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The role of United Way of Greater Chattanooga is to unite the community in responding to health and human service needs. United Way is a consensus organization that represents a wide range of public opinion.
Occasionally an issue arises which, because of its sensitive nature, compels the volunteer Board of Directors to determine it is beyond the scope of our United Way to address. We cannot become a magnet that attracts one view and repels another.
The pro-choice/pro-life issue has divided communities across the nation. United Way must set itself apart from this issue so that a contribution does not become a vote for or against the issue.
United Way of Greater Chattanooga is neither a pro-choice nor pro-life organization. This United Way does not fund the delivery or advocacy of abortion nor does it fund the promotion of the pro-life point of view.
All requests for pregnancy counseling made to United Way or United Way 2-1-1 - the information and referral service sponsored by United Way - are referred to Partnership for Families, Children and Adults. The Partnership's position statement regarding pregnancy counseling is below.
The people helped through United Way depend upon the goodwill and contributions of all our citizens. Your continued support of United Way is needed to help ensure that vital, local human services will continue to be available to change lives and improve our community.
Partnership for Families, Children and Adults - statement regarding pregnancy counseling:
An individual who seeks counseling at this agency in regard to pregnancy may share concerns, feelings and thoughts about the situation, just as in the case of a person who comes to the agency for counseling in any area of personal or family concern.
When individuals request information regarding resources for termination of pregnancy, it is suggested that they consult their private physicians and/or the local health department. It is also explained that the Medical Society office can provide the names of physicians who treat pregnant women.
Partnership for Families, Children and Adults offers more than twenty counseling, residential, and case management services at several area locations. Partnership programs receiving United Way support are: Family and Individual Counseling (counseling, seminars and support for individuals and families); Consumer Credit Counseling (budget counseling and education, debt management); Services to the Deaf (communication services, counseling and advocacy for the hearing impaired); Combined Homemaker Services and Combined Geriatrics (case management and/or direct assistance enabling the elderly and disabled to remain in their own homes); Group Home for Girls ( a residential and counseling program for teen girls referred by Juvenile Court); Emergency Shelter for Girls (a short-term, protective residential facility for dependent, neglected and homeless teen girls); Pregnancy Counseling and Parent Education (for adolescents and adults); Family Emergency Shelter (short term shelter and referral services for homeless families); Family Violence Shelter & Services (shelter, counseling, transitional and support services for women escaping violence); Transitions (Housing) for Women (temporary housing and case management for single, adult women with low incomes and rehabilitation need). | 
