DIRECT SERVICES
United Way gives back to the community through direct services.

Why it matters... People and organizations need help, whether it’s information about direct assistance, volunteerism, or helping other nonprofit organizations to work smarter. United Way's response... United Way invests in direct services that provide information and referrals to those who want to give or get help, encouraging volunteerism, and helping nonprofits work more efficiently through training and management services, as well as product donations. Results you can see: More than $2.3 million in products were distributed to local nonprofit agencies through Gifts In Kind last year. 2-1-1 was there to help thousands in the Tennessee Valley by connecting them with the local human service agencies that could best fill their needs. In all, United Way 2-1-1 answered more than 37,000 calls in 2007. Through United Way's Volunteer Center, more than 5,000 volunteers provided more than 79,000 hours of service to the community in 2007, valued at more than $1.4 million. The lives we touch: Gloria Nicholson is a single mother of three who moved to Chattanooga a few years ago for a career change.  But an accident left her temporarily disabled before she could ever start the job she had lined up.  Gloria and her three children wound up broke and homeless.  But three little numbers helped them find emergency shelter and more. Through United Way 2-1-1, Gloria got the referrals she needed to get back on her feet. She got help with a utility bill and also found job training through a United Way-funded program at Urban League of Greater Chattanooga. There she learned valuable computer and customer service skills, and was eventually hired by Unum Provident Corporation. Now Gloria is able to support herself and her children and they even have a home of their own.  Gloria’s progress after a tough break makes her family and our community stronger—that’s what matters.