Virginia's Blue Ridge
FROM THE CEO AND BOARD CHAIR
Year of Progress and Intentional Next Steps
Dear Friends,
This year marked our 101st year of serving the region. It is a reminder that United Way has always evolved to meet the needs of the moment, while staying grounded in the same purpose: helping families find stability and opportunity.
Because of your partnership, more parents stayed connected to work. More children had support to learn and grow. More families found steadier ground. We are grateful for the trust you place in us.
It was also a year of thoughtful change. We embraced our new name — United Way of Virginia’s Blue Ridge — reflecting the region we proudly serve. We also announced our move to a new administrative office designed to support collaboration and the work ahead.
None of these milestones stand alone. Each is an intentional step forward. Families are navigating a world that feels more complex. Our work must respond in ways that are connected and practical.
Looking ahead, we will build on this momentum. We will deepen partnerships. We will align efforts. We will help create clearer paths so families can move from uncertainty to stability, and from stability to opportunity.
We will move thoughtfully alongside partners. We will build as we learn. We will focus on what works and grow it over time.
Thank you for standing with us. We are honored to walk alongside you as we work toward a stronger region together.
Onward,
Paula Brown
Abby Hamilton President and CEO Chair, Board of Directors
ABOUT US:
Mission
UWVBR improves lives by mobilizing the caring power of people in our community.
Vision
Elevate 10,000 families to self-sufficiency by 2030.
UNITED WE IMPROVE LIVES by raising money and awareness year-round to support the Impact Fund, which allows us to:
1 2 3
Fund critical programs and services at high-performing nonprofit organizations through a strategic grant-making process
Support individuals in need by directly expanding early childhood education and after-school programs, strengthening families’ financial security, and enhancing community health and well-being
Mobilize our community to take action so that every neighbor has the opportunity to thrive. We connect people and resources to tackle our region’s most pressing challenges
Though there is still much work to do, we are making steady, meaningful progress and forging partnerships to advance our 3 bold goals
Quality, Affordable Childcare
Ready and Resilient Workforce
Boosting Community Wellness
WHY WE IMPROVE LIVES
IN OUR REGION
17,437 households in poverty
60% of the top
20 most common jobs pay less than $20 an hour 60%
29% of households in the region are considered ALICE, - Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed - earning more than the Federal Poverty Level, but not enough to afford the basics where they live (United for ALICE, 2024)
69% of households below the ALICE Threshold in Virginia were rent burdened - paying more than 30% of their income on rent (United for ALICE, 2024)
63% of households below the ALICE Threshold had no emergency savings (United for ALICE, 2024)
ROANOKE
FRANKLIN
ROANOKE CRAIG
THE UNITED WAY IMPACT FUND
The Impact Fund is one of the most powerful ways to support communities throughout Virginia’s Blue Ridge. This fund provides annual program grants to nonprofit organizations working on the front lines of our 16-county service area and United Way direct services.
AN INVESTMENT THAT MATTERS
United Way conducts a comprehensive annual investment process that is driven by committed volunteers. The primary purpose of this work is to meet critical community needs by funding programs that are aligned with United Way’s strategic funding priorities and are relevant to improving lives across Virginia’s Blue Ridge.
HOW WE IMPROVE LIVES
UWVBR STAFF
The United Way team works tirelessly to improve lives in our community. Every day they go above and beyond to deliver the highest level of service.
Abby Hamilton, President and CEO
Terry Bridges, VP, Operations and Finance
Kianna Price Marshall, VP, Advancement
Tamika Gunn White, PhD., VP, Community Impact
Sarah Berry, Infant & Toddler Specialist
Sue Booth, Finance Manager
Kyle Butto, Marketing & Communications Manager
Emily Chase, M.Ed., Infant & Toddler Specialist
Leslie Clark, Director, Family Health Strategies
Deborah Davoll, Grants Manager
Becky Dudley, Database Manager
Denise Ellis, MS, Director, Early Learning Strategies
Lucia Gibson, Infant & Toddler Specialist
Jessica Griffith, M.Ed., Quality Improvement Coordinator
Hollie Harmon-Smith, Access & Engagement Coordinator
Carla Helton, Early Education Specialist
Austin Higgins, Senior Corporate Partnerships Manager
Megan Huffman, Coordinated Enrollment Specialist
Talitha Kirby, M.Ed., Early Education Specialist
Kirsten McGhee, Finance Associate
Laura O’Neil-Camp, Family Engagement Specialist
Aaron Peck, Mixed Delivery Manager
Lashara Perdue CCHW, Community Health Worker
London Ray, Marketing Content Specialist
Catie Sumner, VQB5 Coordinator
Lara Thompson, Director of Philanthropy
Lucas Tuning, CCHW, Community Health Worker
Hope Vaccaro, Infant & Toddler Behavior Consultant
Lynn West, Early Education Specialist
UNITED IS THE WAY TO YOUTH OPPORTUNITY
Strong starts for children. Reliable options for working families.
We support childcare, early learning, and before and afterschool programs so parents can stay employed and children are ready to succeed. Early support builds the foundation for lifelong learning and a stronger future workforce.
Creating Opportunities for Kids to Succeed
1,927 DEVELOPMENT SCREENINGS COMPLETED FOR YOUNG CHILDREN
Strengthening early development, parental confidence, and long-term family well-being.
159 GRANT FUNDED CHILDCARE SLOTS TOTALING $2.1 MILLION
Allowing working parents to access affordable, full-day care.
Here’s how United Way of Virginia’s Blue Ridge advanced youth opportunity in 2024-2025:
276
PARENTS & 476 YOUTH
Participated in afterschool activities and enrichment programs and brought families together
2,848 PARENTS
Were connected to childcare and preschool resources in the area
5,500 CHILDREN
Received quality childcare at 174 partnering providers in the region
MORE
QUALITY
CHOICES FOR MORE FAMILIES
Virginia Elevates Excellence in Early Childhood Care and Education with the Release of VQB5 Quality Ratings and New Honor Rolls
Virginia’s early childhood programs demonstrated both excellence and improvement in 2024-2025.
