LIVE UNITED on GiveNOLA Day! On Tuesday, May 4, 2021, our region will rally together to support local causes. Please consider making a gift to United Way of Southeast Louisiana to help us build opportunities for everyone in Southeast Louisiana to be healthy, educated, and financially stable. Together, we can:
Fight Food Insecurity Among Seniors
Flo's Story
Like many senior residents, Flo* did whatever she could to limit her potential exposure to COVID-19. Flo, who has a disability, asked neighbors to pick up groceries for her, but they often took the cash she provided and never returned with groceries. Then, Flo’s debit card was stolen.
Things took a turn for the better when a family member recommended Flo sign up for meal deliveries from the United Way HandsOn Entergy Volunteer Center. She now receives regular deliveries of nutritious meals right to her door. “Receiving my food from the bag is protecting me – I don’t have to go out there.”
Food insecurity has skyrocketed during the pandemic. By supporting this meal delivery program and food banks across our region, United Way is fighting to ensure no one in our community goes hungry.
Help Kids Continue to Learn
Ava and Lydia's Story
When COVID-19 closed down schools, first-grade twins Ava and Lydia* struggled to complete their school work at home between a shared tablet and smartphone. They needed separate devices to be able to focus and have the space necessary to suit their different learning styles.
Thanks to a partnership with BET and United Way, the girls’ school delivered two laptops right to their doorstep so they could continue their education and find some sense of normalcy through a regular school schedule at home.
“While they had their classes online, I could do my own work while they stayed engaged,” shared the twins’ mother. “It was tough working from home, but once we got the laptops it was a lot better.” Now Ava and Lydia are fully engaged in their virtual lessons and getting the strong start they deserve.
Protect the Health of Rural Residents
Rural areas face unique challenges in the fight against COVID-19, including less access to health services and systemic health inequities that leave some residents more likely to get the virus. During the early months of the pandemic, when PPE was in short supply, a councilmember in Washington Parish reached out to United Way to see if we could help Bogalusa residents stay safe.
Thanks to a donation from P&G and a partnership with UPS, we were able to host a drive-through distribution of masks, hand sanitizer, and gloves. Local church leaders picked up the supplies to share with residents in their areas. United Way continues to fight to ensure everyone in our community has the resources they need to live a healthy life.
*Names have been changed for client privacy