Letter from Leadership
Over the past two years, the vital role United Way of South Hampton Roads plays in our community has become clearer than ever. When tragedy struck the City of Virginia Beach, we were asked to administer the fund for those who were injured and to the families of those who tragically lost their lives. When we faced an extended government shutdown, we filled the gaps for local furloughed workers. Now, as we realize the severe impacts of the coronavirus crisis on our community, United Way is continuing to provide support to thousands of our hardest hit neighbors.
In the face of such challenges, we have found one of our greatest strengths is our flexibility – our ability to respond, to pivot and to help our partners do the same.
Like many businesses, we entered 2020 with a vision, a roadmap for the year ahead. But we learned what many of those we serve already know, sometimes life does not go according to plan. When extended closures began and economic impacts became inevitable, we launched the Coronavirus Response Hotline with a best practice triage process, holistic case management and a network of partners in under two weeks. To support these efforts and those of other nonprofits on the frontlines, we created the Coronavirus Recovery Fund which ultimately raised over $2.7 million. The first round of $500,000 in grants was awarded in just over a month and to date, we’ve invested over $1.7 million and supported over 100,000 individuals and families impacted by COVID-19, with some funding strategically reserved for long-term recovery.
Our work is still changing by the day, but the strategic approaches and systems we have built with your support over the past nearly 100 years are allowing us to harness and lean into that change for the betterment of our community. Thank you for continuing to allow us to put your kindness into action. Together, we will create a brighter future for the 757.
Joanne Inman
Chair, United Way of South Hampton Roads Board of Directors
President, Sentara Leigh Hospital
Michele Anderson
President & CEO, United Way of South Hampton Roads
