News
Donate a book for MRC and get a coupon to OH! Salon
December 2, 2011 | Read More
City of Columbia Accepting Applications for Community Development Grant Funds
November 14, 2011 | Read More
SNAP Challenge
United Way of the Midlands and Harvest Hope Food Bank are partnering to launch the SNAP Challenge during Hunger and Homeless Awareness Week – November 13-19, 2011. The SNAP Challenge asks participants to live on the same budget as people living on food stamps, approximately $4 per person per day for a week.
November 14, 2011 | Read More
United Way of the Midlands Recognizes Exceptional Volunteers
Dedicated community volunteers were recognized by United Way of the Midlands at its annual volunteer recognition event as a part of National Volunteer Week festivities on Thursday, April 14.
April 18, 2011 | Read More
Community Honors Compassionate Leader
United Way of the Midlands and community supporters honored Cathy B. Novinger as the 2010 Humanitarian of the Year at the 27th annual dinner and award ceremony on February 24, 2011.
February 25, 2011 | Read More
Local initiative provides much needed help with potential foreclosure challenges
South Carolina has worked in conjunction with its partners to develop a comprehensive, statewide strategy whose purpose is to help families stay in their homes or otherwise avoid preventable foreclosure
February 2, 2011 | Read More
Columbia in the running for money to help feed the hungry!
Walmart will be giving out $1.5 million to five of the most food challenged communities in America and Columbia is in the running. Log on to Facebook and vote for Columbia.
December 14, 2010 | Read More
Nationwide on your side Tour draws attention to financial stability
December 7, 2010 | Read More
Oliver Gospel Mission to provide Thanksgiving baskets for families in need
Do you know someone who could benefit from a basket of food on Thanksgiving Day?
October 8, 2010 | Read More
United Way Campaign Kicks Off
September 17, 2010 | Read More
United Way and SC Optometric Association to provide FREE eye exams for infants
On Thursday, September 23 from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., at Edventure Children’s Museum, Optometrists from the SC Optometric Physicians Association will provide free eye screenings for infants’ ages 6 to 12 months.
September 16, 2010 | Read More
Don't miss Day of Action: Register by Tuesday, Sept 21!
September 14, 2010 | Read More
United Way Certified Partner Nationally Recognized
Eau Claire Cooperative Health Center CEO, Dr. Stuart Hamilton is being honored as Columbia's 2010 Community Champion by General Mills Feeding Dreams program. You can vote for Dr. Hamilton to be the Grand Champion and we could help bring more funds back to our community!
August 11, 2010 | Read More
Thank you for allowing us to release $1 million in new funding!
United Way of the Midlands has announced that it has released 22 new grants for 2010 totaling $998,722. This is in addition to more than $2.2 million in grants United Way will continue to fund that were awarded in previous years.
July 21, 2010 | Read More
Volunteer in 2010 - Find out how you can help!
July 20, 2010 | Read More
Community Assembly on poverty in the Midlands proves to be one that affects us all
At United Way of the Midlands Spring Community Assembly held on Tuesday, June 15, Dr. Amy K. Glasmeier, Head and Urban Studies & Planning at MIT, presented the findings of her studies on poverty. Glasmeier’s unique perspective as a geographer allowed her to examine the Midlands closely to assess how this community relates to national standards.
June 20, 2010 | Read More
13th Annual Tug-A-Plane was a huge success!
Thank you to all of the tuggers, cheerleaders and families who came out to enjoy the 13th annual UPS Tug-A-Plane! Congrats to the 2010 champion "Just Plane Crazy!"
April 25, 2010 | Read More
National Volunteer Week Day Five: Free Dental Clinic
Free dental screenings for children of Children’s Garden on Friday, April 23, provided by Dr. Noble Cooper, Jr. wraps up United Way of the Midlands’ special events in honor of National Volunteer Week.
April 22, 2010 | Read More
National Volunteer Week Day Four: Midlands Reading Consortium
For Thursday, April 22 United Way of the Midlands would like to highlight the Midlands Reading Consortium, which is administered by City Year Columbia. United Way of the Midlands and City Year have joined forces in hopes of improving academic performance in schools, while promoting a positive environment in which students want to engage in learning.