This year, Virginia launched three VQB5 Honor Rolls to recognize 494 early childhood sites
“Honor Rolls are Virginia’s new way to elevate both excellence and improvement. With its focus on teacher-child interactions, VQB5 sets high expectations for care and instruction for our littlest learners and then ensures that educators across more than 11,000 classrooms receive individualized feedback multiple times a year.”
Jenna Conway
ChiefofEarlyLearningandSpecializedPopulations, VirginiaDepartmentofEducation(VDOE)
Raising The Bar
Our Impact in Early Education
Early learning sites across our region earned Virginia Department Of Education (VDOE) Viginia Quality Birth to 5 (VQB5) statewide recognitions - including Excellence, Improvement and Infant & Toddler Honor Rolls —with several programs appearing on more than one list. These distinctions reflect strong instructional quality and highlight the shared commitment of educators, site leaders, and UWVBR’s support team.
• Excellence Honor Roll sites are considered national exemplars, giving families confidence that their children are learning in some of the highest-quality environments in the country.
• Improvement Honor Roll a statewide marker of instructional quality, made possible through the shared efforts of teachers, site leaders, and UWVBR’s support team, giving families confidence in the care their children receive.
• Infant & Toddler Honor Roll a statewide indicator of instructional excellence that reflects the commitment of educators and UWVBR to improving quality for local families.
VirginiaDepartmentofEducationArticle
Honor Roll Recognitions in Our Region
Botetourt
• Children’s Nest (Troutville): Improvement Honor Roll Craig County
• Craig County Child Care Center: Infant & Toddler Honor Roll Franklin County
• Deanna’s Daycare: Excellence Honor Roll; Improvement Honor Roll; Infant & Toddler Honor Roll
• Glade Hill Elementary: Improvement Honor Roll
• Great Commission Garden of Prayer Church Inc.: Improvement Honor Roll
• Kids Clubhouse Learning Center #1: Improvement Honor Roll
Kids Clubhouse Learning Center #2: Improvement Honor Roll
King’s Childcare: Excellence Honor Roll; Infant & Toddler Honor Roll
Roanoke City
• Crystal Spring Elementary: Improvement Honor Roll
• Essence Johnson: Improvement Honor Roll
• Garden of Prayer #7 Vision of Faith Ministries, Inc.: Improvement Honor Roll
• Grandin Court Elementary School: Improvement Honor Roll
Marlene Campbell: Excellence Honor Roll; Improvement Honor Roll; Infant & Toddler Honor Roll
• Second Presbyterian Church: Excellence Honor Roll; Infant & Toddler Honor Roll
Small Steps Infant Academy, Inc.: Excellence Honor Roll; Infant & Toddler Honor Roll
• Virginia Heights Elementary: Excellence Honor Roll
Roanoke County
• Burlington Elementary: Improvement Honor Roll
• Megan Bonds: Excellence Honor Roll
• Penn Forest Elementary: Improvement Honor Roll Salem
• South Salem Elementary: Improvement Honor Roll
UNITED IS THE WAY TO FINANCIAL SECURITY
Pathways to work, stability, and opportunity.
We focus on efforts that help people find and keep jobs, build skills, and remain stably housed. When families can work consistently and plan ahead, businesses retain talent and the regional economy grows.
Building Community Through Partnerships and Programs
$2,397,343
INVESTED LOCALLY
helped families secure childcare, expanded access to healthcare, improve financial stability, and stay connected to essential resources.
Here’s how United Way of Virginia’s Blue Ridge advanced financial security in 2024-2025:
144 ADULTS
Obtained family sustaining employment, increased income, and stayed employed for 3+ months
245 CLIENTS
Accessed services to remove barriers and remain stably housed
90 INDIVIDUALS
Improved job readiness
51 YOUTH/ADULTS
Earned a degree/credential certification
UNITED IS THE WAY TO HEALTHY COMMUNITY
Access to care and basic needs that keep families on track.
We support access to healthcare, mental health services, and nutritious food so health challenges or hunger don’t turn into family crises. Community Health Workers help families navigate care and stay connected to support.
Supporting Families in Living Healthier Lives
3,467 RESIDENTS
ACCESSED ESSENTIAL HEALTH AND WELLNESS SUPPORTS
helped families stay healthy, address immediate health needs, food access, and connecting to Community Health Workers (CHWs) that help stabilize households.
Here’s how United Way of Virginia’s Blue Ridge advanced a healthy community in 2024-2025:
332 ADULTS
Accessed preventative health care
874 CHILDREN & ADULTS
Accessed mental health services
3,000 HOUSEHOLDS
Received food assistance
360 HOURS
Of counseling sessions provided to youth at afterschool sites
UNITED IS THE WAY TO COMMUNITY RESILIENCY
Systems that work - especially during times of change
We strengthen the systems that help families weather change, including nonprofit partners and tools like 211 that connect people to help. Reliable systems allow communities to respond, recover, and move forward together.
Mobilizing Communities for Long-Term Stability
10,181 RESIDENTS WERE SUPPORTED THROUGH UNITED WAY-FUNDED INITIATIVES AND PROGRAMS
Advancing early learning, financial literacy, employment opportunities, and health access.
247 RESIDENTS ADVANCED THEIR EMPLOYMENT GOALS
Receiving coaching, job training, credentials, overcoming barriers that increase income and long-term stability.
Here’s how United Way of Virginia’s Blue Ridge advanced community resiliency in 2024-2025:
921 ADULTS 758 ADULTS
Received housing or employment assistance
2,905 ADULTS
Were served by Community Health Workers (CHWs) in the region
Were connected to support systems to continue their success
1,495 ADULTS
Secured additional resources to improve their health and self-sufficiency
CELEBRATE UNITED Celebrating Community Champions
On July 10, 2025, more than 300 supporters, partners, and community leaders gathered at the Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center for Celebrate United—an evening dedicated to honoring the people and partnerships that move Virginia’s Blue Ridge forward.
The night began with connection and camaraderie during a lively cocktail hour and silent auction, followed by an inspiring awards program led by Kianna Marshall, Vice President of Advancement. Throughout the evening, we reflected on a year of collective impact and recognized those whose leadership and generosity continue to shape our region.
