United Way of the Mid-South is proud to offer Driving The Dream®, an unduplicated network of services that is helping people move from where they are to where they dream to be.
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%
had more stable employment
%
had better financial management strategies
%
reported higher income
MemphisCares
United Way of the Mid-South and the Community Foundation of Greater Memphis, in partnership with Mayor Paul Young and the City of Memphis, have joined forces to launch MemphisCares, a community fund to support families experiencing food insecurity.
As of November 1st, 167,000 Memphis and Shelby County residents’ supplemental food benefits (SNAP) will be suspended due to the federal government shutdown. The MemphisCares Fund will provide much-needed support for the Mid-South Food Bank and other local pantries, while also directly assisting individual SNAP recipients.
United Way of the Mid-South, the Community Foundation of Greater Memphis, and the City of Memphis have each committed funds to this effort. Early supporters also include FedEx, the Frederick W. Smith Family, State Representative Justin Pearson, and the Hyde Family Foundation.
“Our family is honored to join FedEx in helping to ensure our neighbors have food on the table. Memphis is home, and we stand with our community.”
— Diane Smith__
“Memphis cannot succeed if the basic needs of Memphians are not met. In this extraordinary moment, we’re proud to stand with our partners to ensure every family has the opportunity—and the nourishment—they need to thrive.”
— Barbara Hyde, Chair and CEO, Hyde Family Foundation
“I think women tend to work collaboratively because they intuitively understand collective impact and the power in our voices. That’s one of the reasons that we have relaunched Women United! This is a dynamic time for United Way of the Mid-South and we want to include the women business executives, community leaders, and entrepreneurs who want to make a difference in the community. We want to hear from women who know that the Mid-South can do better and be better for women, children, and families.” – Tomeka Hart Wigginton
UNITED WE FIGHT
We’re here to make a difference in the lives of individuals and families across our community. Our mission is simple: to fight poverty and help create lasting change for a better future. Through programs focused on economic mobility, education, and health, we’re united in the fight to help individuals reach their full potential for a stronger and healthier Mid-South.
%
of people in the City of Memphis live in poverty
%
of children under 18 in Memphis live in poverty
%
of people in Shelby County live in poverty
%
of children under 18 in Shelby County live in poverty
%
of people in our AR, MS, TN metro area live in poverty
%
of children under 18 in our AR, MS, TN metro area live in poverty
The US average for people living in poverty is 12%. The 2024 Update of the Memphis Poverty Fact Sheet, produced annually by Dr. Elena Delavega of the School of Social Work at the University of Memphis. Data from the 2023 American Community Survey released in September 2024.
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IN THE NEWS
Angela F. Williams redefines leadership as CEO of United Way Worldwide
Karissa Waddick USA TODAY Angela F. Williams is one of USA TODAY’s Women of the Year, a recognition of women who have made a significant impact in their communities and across the country. Meet this year's honorees at womenoftheyear.usatoday.com. ALEXANDRIA, Va. — Angela F. Williams is frequently...
Tomeka Hart Wigginton, USA TODAY Women of the Year honoree, melds public service, activism
Mark Russell Memphis Commercial Appeal Tomeka Hart Wigginton is one of USA TODAY’s Women of the Year, a recognition of women who have made a significant impact in their communities and across the country. The program launched in 2022 as a continuation of Women of the Century, which commemorated...
Truist Bank names new Memphis president
By Aisling Mäki, Daily Memphian Truist Financial Corp. has named Jean Morton as its new Memphis market president. Morton has more than 30 years of experience, which includes managing government and nonprofit relationships for SunTrust Bank. Based in Charlotte, North Carolina, Truist has more...
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