Georgetown County United Way

The Georgetown County United Way serves Georgetown and Williamsburg Counties. We work to advance the common good by bringing together the intellectual and financial resources of the community to create opportunities for a better life for all. United Way recruits community members from all walks of life who bring the passion, expertise, and resources to the Georgetown and Williamsburg communities that are needed to get things done. We work to educate the citizens of Georgetown and Williamsburg Counties regarding community needs and identifying and tapping into those resources, both human and financial, because we believe that an informed public will increase involvement and invest their own personal and financial resources to better meet the demands of a changing community.

Our Vision:

Our vision is that every individual and family in Georgetown and Williamsburg Counties will have the opportunity to reach their full potential.

Our Mission:

The mission of the Georgetown County United Way is to effectively facilitate community resources to positively impact income stability, education and healthy lives of the underserved population of Georgetown and Williamsburg Counties to break the cycle of poverty.

What We Do:

The primary focus of United Way of Georgetown County is to implement an energetic, effective, and successful fundraising campaign in order to have the strongest positive impact on the community. Funding allocations are based on greatest potential for community impact. In addition to our annual campaign, examples of work include:

• 2-1-1 is the national abbreviated dialing code designated by the FCC for free access to health and human services information and referral. This easy to remember telephone number not only connects people with important community services, but also connects volunteers and donors with the opportunity to serve and give. 211 provides trained professionals to help people navigate the confusing maze of health and human services.
• Americorps/Vista - Through this collaborative, five AmeriCorps VISTAs are working with 11 nonprofit agencies in Georgetown County in capacity-building efforts. Specifically, these VISTA members are developing or strengthening volunteer management systems at the agencies in which they are assigned & working on recruitment, orientation/training, monitoring/tracking, and recognition of volunteers. They are also working together to create a county-wide volunteer-management system for nonprofits that need such resources.
• Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library brings a carefully selected, age-appropriate book to the home of a pre-school child (0-5) at no cost. Parents who sign up for this program are encouraged to read the books to their children. Reading regularly with children during pre-school years gives them the biggest boost toward a successful education that they can get.
• VITA - The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program offers free tax help for low– to moderate–income (approximately $40,000 or less) people who cannot prepare their own tax returns. Volunteers, sponsored by various organizations, receive training to help prepare basic tax returns in communities across the county and then file the returns electronically at no charge to the client.