Award recipients included:
• Jean A. Glontz Scholarship: Sophie Coates, Cave Spring High School graduate
• Shining Star Award: Central Baptist Church
• F. Wiley Hubbell Award: Bob Nave
• Employee Campaign Managers of the Year: Greg Savignac, Megan Tucker, and Melissa Yopp of Altec
• Spirit of Community Award: Southern Team Auto Mall
Two distinguished honors highlighted the depth of legacy in our community. Stan and Elise Lanford received the Legacy of Impact Award for their enduring philanthropy through the Lanford Family Fund, supporting education, healthcare, the arts, and civic life across the Roanoke Valley.
The Legacy of Leadership Award was presented to Peter and Carla Lewis for decades of transformative service—Carla through her preservation of the historic Gainsboro Branch Library, and Peter through his visionary leadership at Apple Ridge Farm, empowering thousands of young people.
A powerful highlight of the evening was the recognition of our 100 Heroes—neighbors, mentors, caregivers, and volunteers whose everyday acts of kindness strengthen our community in lasting ways. Their stories reminded us that real change happens when ordinary people choose to show up for one another.
As President & CEO Abby Hamilton shared in closing, “United isn’t just a word—it’s how we move forward.”
Celebrate United was made possible through the generous support of sponsors including Pinnacle Financial Partners, Lionberger Construction, First Citizens Bank, Brown Edwards, Truist, P.A. Short Distributing Co., Nick Brown Custom Home Renovations, and Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine.
DAY OF ACTION
Honoring the Legacy of the Gainsboro YMCA
In Summer of 2024, more than 100 volunteers came together for United Way of Virginia’s Blue Ridge’s annual Day of Action, a powerful demonstration of what collective service can accomplish in a single day.
That year’s project focused on the historic Gainsboro YMCA, a site deeply rooted in Roanoke’s history. Originally established in 1928 as the William A. Hunton Branch YMCA, it was the only YMCA available to African Americans in Roanoke during segregation.
Day of Action 2024 centered on caring for and revitalizing this historic space. Volunteers from across the region, from local businesses to partner organizations to individual community members, worked throughout the day to refresh the grounds and interior. Teams restored the garden used to grow vegetables for the YMCA’s community teaching kitchen, cleaned and revitalized the historic stone barbecue and patio area, once a focal gathering place for the neighborhood, and painted and refreshed office spaces to brighten the environment for staff and visitors.
The work also included preparing the exterior of the building for a future mural led by local artist Bryce Cobbs — a project designed to honor the YMCA’s legacy and celebrate the story of Gainsboro.
Day of Action reflects the spirit of our mission, mobilizing people and resources to create meaningful change. It is neighbors showing up for neighbors. It is honoring history while strengthening spaces that continue to serve our community. And it is a reminder that collective action, even in one day, can have lasting impact.
We are grateful to every volunteer and partner who helped make Day of Action 2024 possible. Together, we supported a space that has stood as a pillar of resilience and unity for nearly a century, ensuring it remains vibrant for generations to come.
MAKING SPIRITS BRIGHT
A Community United for April and Nari
In December 2024, something special was unfolding in two places at once.
At The Hotel Roanoke, a grandmother and her three-year-old granddaughter enjoyed breakfast with Santa, unaware that a team of “elves” was transforming their home. Volunteers from Q99, United Way of Virginia’s Blue Ridge, Grand Home Furnishings, Roanoke Valley Community Credit Union, and Presbyterian Community Center assembled new furniture, arranged gifts, and lit a glowing Christmas tree.
UWVBR selected April and her granddaughter, Nari, as Q99’s 2024 Breaking & Entering family.
For nearly seven years, April has been courageously battling breast cancer. Diagnosed in her late 30s and later told it was terminal, she continues to show up each day with unwavering love for her family. She is also the devoted caregiver to Nari — a bright, dinosaur-loving little girl born at just 24 weeks who spent her first six months in the NICU. By December, Nari was thriving, her resilience reflecting her grandmother’s strength.
Life had brought more heartbreak. The year before, April lost her eldest son in a tragic accident, leaving behind a grieving wife, two daughters, and an unborn child.
Soon after, April was involved in a collision that damaged her vehicle, yet she continued making the two-hour drive for cancer treatments. Through it all, supported by her husband and proud of her family — including a son recently promoted to Corporal in the Marine Corps — April has embodied perseverance.
The love and support I feel is so hard to explain as I still to this day smile and cry at the same time as I think about how loved I felt and still feel...
Roanoke, VA April
Breaking & Entering was more than gifts. It was about reminding a family they were seen, valued, and not alone.
When April and Nari returned home, they stepped into a Christmas morning they never expected — a home transformed and hearts lifted by a community that cares.
“I’m so thankful for everyone who made this the most memorable Christmas ever,” April shared. “Nari still talks about breakfast with Santa and coming home to the best day ever. I feel seen and appreciated. Now I try even harder to pay it forward.”
Thank you to every partner, sponsor, volunteer, and donor. Your generosity created more than a celebration. It created a lasting memory and a powerful reminder that even in life’s hardest seasons, hope shines bright.
FAFSA CLINICS
Clearing the Path to College Access
In August 2024, United Way of Virginia’s Blue Ridge partnered with TAP, Goodwill, Project Discovery, and other local organizations to host in-person and virtual Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) clinics, helping students across our region access critical financial aid for college.
Amid nationwide FAFSA delays and declining completion rates, these clinics provided timely, hands-on support. Students and families received one-on-one guidance to create Federal Student Aid IDs, complete applications, and navigate barriers that might otherwise delay their postsecondary plans.
As an organization rooted in collaboration, United Way of Virginia’s Blue Ridge convened partners across education, nonprofit, and higher education sectors to respond quickly and collectively to this moment of need. We are especially grateful to the financial aid teams from Ferrum College, Hollins University, Roanoke College, and Virginia Western Community College, along with guidance counselors from Salem and Franklin County public schools, whose expertise strengthened this effort.
Because of this coordinated community response, more students across Virginia’s Blue Ridge are now positioned to pursue higher education — strengthening individual opportunity and our region’s future workforce.
73 FAFSA-RELATED TRANSACTIONS SUPPORTED
Sent to promote clinics in outlying areas
FROM INVESTMENT TO IMPACT
The HCA Healthier Tomorrow Grant in Action
When LewisGale Medical Center, through the HCA Healthcare Foundation, awarded a $25,000 Healthier Tomorrow Fund grant to United Way of Virginia’s Blue Ridge, the investment helped ensure neighbors in Franklin County continued receiving vital support during a year of uncertainty.
