Financial literacy programs delivered in local schools and the Boys & Girls Club to empower the next generation with real-life money skills.
  
  

👉 These programs help ALICE families by giving children the tools to succeed academically and eventually access better-paying jobs.

💙 2. Health – Removing Barriers to Care

UWCC helps families stay healthy and manage chronic or acute needs without falling into crisis.

• Prescription Assistance Program: 86 patients received medication aid at discharge through Colquitt Regional Medical Center — 47 at no cost.
  
  

• Summer Camps & Community Health Education: Improve access to care and understanding of healthy choices for kids and families.
  
  

• Access to mental health resources, support groups, and wellness initiatives through partner organizations.
  
  

👉 ALICE families often skip care due to cost — our programs ensure that doesn’t mean choosing between food and medicine.

💵 3. Financial Stability – Supporting Families When They Need It Most

From emergency support to long-term skill-building, UWCC funds programs that help families survive setbacks and build toward stability.

• Housing Support: We currently manage 7 mortgages for families who became homeowners through Habitat for Humanity.
  
  

• Emergency Utility & Rent Assistance: Provided through partners like Southwest Georgia Community Action Council and The Salvation Army to prevent eviction and homelessness.
  
  

• Transportation Assistance: 671 rides provided to medical appointments, job interviews, or child care.
  
  

• Workforce Development: Job readiness and financial coaching through partner nonprofits.
  
  

👉 When ALICE families hit an unexpected bump — we help them avoid falling off the financial cliff.

🎯 Our Impact – Reaching Thousands of ALICE Households Every Year

• 45,286 people served in 2024 — in a county of just over 46,900.
  
  

• 436,000 meals provided to families, seniors, and children through local food programs.
  
  

• 600+ volunteers mobilized during Day of Action and other events.
  
  

• Over $688,000 saved on prescriptions, rent, and crisis care.
  
  

🙌 The Bottom Line:

United Way of Colquitt County is a local safety net for ALICE families — helping them meet today’s needs while building hope for tomorrow.

When you donate, advocate, or volunteer, you’re helping a working single mom keep her lights on, a child go to bed with a full stomach and a bedtime story, or a senior afford their heart medication.