24 Hours
Every hour of every day someone is helped by a United Way supported program. Invest in your community through Community Impact.
7 AM - As parents across the Midlands prepare their children for the day's activities, know that your United Way supports early learning programs that prepare children for school and increase student success rates. United Way funds the Children's Garden which is a NAEYC accredited child care center that has served more than 3,000 children since 1990.
8 AM - For many Midlands families, basic shelter is economically impossible. Improving access to permanent housing is a priority of United Way. The PATH (Prompt Access to Housing) program is a joint initiative of Family Shelter, Inc. and St. Lawrence Place designed to place homeless families into permanent housing with minimal stays in transitional housing.
9 AM - Each day senior citizens are able to remain in their own homes thanks to United Way supported programs. Senior Resources, Inc. provides aid to Richland County senior citizens including discount drug prescriptions, housing, and meals on wheels programs.
10 AM - Volunteers prepare grocery bags for distribution at new, rural, food pantries. United Way has supported Harvest Hope Food Bank with a grant to aid with the operational costs of food pantries in rural areas in Lexington, Richland, Fairfield, and Newberry County.
11 AM - United Way of the Midlands recognizes that a costly car repair can mean the difference between getting to work or losing a job. United Way supports a car repair program for eligible families and individuals. The Cooperative Ministry's Emergency Auto Repair Program served 37 clients in need of car repairs.
12 PM - Due to unexpected medical bills, an elderly man cannot afford to pay his electricity bill. The gentleman calls United Way 2-1-1 and learns where assistance is available. The Cooperative Ministry serves an average of 50 people in crisis every day with assistance with rent, utilities, and other household bills.
1 PM - Toddlers are preparing for rest time in a safe, accredited child care facility supported by United Way. Reaching for the Stars is a joint initiative between Volunteers of America and Vital Connections which serves children 6 weeks to 5 years old in NAEYC accredited child centers.
2- 4PM - Quality after school care can make the difference in school success. United Way supports quality after-school programs. 62% of the 2,340 members at the Boys and Girls Club of the Midlands received basic and above basic scores on their PACT and MAP tests.
5 PM - For too many kids, all that stands between them and joining a gang is one caring, supportive adult. United Way of the Midlands supports youth mentoring programs. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Columbia served 41 children in Lexington County alone last year.
6 PM - Adults are participating in education or training that prepares them for better jobs. Newberry County Literacy Council reported that 76 students were educated and 12 tutors were trained last year.
7 PM - Lines begin to form outside local shelters. United Way supports programs that offer temporary shelter and meals for homeless families and individuals. Salvation Army's Booth Shelter Program served 420 individuals into short-term transitional housing.
8 PM - Inspired to volunteer? United Way 2-1-1 helps you find a great volunteer experience. Interested volunteers can now log onto www.sc211.com to be connected to hundreds of volunteer opportunities.
9 PM - Because United Way is working to address the needs of the chronically mental ill, fewer individuals seek help in local hospital emergency rooms. MIRCI was awarded a grant for its Home Base Program that aids mentally ill citizens and provides them with permanent housing.
10 PM - Expectant parents see a Born Learning commercial and call United Way 2-1-1 for information about child development. Over 350 United Ways are using the Born Learning Community Engagement Toolbox. It offers 400 tips to raise public awareness and to galvanize communities around young children.
11PM - A woman escapes her home and leaves her abuser. She finds safety and care from United Way supported programs. Sistercare, Inc. reported to have served 393 battered women at their emergency shelter.
12AM-8AM - United Way 2-1-1 is still answering the phone and responding to callers long after others have finished their work day. 24-hours a day, 7 days a week, 2-1-1 is available to answer questions, provide assistance and offer referrals. On average, it would take a caller 11 different phone calls to be connected to the services that one call to 211 would accomplish.
