MOBILE, Ala. – After opening a partnership application process to local health and human services non-profits, the United Way of Southwest Alabama (United Way) recently announced 50 new agency partners for the 2024-2026 funding cycle.

Included in the group is USA Health Children’s & Women’s Hospital in Mobile.

Debbie Browning, MSN, R.N., CENP, CEO of Children’s & Women’s Hospital, said she is incredibly grateful to become a partner with the agency: “Our mutual mission to create healthy communities in which families can thrive makes this partnership even more impactful. Children are only as healthy as the communities in which they live. Together, I am positive we can make a significant impact.”

The United Way focuses on a collaborative approach to filling gaps in coverage and quickly helping children, individuals, and families back on their feet, leading fulfilling lives. Providing youth opportunities, quality healthcare, housing, and addiction and recovery resources are some of the focus areas for the 2024-2026 partnership cycle.

The addition of new agencies is part of the organization’s community impact model, United Way leaders said, and focuses on building youth opportunity, community resiliency, healthy communities, and financial security. Moving forward, an open partnership process will be utilized every two years, organizers said, where agencies can reapply or apply for partnership for the first time.

“Our commitment to building more resilient communities is our top priority,” said Justine Bixler, president and CEO of United Way. “We owe it to our community, donors, and partners to ensure the highest level of accountability and efficiency in serving the residents of southwest Alabama. Our newest slate of partners is representative of the highest standards of non-profit service and excellence.”

The newly approved agencies will have the opportunity to receive designated donations from corporations and individuals, and participate in the annual allocations process where funding is awarded to local nonprofits as a result of United Way’s workplace giving campaigns with 400+ local businesses, educational institutions, hospitals, and municipalities that provide corporate contributions and whose employees give to the annual campaign through payroll deduction.