April 21, 2010 | Read More
National Volunteer Week Day Three: YLS Supply Drive for Sistercare
We’re halfway through National Volunteer Week and for Wednesday, April 21, United Way of the Midlands would like to highlight a volunteer opportunity that is easy for anyone to participate in. United Way of the Midlands Young Leaders Society has teamed up with businesses and civic groups to collect supplies for Mother’s Day Baskets that will be given to residents of Sistercare.
April 20, 2010 | Read More
National Volunteer Week Day Two: Financial Stability
In honor of National Volunteer Week, United Way of the Midlands will be highlighting a different program each day from April 19 to April 23. Each project will offer a unique opportunity to celebrate extraordinary volunteerism in the Midlands. The second project we’d like to highlight this week is the Financial Education Series offered through the Cooperative Ministry.
April 19, 2010 | Read More
National Volunteer Week Day One: AmeriCorps*VISTA
In honor of National Volunteer Week, United Way of the Midlands will be highlighting a different program each day from April 19 to April 23. Each project will offer a unique opportunity to celebrate extraordinary volunteerism in the Midlands. Monday, April 19 is AmeriCorps*VISTA Day, which honors a national program designed specifically to fight poverty.
April 18, 2010 | Read More
Announcing the 2010 Partners in Compassion Institute Fellows
United Way of the Midlands has announced the 20 local faith- and community-based organizations that have been accepted into the Partners in Compassion Institute (PIC). Participation in the Institute is granted on a competitive basis. Selected participants receive training, technical assistance, and financial assistance to strengthen their organization's ability to lead, market, operate and raise money.
March 31, 2010 | Read More
Richland County School District Two Superintenent honored for LIVING UNITED
United Way of the Midlands presented Dr. Steve Hefner with a Community Champion Award for his dedication to the Midlands community during his tenor as Richland County School District Two Superintendent. Hefner announced his retirement earlier this year.
March 23, 2010 | Read More
Record crowd turns out to honor one of the Midlands most humble community leaders
United Way of the Midlands recognized George W. "Bill" Rogers as the 2009 Humanitarian of the Year on February 25, 2010 at The Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center. A packed ballroom of 440 guests gathered in his honor and enjoyed an evening of socializing, dinner and entertainment by the Claflin University Jazz Ensemble.
March 3, 2010 | Read More
Let's celebrate our campaign award winners!
United Way of the Midlands recognized the companies and individuals who contributed to the 2009-10 campaign at an event held at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church on Tuesday, January 26, 2010. That night, United Way announced that the Campaign has reached 94% of the $10.2 million goal this year. Thank you for helping us get this far and hope we reach our goal! Right now, we project we will finish with at least 99% of our goal.
January 28, 2010 | Read More
Get FREE Vitamin D from Local Walgreens!
Get a FREE 100-day supply of Vitamin D at any Walgreens across the Midlands!
January 22, 2010 | Read More
Midlands students and professionals make MLK Day a DAY OF ACTION!
“I am a huge believer in human rights and think it’s very important to reflect on such an influential person in the civil rights movement and then act on those reflections,” said Shannon Looney, a USC student and the community service coordinator for the National Society of Collegiate Scholars (NSCS).
Looney, who assisted with a Homeworks project, was not the only one who chose to honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by volunteering on Monday, January 18, 2010.
January 17, 2010 | Read More
Daytime Warming Center provides shelter for adult men and women on the streets this weekend
Due to the extremely low temperatures, the Midlands Housing Alliance, United Way of the Midlands, Salvation Army in consultation with City of Columbia will open a daytime warming center this weekend.
January 6, 2010 | Read More
Former Humanitarian of the Year Guy Lipscomb leaves a legacy of service
January 4, 2010 | Read More
Richland Northeast High School LIVES UNITED.
"People always say our kids are the future, but I try and remind them every day that they are the present," said Kim Sanders, Guidance Counselor at Richland Northeast High School. "When they see that the things they do can make a difference right now, it's amazing how they respond."
December 10, 2009 | Read More
Homeless Count Results provide a snapshot of conditions in South Carolina
United Way of the Midlands and the Midlands Area Consortium on Homelessness reported the results of the 2009 Homeless Count to the Community and there are some staggering results. Based on data collected one one day January 29, 2009, 1,368 people in 14 counties were identified as homeless. Of those, 1,006 were located in Richland and Lexington Counties.
