United Way of Rhea County

Mission: To improve the lives of people in the community by addressing critical needs through advocacy, funding, and volunteer efforts.

The United Way of Rhea County has been dedicated to serving the community since its founding in 1963, originally as the United Fund of Rhea County. Evolving into the United Way of Rhea County in 1986, the organization is guided by a volunteer board of local leaders committed to ensuring accountability in distributing funds and addressing the human service needs of Rhea County residents. From its early days raising $60,000 in its first campaign, United Way has grown into a trusted partner supporting a wide range of local agencies and programs.

The United Way of Rhea County focuses on three core areas—Education, Health, and Financial Stability—to improve the lives of residents and strengthen the community. Key activities include:

• Funding Local Programs: Each year, the Community Investment Committee reviews funding requests from local agencies, evaluating their impact and alignment with the county’s needs. Funds are allocated to support services such as childhood and adult education, domestic violence recovery and prevention, and financial stability initiatives.
• Year-Round Campaigns: Donations are accepted throughout the year to ensure consistent support for vital community programs.
• Collaborating with Partners: United Way works alongside local agencies, volunteers, and community members to provide solutions to pressing issues and ensure residents have access to necessary resources.
• Strategic Community Support: The organization connects with partners like Human Services and the Career Center to provide seamless support for residents seeking employment, education, and assistance.

United Way of Rhea County operates with a deep commitment to equity, striving to ensure fair treatment, access, and opportunities for all. Through your generous support, the United Way makes Rhea County a better place to live, work, and raise families, with every dollar directly benefiting local people. Together, we work to create lasting solutions to our community’s challenges.