SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT: united way

Written by Matt Marshall
Photos by Maddie McMurry, Trunetta Atwater, & Katherine Cheshire

In December 1941, as Christmas quickly approached, leaders across the Jackson community organized to form a new nonprofit entity whose mission aimed to raise funds that could be distributed through local grants. The first article on this campaign was published on December 7, the same day that marked one of the darkest days in our nation’s history, the attack on Pearl Harbor. These local leaders hoped these grants would provide stability to some of the organizations doing impactful work in the community — those taking care of our most vulnerable populations. And that objective became even more astute as hundreds of local men enlisted in the war, leaving more households financially vulnerable.

Established as the Community Chest, this organization later became known as United Way of West Tennessee. That first year, it raised a little over $25,000, which is equivalent to over $500,000 today! And for the past 84 years, United Way has continued to serve the community by soliciting donations and granting it back to community nonprofits to help those most in need. 

Over the decades, United Way has always provided a hand of support. As new opportunities in West Tennessee emerge, it updates its approach to ensure every resident has opportunities to flourish. Its impact has grown through forging innovative partnerships and launching new initiatives aimed at supporting every stage of community life. From helping children gain confidence in reading to unveiling larger community development projects, the organization’s expansion is a direct response to the needs of a thriving region.

A Community-First Approach to Literacy

At the heart of United Way’s mission is the understanding that our future success begins with our youth. Our state and nation are in the middle of a reading epidemic, with less than half of third grade students reading on grade level in most places. To break cycles of generational poverty, improve academic performance, and foster a love of learning, United Way has mobilized its resources to create and expand four core literacy programs:

The READ Team: Sponsored by The Leaders Education Foundation, The READ Team recruits volunteers to serve as reading buddies and mentors, meeting weekly with local students to reinforce reading fundamentals and build confidence. 

WOW Wagon and Frazier’s Book Bus: Roving “mobile libraries,” the WOW Wagon and Frazier’s Book Bus make scheduled stops in neighborhoods and schools across the region, providing access to free books and ensuring literacy reaches every corner of our community.

Tutor U: This after-school tutoring initiative funded by the Tennessee Department of Education focuses on small-group instruction led by skilled educators and trained volunteers. Lessons are tailored to each student’s specific needs, ensuring that no one is left behind, and every reading hurdle is approached with creative solutions.

All-Star Readers: Sponsored by The Community Foundation of West Tennessee, the Jackson Rockabillys, and UT Martin, this program incentivizes independent reading among kindergarten and third grade students across the region and rewards them for their progress. 

It is not just about hitting reading benchmarks; it is about fostering a lifelong love of learning while strengthening the workforce of tomorrow.

Growing Leaders through Jackson Grown

Addressing community needs extends beyond childhood. As Jackson and West Tennessee evolve, so must the leaders who shape their future. Emerging in 2018 from a series of articles in Our Jackson Home, which profiled the stories behind unique alumni of the Jackson-Madison County School System and deep-rooted community leaders, Jackson Grown aims to cultivate leadership skills in the next generation. JMCSS alumni (high school students called Fellows) are connected with local leaders and influencers who teach them about civic engagement, economic development, and innovative problem-solving.

Lifting Families toward Financial Stability

Even as our region grows, financial hurdles remain significant for many families. To ensure families thrive — not just survive — United Way has partnered with the mayors in Jackson, Brownsville, and Weakley County, alongside local banks, educational institutions, and nonprofits to establish the Greater Jackson Financial Empowerment Center. Here, individuals can access free financial counseling, learn budgeting strategies, and pursue pathways to bigger dreams like home ownership or entrepreneurship. And when they need more targeted support, they are coupled with one of the center’s Family Champions. 

The impact has been tremendous: families burdened by debt have found relief, single parents have gained confidence to plan for their children’s futures, and aspiring small business owners have unlocked the knowledge and capital necessary to contribute to the local economy. It is a testament to United Way’s integrated approach: when families are empowered to manage their finances well, entire neighborhoods see the ripple effect of stability and prosperity.

Ford Community Center: A Hub of Hope

A crown jewel of United Way’s ongoing community impact investments is the Ford Community Center, a facility designed not just for gathering, but for transformation. Conceptualized with community input, the Center will serve as a vibrant hub for after-school programs, workforce training, and essential support services adjacent to Ford’s new Blue Oval City campus. The Ford Community Center will embody the shared vision of a united and inclusive West Tennessee to help move long-term residents forward and upward.

A Look Ahead

From the vantage point of an enduring 84-year history and five years of rapid organizational and regional growth, United Way’s work has just begun. As more families move to West Tennessee and businesses recognize our region’s potential, the need for comprehensive community development will continue to rise. United Way stands ready — backed by passionate volunteers, strategic partnerships, and a commitment to innovation — to meet that challenge.

United Way will keep showing up: providing literacy support, growing local leadership, strengthening financial stability, and unveiling spaces where hope is turned into tangible action for community impact. Here is to the next five years — and beyond — of championing a West Tennessee where everyone, from our youngest readers to our most seasoned leaders, has the tools to thrive.

As Our Jackson Home commemorates a decade of capturing our city’s heart, United Way celebrates the progress made and remains steadfast in serving as a collaborative force for good. Together, we will write the next chapter of Jackson’s story — one in which every individual’s potential is realized, and every neighborhood thrives.