The funding strengthened United Way’s Community Health Worker (CHW) model — trusted, on-the-ground professionals who help individuals navigate healthcare, housing challenges, food insecurity, employment barriers, and mental health needs. Their work connects individuals to services while building the relationships and trust that make long-term stability possible.
When unexpected federal funding cuts threatened two CHW positions in Franklin County, United Way of Virginia’s Blue Ridge reallocated funding — including support from the Healthier Tomorrow Fund — to sustain those roles ensuring residents did not lose critical support.
In the first six months of 2025 alone, CHWs made 4,180 connections and helped 1,648 individuals access essential services. They coordinated the delivery of 12,520 pounds of food, distributed 2,394 hygiene items, and completed 162 closed-loop referrals, ensuring neighbors successfully received the help they needed.
Working alongside partners like Support to Eliminate Poverty (STEP) and Lake Christian Ministries, United Way continues to strengthen a coordinated network of care. This funding not only stabilized CHW services during a critical time but positioned United Way to expand the model and deepen collaboration across the region.
We share a commitment to transforming the future of community health. Together, we’re addressing gaps in mental wellness, healthcare access, and workforce readiness.
Collin McLaughlinm, CEO LewisGale Medical Center
COMMUNITY PARTNERS
Our community partners work alongside United Way, offering their time, expertise, and leadership to guide, inform and implement initiatives that create lasting impact in our region.
Adult Care Center
Alleghany County Public Schools
Alleghany YMCA Central
Alleghany YMCA West
American Red Cross
Bernard Healthcare Center & Free Clinic
Blue Blaze Consulting
Blue Ridge Behavioral Healthcare
Botetourt County Public Schools
Boys and Girls Club of Southwest Virginia
Bradley Free Clinic
Bridge Institute
Carilion Clinic
Child Health Investment
Partnership (CHIP) of Roanoke Valley
Children’s Trust
City of Roanoke
Community Youth Program at St John’s
Council of Community Services
Craig County Department of Social Services
Craig County Childcare Center
Creative Kids
Cultural Arts for Excellence (CAFÉ)
Family Promise of Greater Roanoke
Family Service of Roanoke Valley
Feeding Southwest Virginia Ferrum College
Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VT
Franklin County
Franklin County Family YMCA
Franklin County Habitat for Humanity
Franklin County Public Schools
Freedom First Credit Union
Friends of Pigg River
Goodwill Industries of the Valleys
Greater Roanoke Workforce
Development Board
Harrison Museum of African
American Culture
Healing Strides of Virginia, Inc.
Heavenly Manna of Franklin County
Helping Hands of Franklin County
Henritze Dental Group
Huddle Up Moms
KS Consulting
Lake Christian Ministries
Local Environmental Agriculture Project (LEAP for Local Food)
Local Office on Aging
New Horizons Healthcare
One Step Further Child Care
Patrick County Public Schools
Piedmont Community Services
Points of Diversity
Presbyterian Community Center
Radford University Carilion
Redwood United Methodist Church
Rescue Mission Ministries, Inc.
Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission
Roanoke Area Ministries
Roanoke City Public Schools
Roanoke College
Roanoke County
Roanoke County Public Schools
Roanoke Foodshed Network
Roanoke Regional Housing Authority
Roanoke Valley Speech and Hearing Center
Roanoke Valley Trauma Informed Community Network
Rocky Mount Police Department
Salem City Schools
Salvation Army
Small Steps Learning Academy
Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce
Southern Virginia Children’s Advocacy Center
STEP, Inc. and STEP Head Start
The Humble Hustle
Total Action for Progress
Town of Rocky Mount
Tri-Area Community Health Center - Ferrum
United Way of Henry County and Martinsville
Virginia Department of Health Districts: Craig County; Roanoke City and Alleghany; West Piedmont
Virginia Tech
Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine
West End Center
YMCA Land of Wonder
YMCA of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Yellow Brick Road
LOCAL NON-PROFITS WITH UNITED WAY FUNDED PROGRAMS
One donation to the Impact Fund supports programs at all of these agencies.
Adult Care Center
Alleghany YMCA Central
Alleghany YMCA West
Bernard Free Clinic
Blue Ridge Behavioral Healthcare
Boys and Girls Club of Southwest Virginia
Bradley Free Clinic
Bridge Institute
Child Health Investment
Partnership (CHIP) of Roanoke
Valley
Community Youth Program at St. John’s
Craig County Childcare Center
Craig County Department of Social Services
Craig County Public Schools
Creative Kids
Cultural Arts for Excellence (CAFÉ)
Family Service of Roanoke Valley
Franklin County - VA Cooperative
Extension
Greater Roanoke Workforce
Development Board
Harrison Museum of African
American Culture
Healing Strides
Make Roanoke
New Horizons Healthcare
One Step Further
Piedmont Community Services
Presbyterian Community Center
Rescue Mission of Roanoke
Roanoke Valley Alleghany Regional Commission
Roanoke Valley Trauma Informed Community Network
Safe House Project, Inc.
Small Steps Learning Academy
STEP, Inc.
The Humble Hustle
Total Action for Progress Town of Rocky Mount
Ursula's Cafe
West End Center
Yellow Brick Road
YMCA - Land of Wonder
CORPORATE LEADERSHIP SUPPORT
United Way works with companies, governments, nonprofits and other organizations to address complex challenges on a worldwide scale. Their ideas, volunteer power, sponsorships, in-kind support, and more are helping build stronger communities. Other forms of support, like United Way workplace campaigns, provide an opportunity for every employee to easily be a part of this community’s giving spirit.
These companies know that when they invest to strengthen the most vulnerable in our community, we all win.
We honor the following companies leading the way by investing in United Way’s work through their corporate and employee giving here in our region.
5 Points Creative
AAA of Virginia
Advance Auto Parts
Allstate Insurance Co - Roanoke (CAFA)
Altec, Inc.
AmeriHealth Caritas
Anderson & Reed, LLP
Anthem (Elevance)
Appalachian Power
Aqua America
AT&T
Atlantic Union
Bank of Botetourt
Bentley Systems, Inc.