November 15, 2009 | Read More
Join our supply drive to benefit homeless people in the Midlands
October 19, 2009 | Read More
United Way announces real estate rebate program for donors
United Way of the Midlands is pleased to announce a special partnership with the Real Estate Advantage Program (REAP) managed by Russell & Jeffcoat Realtors. This service is an opportunity for donors to United Way of the Midlands who are planning to buy or sell real estate to receive cash rebates at the conclusion of the transaction.
September 21, 2009 | Read More
Pacesetter and Advanced Campaigns bring in 29% overall fundraising goal for the official kickoff on September 9
Community superstars lined the red carpet the South Carolina Archives and History Center on Wednesday, September 9, to be recognized for their tremendous contributions as United Way kicked off a new campaign season.
September 9, 2009 | Read More
Flu Season Information
September 7, 2009 | Read More
CCR&R to host childcare center director's forum on September 11th
United Way of the Midlands Childcare Resource and Referral service aims to create positive environments for children in daycare and provide resources for parents to ensure that their kids are receiving the best possible care. Hear from Dr. Nancy J. Freeman, Associate Professor at The University of South Carolina as she leads a discussion on the NAEYC Code of Ethics and how to use it effectively.
September 1, 2009 | Read More
Brookland Foundation hosts homeless outreach programs
A local group has stepped up to promote awareness of the growing homeless population in our community. Read more to find out how you can help by providing donations or becoming an advocate.
August 24, 2009 | Read More
Thank you for making United Way of the Midlands Pancake Breakfast at Fatz Cafe a SUCCESS!
On Saturday, June 6th, United Way of the Midlands held its first Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser with Fatz Cafe. The fundraiser had three main goals: to reach community members who were previously unaware of United Way, to build solidarity among Campaign Committee members, and to jump-start this year’s official campaign.
June 12, 2009 | Read More
Avoid the Back to School Rush for Shots
June 5, 2009 | Read More
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Columbia receives national recognition (again!)
June 3, 2009 | Read More
Lexington and Richland Counties Begin Accepting Referrals for Nurse Home Visitation Program
Lexington and Richland Counties are accepting referrals for the Nurse-Family Partnership (NFP), a nationally recognized, evidence-based nurse home visitation program that helps transform the lives of first-time, low-income parents and their children.
May 5, 2009 | Read More
Announcing 2009-2010 United Way of the Midlands PIC Fellows!
Innovative initiative works to bolster local nonprofits during difficult economic times.
April 30, 2009 | Read More
Newberry Schools Recognized for Outstanding Campaign Results
Despite economic difficulties, the Newberry County School District's 2008-2009 United Way fundraising campaign increased over 300% from last year! On April 28, 2009 at a Newberry County School District meeting, United Way of the Midlands proudly presented three local schools with plaques in recognition of this outstanding achievement.
April 28, 2009 | Read More
Grant Writing Workshop in Columbia | May 7-8, 2009
Midlands Technical College and Grant Writing USA will present a two-day grant writing workshop in Columbia, May 7-8, 2009. Beginning and experienced grant writers from city, county and state agencies as well as nonprofits, K-12, colleges and universities are encouraged to attend.
March 13, 2009 | Read More
Financial Education Workshops
FREE financial education workshop series, facilitated by The Cooperative Ministry, covers basic principles of budgeting, saving, and planning for your family’s future.
• Series 1 – Learn about spending habits, budgeting, savings and financial institutions,
• Series 2—Explore borrowing basics, credit history, types of loans and credit cards and how to make credit decisions
• Series 3—Determine readiness, benefits and pitfalls of purchasing big ticket items like autos and homes
March 11, 2009 | Read More
Harvest Hope Food Bank opens new food pantry in Lexington County
Harvest Hope Food Bank opened its new Lexington County Emergency Food Pantry to the public January 20, 2009. The newly acquired 5,000 square foot facility, located at 1775 12th Street, Building 4 in Cayce, will serve the growing hunger population in Lexington County five days a week.
January 16, 2009 | Read More
United Way partners with MACH on 2009 Homeless Count
United Way of the Midlands is working with the Midlands Area Consortium for the Homeless (MACH) to conduct the 2009 Homeless Count.
January 7, 2009 | Read More
United Way helps two partners bring holiday gifts to children's hospital
This holiday season, two organizations worked with United Way of the Midlands in the spirit of the holiday season to share their gifts and talents with others.
