Lafayette Be the Change Spotlight :: Introducing United Way of Acadiana
This month for our “Be the Change Spotlight,” we’d like to introduce you to United Way of Acadiana, an organization who is committed to uniting people and organizations with passion, expertise and resources to create more opportunities for a better life. They envision an educated, prosperous and safe Acadiana where all individuals and families achieve their potential.
How United Way of Acadiana got started
When the people of Acadiana founded the first local United Way effort in 1949, the communities were small and close-knit. But we know from experience that in smaller communities it is easier for groups to communicate, identify concerns and directly address the issues of the day. Today, the population of our service area of Acadia, Lafayette, St. Martin, and Vermilion parishes has grown tremendously from the 168,075 people who called it home in 1949. United Way of Acadiana is proud to be one of the nearly 1,800 United Ways in 41 countries and territories.
What United Way of Acadiana does in the community
United Way of Acadiana works daily to rise to the growing changes and diverse needs of
their growing population by targeting three basic areas: essentials, education and earnings.
United Way of Acadiana focuses on Earnings with programs from free tax-prep to financial savings, education, and coaching. They focus on Essentials by providing basic needs and partnering with local organizations that reach the community in need. They focus on Education with goals that aim to see at least 90 percent of students graduate high school on time and United Way Readers who make a difference in early-grade literacy.
How can you support United Way of Acadiana
United Way of Acadiana welcomes new volunteers for their homebound delivery programs, and they regularly post one-off needs via the Volunteer Center, sponsored by Parish Proud. They are also collecting hygiene items from this Amazon Wish List to pack into goodie bags for the community. Monetary donations can be made HERE.
What is next for United Way of Acadiana
United Way of Acadiana is hosting the 2021 Teacher Awards, presented by Love Our Schools on May 18. You can find more information on the event, pin patrol, and the teachers nominated by the public HERE.
United Way of Acadiana and Downtown Lafayette Unlimited are joining forces to fund a new, all-inclusive playground for SOLA Giving Day (May 6)! Located in Parc Sans Souci in Downtown Lafayette, the playground will tie into existing infrastructure, including the stage and splash pad, to create an activity hub where visitors can naturally gather for daily activities. The community project aims to unite everyone of all ages, of all abilities, in play. Learn more HERE.
Learn more about United Way of Acadiana::
Website • Facebook • Twitter• Instagram
If you’re interested in nominating an organization to be featured in our Lafayette Be the Change Spotlight, please email us at [email protected].