Black & Veatch
Blue Cross Blue Shield of SC
Blue Eagle Credit Union
Botetourt County Schools
Boxley
Boxley Ready Mix LLC
Bradley Free Clinic of Roanoke Valley
Brandon Oaks
Bridgestone Americas
Brown Edwards & Company, L.L.P.
Bulk Materials Engineering, Inc.
Burns & McDonnell
Cardinal News
Carilion Clinic
Carter Bank & Trust
Cary Street Partners
Caterpillar
Child Health Investment Partnership of Roanoke Valley (CHIP)
City of Roanoke
Comerica - Livonia Operations Center
Commonwealth Catholic Charities
Commonwealth of Virginia Campaign
Corvesta
Cummins Atlantic, LLC
Davidsons
Delta Airlines
Eaton Crouse-Hinds Division
Eli Lilly
Enterprise Mobility (Rent-A-Car)
Entré Computer Center
Erie Insurance Group
Farm Bureau Bank
First Citizens Bank
First Horizon Corporation
Florida Blue Blue Cross/Blue Shield of FL
Franklin County Government
Franklin County Public School System
Friendship
GE Drives & Controls
Gentry Locke Attorneys
Glenn Robinson Cathey Memmer & Skaff PLC
Glenn, Feldmann, Darby & Goodlatte
Golden Cactus
Grange Insurance
Greater Raleigh Court Civic League
Hanover Insurance Group
Hershey Foods Corporation
HomeTrust Bank
IBM Corporation
JP Morgan Chase
Kroger Mid-Atlantic
Lancerlot Sports Complex
LewisGale Regional Health System
Liberty Mutual Insurance Co.
Lionberger Construction Co.
Macy's
Marsh McLennan Agency
Mast General Store
Medmont Mercantile & Wine Gourmet
Microsoft Corporation
Mill Mountain Garden Club
Mohawk Industries, Inc.
Morgan Stanley
Morrisette Packaging, Inc.
National Bank of Blacksburg
Nationwide
Navigate Affordable Housing
Navy Federal Credit Union
New Millennium Building Systems
Nick Brown Custom Home Renovations
Norfolk Southern Corporation
NorthWinds Technology Solutions
Novonesis
Oak Grove Church of the Brethren
P. A. Short Distributing Company
P1 Technologies
Paramount Heating & Air Conditioning
People's Bank
Piedmont Foundry Supply, Inc.
Pinnacle Financial Partners
Planned Parenthood South Atlantic
Readerlink
RGC Resources, Inc.
Roanoke City Public Schools
Roanoke County
Roanoke County Public Schools
Roanoke Higher Education Center
Roanoke Kiwanis Club
Roanoke Symphony Orchestra
Roanoke Valley Orthodontics
Rockydale Quarries Corporation
Ronile, Inc.
Salem City Employees
Salem Red Sox
Sentara Health Plans
SFCS
Sheetz, Inc.
Shenandoah Telecommunications Co
Southeast Rural Community
Assistance Project, Inc.
Southern Team Automall
Springs Window Fashions
Steel Dynamics Roanoke Bar Division
SWBC Mortgage
Target Store #T1162
TD Ameritrade
The Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center
The Liberty Trust
The Taubman Art Museum
TMEIC
Total Action for Progress
Truist
TSYS Global Payments
U.S. Bank
UnitedHealth Group
University of Pittsburg Medical Center
Veritiv Corporation
Verizon Communications Inc
Virginia Tech Foundation, Inc.
Virginia Transformer Corporation
Wabtec
Wells Fargo
Western Virginia Water Authority
Wheeler Media Solutions
Yarids
Yokohama Tire Manufacturing - VA, LLC
Virginia's Blue Ridge
DONORS
United Way of Virginia’s Blue Ridge extends its sincere gratitude to the following individuals and groups for their generosity.
These are the people and companies who make good things happen.
The following lists reflect gifts received in the 2024-2025 annual campaign. If we have listed you incorrectly, please accept our apologies and contact Becky Dudley at bdudley@uwvbr.org so we can update your information for future listings.
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SOCIETY
Ordre de Liberte ($25,000+)
Bill and Diane Elliot
Ordre de Bienfaisance ($15,000+)
Jeff Emry
Mr. and Mrs. T. Douglas McQuade
Bruce and Kathy Stockburger
Dr. and Mrs. John R. Wood (The Wood Fund)
Ordre de Loyaute ($12,500+)
Anonymous (1)
Blue Ridge Society ($5,000+)
Anonymous (1)
Jason and Shelby Bingham
Daniel S. and Suzanne M. Brown
David and Robin Dillon
Frank Flippin and Sarah Copenhaver
Paul and Susan Frantz
Dr. Garry E. Glontz
Cardinal Society ($2,500+)
Anonymous (9)
Briggs and Cathy Andrews
Charles and Nancy Ayling
Todd and Sarah Baumgardner
Abby Verdillo Hamilton
Drs. Cheri and David Hartman
Scott and Lee Ann Hodge
The Janes Family
Anna L. and Thomas T. Lawson
William J. Lemon
Jim and Cathy McClung
Membres de la Societe ($10,000+)
Anonymous (2)
Julie and Ab Boxley
Bethany and John "Dutch" Herrig II
William E. Jefferson III, M.D.
Stan and Elise Lanford
Gail and Mike Quinn
Ina and Ed Walker
The Whitaker Fund
Robert Birmingham
August K. Briele, III
Paula Brown
Mr. and Mrs. George B. Cartledge, Jr.
Mr. and Mrs. Walter Rugaber
Patrick N. and Patricia A. Shaffner
Eddie and Missy Smith
Ron and Michelle Spaar
Nakeita D. Stewart
Mr. and Mrs. Aaron Whitney
Bart and Lynn Wilner
Russ and Stacey Danstrom
Larry Davidson and Janice Dinkins Davidson
Joe and Spuzzie Duckwall
John and Hoye Duckworth
Daniel D. Fisher
Mr. W. Heywood Fralin
Mr. and Mrs. John P. Frye, Jr.