December 18, 2008 | Read More
Capital Senior Center Cuts Ribbon on Northeast Wheels
Capital Senior Center held a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Northeast Presbyterian Church on Thursday, Dec. 4 to commemorate the beginning of the Northeast Wheels transportation program for seniors. After several years of community-wide effort to place a transportation program for seniors in the Northeast Richland community, Capital Senior Center was thrilled to get this program up and running.
December 4, 2008 | Read More
The Midlands celebrates National Philanthropy Day by honoring extraordinary community fundraisers
November 20, 2008 was National Philanthropy Day (NPD) and what better way to celebrate than to recognize those people in the Midlands that dedicate their lives to the greater good by raising money for worthy causes?
November 20, 2008 | Read More
Kristen Setzler Simensen Honored with Calhoun County Chamber of Commerce 2008 Business Person of the Year Award
On Thursday, November 13, 2008 at the Chamber’s annual recognition banquet, Kristen Setzler Simensen was recognized as the 2008 Business Person of the Year Award winner. Simensen is the director for the Calhoun County Library and is a United Way of the Midlands Edisto Council Steward.
November 19, 2008 | Read More
National Hunger and Homeless Awareness Week - Nov. 16-22, 2008
November 12, 2008 | Read More
Sign up for Free Training on Best Practices for Ending Family Homelessness
November 11, 2008 | Read More
Three Local Nonprofits Exhibit Extraordinary Practices, Receive United Way Organizational Excellence Awards
After a rigorous assessment process, three partner agencies, Capital Senior Center, The Free Medical Clinic and LRADAC received organizational excellence awards and funding as top non-profit organizations that demonstrate achievement of outstanding community results.
November 5, 2008 | Read More
Community Assembly-- Fall Report to the Community
Plan to join the discussion Tuesday, December 9 at the Brookland Conference Center during the fall report to the community. Bob Wise, former governor of West Virginia and president of The Alliance for Excellent Education, will present recommendations for how the renewal of the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) could address the crisis in the nation’s high schools head on.
November 5, 2008 | Read More
Lend your voice! Facing Facts needs residents to participate in Community Forums
Organizers of the Facing Facts community survey need community members who are likely to need and use community organizations to attend Community Forums to help generate solutions to the problems identified in the earlier Facing Facts surveys. Sessions will be capped at 20, and participants will be given $5 gift cards to Wal-Mart as a token of appreciation of their participation.
October 13, 2008 | Read More
Sign Up for the 2008-2009 Campaign Midpoint Meeting on October 17, 2008
United Way of the Midlands will report to the community the progress of the 2008-2009 Fundraising Campaign at a Midpoint Meeting which will be held on October 17, 2008 at the Brookland Baptist Coference Center.
September 24, 2008 | Read More
United Way of the Midlands' 2-1-1 Helps Homeless Children Succeed in School
United Way of the Midlands nationally certified information and referral service, 2-1-1 was recently recognized for successfully referring homeless families to appropriate educational resources.
August 5, 2008 | Read More
Furniture Drive Starts June 21
The drop-off days are June 21 and 28 from 9-1 p.m. at The Cooperative Ministry, 3821 West Beltline Blvd., Columbia 29204.
June 20, 2008 | Read More
United Way Reports to the Community
The Spring 2008 Community Assembly was held Tuesday, June 3 at Brookland Conference Center. Elizabeth Kneebone of The Brookings Institution was the keynote speaker and Morris Blachman was honored as the 2007 Alyce Kemp DeWitt Award winner.
June 3, 2008 | Read More
United Way names agencies accepted into PIC Institute
United Way of the Midlands has announced the 20 local faith- and community-based organizations that have been accepted into the Partners in Compassion Institute (PIC). Participation in the Institute is granted on a competitive basis. Selected participants receive staff and volunteer training, technical assistance, and financial assistance to strengthen the organization's ability to lead, market, operate and raise money.
May 6, 2008 | Read More
United Way honors Volunteer Income Tax Preparers
Tax season is over! United Way of the Midlands’ VITA volunteers completed more than 1,000 tax returns for hard-working Midlands residents with household incomes of $40,000 or less in 2007.
