Because of generous supporters, Greater Gallatin United Way (GGUW) is creating a stronger, more resilient community where children and families have the resources they need to thrive. Through collective action and investment, real change is happening.
The Leading the Way Annual Campaign has already raised $283,000 toward the $500,000 goal. This incredible progress reflects a shared commitment to supporting essential programs like early learning, afterschool care, and basic needs assistance. But with just a few months left, more help is needed to close the gap and ensure that every family has the opportunity to succeed.
Real Impact, Real Lives Changed
For many working families, finding safe and affordable afterschool care is a challenge. One local mother shared how she and her husband, both working full-time, struggled to juggle work and childcare. The stress became overwhelming, and at one point, she tearfully told her employer that she could no longer meet the demands of her job. Instead of losing a valued employee, her employer connected her with kidsLINK Afterschool. With tuition assistance from GGUW, her family no longer had to choose between financial stability and ensuring their children were cared for after school. “kidsLINK gave us the stability and support we desperately needed,” she said.
This is the power of community-driven solutions—helping families not just get by, but truly thrive.
Meeting the Needs of a Growing Community
GGUW has always responded to the challenges facing local families by developing real, lasting solutions.
- When early literacy rates were low, GGUW became the local Dolly Parton Imagination Library affiliate, providing free books to children from birth to age five, giving them a strong start in school.
- When high child care costs threatened parents’ ability to work, GGUW expanded kidsLINK Out-of-School programs with tuition assistance, making quality care more accessible.
- When families and children struggled with mental health challenges, GGUW prioritized support services to ensure they had the resources they needed.
- When disaster struck, the Disaster Relief Fund mobilized over $5 million in five years, delivering critical aid exactly when and where it was needed most.
These programs—and the lives they touch—are made possible by the generosity of individuals and businesses that believe in the power of community.
The Opportunity to Lead the Way
A thriving community doesn’t happen by chance. It happens when people come together, invest in solutions, and take action. By supporting Greater Gallatin United Way, every donor becomes part of the movement to create lasting change.
With a few months left to reach the $500,000 goal, now is the time to step up and Lead the Way. Becoming a monthly donor or making a one-time gift will directly impact the lives of families and children across the region. Every dollar fuels vital programs, strengthens local services, and ensures no one in the community is left behind.
Invest in a thriving community. Lead the way today.