Karli and Will Griffeth
F. Staley Hester, Jr.
Talfourd Kemper
Tom and Kathy Kerkering
Dogwood Society ($1,000+)
Anonymous (22)
Steven C. Akers
Jeff and Nancy Armstrong
Ron and Jodi Ayers
Dr. and Mrs. F. Jackson Ballenger
Mark K. Banks
Ted and Rachel Barham
Karen and George Barnhart
Dr. and Mrs. A. Sidney Barritt, III
Adrienne Bloss and Andy Goldstein
Reuben Jay Bowman
Mr. and Mrs. John P. Bradshaw, Jr.
Trudy and Robert Brailsford
Anita Branch-Brown and Gary Brown
Anthony Bream
Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Bridges
John and Tracy Burtont
The Butto Family
Kalob T. Carpenter
Zachary Cates
Amy Cheyney
Carlton Chittum
Thomas and Michelle Cline
Raymond G. Cobb
Deke and Jane Coulter
Michael and Melinda Crosser
Marty L. Crow
William L. Dixon
Dr. and Mrs. Antonio T. Donato
Cline Dooley
Joshua Dowden
Donnie and Kianna Marshall
Gail and Michael McEvoy
Eric and Monica Monday
Linda and David Nance
Bill and Carolyn Rakes
Christopher Rouse
Savignac Family
The Doyle Family
David and Virginia Duggins
Leigh and Machelle Dunnagan
Tom and Ebbie Edwards
Senator John S. Edwards and Catherine D. Edwards
Kim and Chris Elliott
Mr. and Mrs. John D. Eure
Pamela Evans
Chris Farris
Fred and Sandra Flowers
Pat and Cheryl Francis
Frederic Girardeau-Montaut and Alexandra Lemaire
Cynthia R. Keaton
Drs. Kurt and Maureen Guelzow
James E. Hall, Jr.
William Hamlin
Emerson and Ellen Harvey
John C. Hash II
Wilbur and Lucy Hazlegrove
Jeffrey A. Henchel
Alma L. Hill
Clive Hillyard
Valerie Hodges
Dr. Roger Hofford and Mrs. Cynthia Hofford
Matthew and Erica Hubbard
John and Paula Hutchison
Paul Jackson
Barry Jennings
Commonwealth Society Level ($500)
Anonymous (83)
Brian and Sherrene Wells
James Adams
Donnie Allen
Dillon Anderson
Philip Anderson
Dakota Anderson
Eric Anderson
Tasha Arnold
Taylor Arthur
Ricardo Avila
Kevin Bailey
Jody Baldwin
Justin Barton
Anne Logan Bass
Sean Baxter
Gretchen and Andrew Beedle
Brandon and Jessica Beemer
Karen Y. Belcher
Brian Belling
Heather Biagi
Michael Bier
Jonathan Blankenship
Roger R. Blankenship
Matthew Bolton
Richard Bond
Daniel Bonds
Wayne and Betsy Bowers
Alex Bowman, Jr.
Joshua Boyd
James Bradley
Linda Brickey
Ken and Betty Briggs
Rachel Brodrecht
Hayden Brooks
Jeremy Brooks
Joshua Broughman
J. Keith Brown
William Eugene Bryant, Jr.
Douglass E. Callihan
John Carlton
Jonette Carpenter
Tyler and Ashley Carter
Nancy F. Chewning
Sean Chumbley
Charles Cole
Jeff and Ann Shawver
Chad and Kay Spangler
Dr. and Mrs. Bertram Spetzler
Matthew Thomas and Brian Powell
Mrs. Michelle and Dr. Kelley Whitmer
Steve and Jeanne Johnson
Charlotte and Bill Kagey
Cynthia Laughlin Kakouras
George and Cheri Keller
Drew Kepley
Carolyn and Jason Kiser
Mike Lafon
James Lane
Lorraine Lange
Mark and Cynthia Lawrence
Dr. Lee and Mrs. Beverly Learman
Debbie and Doug Leftwich
Margaret Lindsey
Chuck and Mickey Lionberger
Eddie and Elizabeth Martin
Bob and Cheryl Martin
Carl "Buddy" Matney and Susan S.
Matney
Terri and Mike Maxey
Robert and Laura McAuley
Mr. and Mrs. Tommy McDonald III
Sean and Amy McGinnis
Jeff and Kim McInnis
Debbie Meade and Hazel Bernard
Greg Micheal
Nathan Minnix
Harry Montoro and Lynn Donnary
Chris and Kim Morrill
Ken and Teresa Nicely
Dr. and Mrs. Clifford A. Nottingham
Jillian Papa
Bob Copenhaver
James and Noel Cosby
Lindsey Crouch
Michael Crouch
Michael Culbertson
Kyle Culbertson
Jack Cunningham
Harwell McCoy Darby, Jr.
Ryan Davis
Roger L. Davis
Richard and Diane DeHaven
Mark and Paula Derbyshire
James Dooley, Jr.
Megan and James Downing
Heath, Becky, and Rascal
Tracy Dunbar
Esteban and Sarah Duran-Ballen
Jeffrey Emery
Rose and Edgar Escasinas
Todd A. Evans
Michael S. Ferguson
Emilio Feria Escobar
Ben Fisher
Barbara Perdue
Deirdre D. Perry
Phil Powell
Dino and Cecile Pranzarone
Brian and Christy Price
Scott E. and Kelly M. Prillaman
Lolly and Jim Quigley
Jim and Sally Randles
Cathy Rea
Cyndi B. Reese
Michael W. Rider
Melissa W. Robinson
Rob Sanchez
Frank and Kelly Shushok
Brian Sieveking
Lewis Singer and Dotsy Clifton
Doug Smith
Doris Steppe
Leana and Stef Stoltz
Drs. Marc and Cathy Swanson
Ginger Taylor
Martha and Nelson Teague
Wade and Lara Thompson
John and Sue Trinchere
Fred and Susan Webb
Christopher Wilkinson
Raymond David Williams
Barry and Libba Wolfe
Michael and Marsha Wray
Aubrey and Dominic Wright
Camron Fisher
Lougen Fleurima
Ruben Flores
Rebecca Frost
Melissa T. Fuller
Harry Gallatin
Roger Dean Gibson, Jr.
