William went from being a little shy kid in the first grade in Phenix City to a young man that is now a leader of other young men. Through scouting, he has had a chance to travel to other states to serve and give back. Wanting to be just like his older cousins in Boy […]

Dywana and her five children suffered domestic violence at the hands of Dywana’s boyfriend for years. She called for help from domestic violence shelters several times throughout the years, but her family always talked her out of receiving services. One night, Dywana’s boyfriend beat her badly. With a bruised face and swollen lip the following […]

Hannah learned of Ferst Readers through a local radio station. At that moment, she realized the importance of early childhood literacy. Hannah registered her two-year-old daughter Ari for the Ferst Readers’ program that mails books to children monthly, free of charge. Ferst Readers, a United Way partner agency that encourages early childhood literacy, addresses the […]

Luke, a first grader in Columbus, always enters the room with excitement, eager to pick up a book and read. However, that was not always the case. As a kindergartner, Luke joined a United Way funded program at the Boys & Girls Club. He had trouble recognizing sight words and identifying lower case and upper […]