May 5, 2008 | Read More
Contribute to the furniture drive to benefit Housing First
The drop-off day is Saturday, June 21 and 28 from 9-1 p.m. at The Cooperative Ministry, 3821 West Beltline Blvd., Columbia 29204. Items needed are: Bed frames and mattresses, chests of drawers, night stands, small dining tables and chairs, sofas, living room chairs and new lamps. (only new lamps can be accepted due to potential issues with used electrical items)
April 21, 2008 | Read More
Help the Nurse-Family Partnership by taking this survey
Leaders in Lexington and Rich land Counties have a wonderful opportunity to apply for a 7-year grant for an evidence-based, nurse home visiting program proven to enhance the health and well-being of low-income, first-time parents - The Nurse-Family Partnership.
April 11, 2008 | Read More
United Way and Bible Way partner to provide more than 100,000 hours of volunteer service
Bible Way Church of Atlas Road and United Way of the Midlands announce a unique collaboration designed to promote the importance of volunteer service.
March 6, 2008 | Read More
United Way of the Midlands 2008 Request for Proposals
United Way of the Midlands Announces Request for Proposals for 2008 Community Investments
March 5, 2008 | Read More
Attention Taxpayers: Avoid Refund Anticipation Loans
Refund Anticipation Loans (RALs) are overpriced, and even though they promise rapid refunds, they are only slightly faster than normal tax preparation. Learn more about RALs.
February 19, 2008 | Read More
United Way of the Midlands selected for EITC Expansion Project
United Way of the Midlands has been selected to participate in the 2007-2008 Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) Expansion Project, in partnership with Bank of America and United Way of America.
December 5, 2007 | Read More
State Campaign reaches midpoint ahead of last year
On Friday, October 26, United Way of the Midlands staff, supporters and volunteers gathered at the SC Department of Archives and History to celebrate the State Campaign Midpoint.
November 5, 2007 | Read More
United Way of the Midlands Awarded Compassion Capital Fund Grant
United Way of the Midlands has been awarded a grant of $499,714 from the Office of Community Services (OCS) in the US Department of Health and Human Services for a Compassion Capital Fund (CCF) Demonstration Award.
October 25, 2007 | Read More
United Way of the Midlands fundraising reaches 50% – $5.8 million
United Way of the Midlands 2007-2008 Campaign Co-Chair, Mary Kennemur, announced that the organization has reached 50% of the goal of $11.7 million during a midpoint meeting this morning. This significant accomplishment comes after a setting a record of $10.8 million last year and is $1 million more than was raised at this point in the campaign last year.
October 19, 2007 | Read More
Learning with Leaders - Dr. Andrew Sorensen
The United Way of the Midlands Young Leaders Society held the first in a series of talks on leadership by prominent community members. USC President Andrew Sorensen spoke to a crowd of YLS members at The Inn at USC Thursday morning.
October 4, 2007 | Read More
Early Childhood Education is Your Business!
United Way of the Midlands and Voices for South Carolina’s Children held an Educational Forum and Call to Action Wednesday, October 3 by inviting community leaders from local businesses, nonprofits and other organizations. The forum was held to coordinate our community’s response to the current lack of legislative leadership for quality 4-year-old kindergarten programs in South Carolina.
October 3, 2007 | Read More
United Way searching for AmeriCorps VISTA applicants
United Way of the Midlands is partnering with the AmeriCorps*VISTA program to build greater capacity for our partner nonprofit agencies in the Midlands so they are better equipped to address the needs of the impoverished. United Way will serve as the coordinating body for the project and is searching for 11 VISTA members to place in seven agencies that have committed to the partnership. Each organization has submitted a project outline addressing a specific poverty related issue in the ...
June 18, 2007 | Read More
United Way of the Midlands Encourages Citizen Participation in Public Transportation Forums
It’s time to voice your opinion about public transportation. A series of public forums, sponsored by the Richland County Transportation Study Commission, is being held in four separate geographical regions of the County at the following times, dates and locations:
May 24, 2007 | Read More
Free Discount Prescription Drug Cards Now Available Online
FamilyWize prescription drug discount cards can now be printed directly from the Internet, making it easier to obtain assistance with the cost of prescription drugs. The program’s goal is to deliver prescription drug savings to people with no prescription drug coverage, and cards can be found online at www.familywize.com.
February 23, 2007 | Read More