Donovan Gillespie
Teresa Gillmore
Mona Gleason
Kevin Goad
Ted E. Griffin
Catherine J. Griffin
Samuel Guentzel
Stephanie Hackett
Steve and Ruthann Hackett
Brad and Laura Hall
Gordon Hamilton
Mary and Drew Harmon
John Paul Harrison
Colton Harrison
Heath Family
Christina Hedges
Troy Henley
Stephen Henson, Jr.
Noel Hibbert
Austin M. Higgins
Earl Brian Hight
Jessica Hilbish
Kevin W. Holt
Clinton Hostetter
M. Richard Huffman
Dr. George Samuel Hurt, III
Shane Hutchens
Kathleen and John Jackson
Cassie Johnson
Hunter Johnson
Lewis and Marcia Johnson
Mark and Mitzi Johnson
Laura, Amy and Erin Johnson
Charles Jones
Chris Keene
Cameron Kornegay
Adam Lacks
Mary LaGue
Glenn Lam
James Landram
Griffin Lane
Justin Laprad
Garret T. Lawrence
Jim and Mary Lou Lewis
Jeremy and Joanne Llavore and Family
James Loan
Seth Lockhart
Nancy Loosle
Rebecca C. Lugar
Neiman Manns
John Mason
Chris McGann
Wesley McKnight
Jason McMaster
Dr. John and Dr. Suzan Merten
Jonathan and Emily Messenger
Lisa Morgan
Joseph Morris
Kyle Moyers
Jeremy Muncey
Michael H. and Lisa C. Munsey
Bob and Sue Nave
Jo Nelson
Mr. Cromwell and Ms. Nolan
Lil Joe Norkus
Kenneth Palmer
Cheri Patterson
Lashara Perdue
Thomas Harold Perkey, II
Daniel Perkins
Timmy Pham
Dani Poe
Chad Pommert
Johnette and Jeffrey Powell
Demetray Preston
Lance Price
Shannon and Dan Radmacher
Eric Rauchenberger
London Ray-Dykstra
Anita J. Reed
Kristina Repass
John Thomas Rice
Thomas Richards
Candace Cooper Riles
Matthew Riley
Brian M. Ripple
Charles Ritchie
James Scott Roberson
Frank and Doris Rogers
Sharon Roseberry
Jeff and Emily Sesler
Ian and Kathy Shaw
Dr. Susan Short
The Sichau Family
Megan Sink
Andrew and Sondra Slemp
Richard Smith
Joseph A. Smith
Dylan Snead
Carynn Spencer
Will Spigle
Andrew Starkey, II
David G. Stocker
Dawn M. Stoughton
Frances Strumph
Donnie Stull
Katelyn Suttles
Mr. and Mrs. Michael M. Tesoro
Frederick W. Thomas, Jr.
Jason Thompson
Linda and William Thomsen
Mike Tilley
Lucas A. and Carol W. Tuning
Samuel Vermeulen
Frank P. and Lisa M. Vineyard
Lisa Wachholz
Darryl Wade
Wade Family
Drew Waggoner
Eric Walker
Darrian Walker
Katherine Fralin Walker
Stephen and Karen Waskey
Joseph Weaver
Barbara Weddle
Charles J. Wehrmeister
Brian and Sherrene Wells
Lynn West
John P. Whittle
Joshua Wiggins
Kaitlin Wilson
Michelle Wolven
Larry D. Wood
Sean Wright
Melissa Yopp
Nelson Zicafoose, Jr.
Contributions were made through the following funds held by the Community Foundation Serving Western Virginia:
The Spetzler Fund of Community Foundation Serving Western Virginia
The Debra C. Meade Fund for United Way of Roanoke Valley of Community Foundation Serving Western Virginia
The Wilbur and Lucy Hazlegrove Fund of Community Foundation Serving Western Virginia
Contributions were made through the following:
Ken & Judith Joy Family Foundation Swanson Charitable Foundation
The J. K. Cook Family Fund
The Newbern Foundation
GRANT FUNDERS
The McClung Family Fund of Community Foundation Serving Western Virginia
J. Spencer and Joy Frantz Donor Advised Fund of Community Foundation Serving Western Virginia
The Tom and Kathy Kerkering Charitable Fund, a Donor Advised Fund of Renaissance Charitable Foundation
The Whitaker Fund
United Way attracts resources from the following state, local, and national funders to support the work of partners in Virginia's Blue Ridge advancing innovation and collaborations towards the education, health, and financial stability of our residents.
Carilion Clinic
Child Development Resources
City of Roanoke
Monford D & Lucy L. Custer Foundation
Virginia Department of Health - West Piedmont Health District
Virginia Early Childhood Foundation
Virginia Commonwealth University
Greater Roanoke Workforce Development Board
UNITED WAY OF VIRGINIA’S BLUE RIDGE LEADERS FOR CHANGE
United Way convenes these groups of volunteer leaders from diverse sectors to provide strategic guidance, expertise and leadership - helping to shape and drive our community impact efforts towards our shared regional goals.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Executive Committee Officers
Paula M. Brown
Board Chair, First Citizens Bank
Matthew D. Thomas
Chair Elect, Resource Development Chair, Wells Fargo Bank
Melinda J. Payne, Ex-Officio
Community Volunteer
Matthew C.E. Hubbard Secretary, C&F Bank
Jessica E. Beemer, CPA
Operations and Finance Chair, Roanoke County
Kim Bratić
Marketing and Communications Chair, Friendship
Cheri Hartman, Ph. D.
Community Impact Chair, Community Volunteer
Frank Shushok, Jr., Ph.D.
Public Policy Chair, Roanoke College
Lori Baker-Lloyd
Anita Branch-Brown
John H. Burton, M.D.
Blair Celli, Ex-Officio
Thomas D. Cline
Rabbi Kathy Cohen
Esteban Duran-Ballen
Lauren S. Eells
Shatenita Horton
Juliet J. Lowery, Ed.D.
Ryan McBurney
Keith McKenna
Randy Myers
Olufunmilayo Ogundele, M.D.
Danielle Poe
Brian Price
Community Impact Committee
Corey Allder
Roanoke City Public Schools
Antinette Beane
Roanoke City Public Libraries
John H. Burton, M.D.
Carilion Clinic
Cheri Hartman, Ph.D.
Community Volunteer
Shatenita Horton
Horton Travels2 with InteleTravel
Ryan King
Roanoke College
Decca Knight
Standing for Equity in the Roanoke Valley (SERV)
Chuck Lionberger
Roanoke County Public Schools
Raekwon Moore
Community Volunteer
Randy Myers
Community Volunteer
Bob Nave
Community Volunteer
Dave Prosser
Freedom First Credit Union
Eric Sichau
Kevin Siers, Ed.D.
Valmarie H. Turner
Brian Wells
Verletta White, Ed.D.
Aubrey W. Wright
Kevin Siers
Franklin County Public Schools
Kathy Stockburger
Kathy Stockburger Consulting
Verletta White, Ed.D.
Roanoke City Public Schools
Operations and Finance Committee
Jessica E. Beemer, C.P.A.
Roanoke County
Esteban Duran-Ballen
Brandon Oaks
Lauren S. Eells
Gentry Locke Attorneys
Matthew C. E. Hubbard
Community Volunteer
Lori Baker Lloyd
National Bank of Blacksburg
Juliet J. Lowery, Ed.D. Greensboro College
Resource Development Committee
Blair Celli
Hollins University
Thomas D. Cline
First Citizens
Shatenita Horton
Horton Travels2 with InteleTravel
Keith McKenna
Truist
Melinda Payne
Community Volunteer
Dani Poe
Franklin County
Brian Price
Altec, Inc.
Jamie Priest
InFirst Federal Credit Union
Eric Sichau
Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce
Matthew D. Thomas
Wells Fargo
Marketing and Communications Committee
Tiffany T. Bradbury
Botetourt County
Kim Bratić
Friendship
Amy Grant WDBJ7
Carolyn Kiser
Blue Cow Ice Cream Co.
Randy Myers
Community Volunteer
Valmarie Turner
City of Roanoke
Anita Branch-Brown
Hollins University
Brian Wells
The Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center
Victoria Wheeler
Virtuous
Aubrey W. Wright
Kroger Mid-Atlantic
Ryan McBurney
Interactive Strategies
Josh Meyer
Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine
Current as of February 2026
Early Childhood Steering Committee
Tana Adams
Bonsack Baptist Weekday Education Center
Emily Amerson
Easterseals UPC North Carolina and Virginia
Hollis Batista
Roanoke City DSS -Subsidy
MK Bishop
Roanoke City Public Schools
Marissa Blankenship
Boteourt County Public Schools
Melissa Caldwell
Roanoke City Public Schools
Sherman Callahan
Alleghany Highlands Public Schools
Megan Crew
Salem City Schools
Stephanie DeLuca
Virginia Tech
Jennifer Dent
United Way of Rockbridge, Lexington and Buena Vista
Maria Ferrone
Creative Kids
Laura Hall
Botetourt County Public Schools
Jaye Harvey
PD Essentials
Rachel Hopkins
Child Health Invetment Partnership
Tanya Huff
Head Start & Early Head Start
Public Policy Committee
Marybeth Dunkenberger
Virginia Tech
Jeremy Holmes
Roanoke Valley Alleghany Regional Commission
Ryan King
Roanoke College
Amy Kageals
Carilion Children's Hospital
Dana Kreklow
Roanoke County Pulic Schools
Amber Lowery
Roanoke Public Libraries
Taren McCoy
Small Steps Learning Academy
Melanie McLarty
United Way of Henry County and Martinsville
Teresa Oliver
Craig County Childcare Center
Kathy Palmeri
Franklin County DSS
Quanna Pannell
Roanoke City Public Schools
Suzanna Paxton
Bath County Public Schols
Angela Penn
Total Action for Progress
Sharon Sheppard
Virginia Western Community College
Kevin Siers
Franklin County Public Schools
Kathy Stockburger
Kathy Stockburger Consulting
Elizabeth Wickline
Franklin County Publc Schools
Ramona Wray
TAP Head Start
Thomas J Miller
Salem Economic Development
Frank Shushok
Roanoke College
Jeff Vick
Roanoke College
Current as of February 2026
UNITED WAY OF VIRGINIA’S BLUE RIDGE
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Revenues and Expenses for the year ending June 30, 2025
United Way of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Revenues:
Together we raised $5.87 million to serve our community as of June 30, 2025
• Campaign Revenue: $1.1 Million
Funds raised from donations by individual donors, and corporate and employee gifts in workplace campaigns.
• Grant Revenue: $4.27 Million
Funds awarded for specific purposes by grant-making organizations. This includes a Payroll Protection Loan Award.
• Other Revenue: $500 Thousand
Funds received from interest on checking and savings accounts, fees for processing designations, etc.
In addition, United Way of Virginia’s Blue Ridge funding was used to bring in an additional $1.07M to the community directly to support the work of United Way's partnering organizations.
Community Investments and Expenditures: $6.03 Million
We are financially strong with $3.6 million in net assets as of June 30, 2025
• 76% United Way Community Collaboration and Impact Programs: $4.55 Million
• 5% Donor Designated Gifts to Other Non-Profit Organizations: $328 Thousand
• 11% Management and General Expenses: $662 Thousand
• 7% Fundraising Expenses: $442 Thousand
• 1% Membership dues to United Way Worldwide: $43 Thousand
Visit uwvbr.org/privacy-policy/to view the audited financial statements and IRS Form 990 for United Way of Virginia’s Blue Ridge.
A NEW SPACE. A SHARED MISSION. A STRONGER COMMUNITY.
CELEBRATING UNITED WAY’S NEW HOME. OPENING DOORS. UNLOCKING FUTURES.
As United Way of Virginia’s Blue Ridge settles into its new home, we are creating a space where partnerships grow stronger, solutions take shape, and families find the support they need to thrive.
Through the Opening Doors Campaign, donors can celebrate this milestone while investing in the work ahead.
EARLY LEARNING
Helping children start school ready to succeed
CAREER PATHWAYS
Connecting people to stable jobs and opportunities
FINANCIAL SECURITY
Helping families overcome barriers and build stability
HELP US OPEN DOORS ACROSS VIRGINIA’S BLUE RIDGE
Scan to give or learn more about the Opening Doors Campaign. 3800 Electric Road, Suite 406 | Roanoke, VA 24018
