United Way of Central Virginia Programs
Community Connector program
United Way of Central Virginia’s Community Connector program serves as a vital access point to critical services for individuals and families across Lynchburg, and the counties of Appomattox, Amherst, Bedford, and Campbell.
Each year, our Community Connector supports approximately 2,000 community members through personalized, in-person and phone-based assistance—helping individuals navigate challenges such as utility shutoffs, food insecurity, housing instability, medical and mental health issues, senior and veteran support, and access to quality childcare. Walk-in appointments are especially critical, offering a welcoming space for those who find online forms or government systems intimidating or inaccessible. Our team goes beyond temporary relief, working to uncover the root causes of a client’s situation and connect them to long-term, sustainable solutions—such as financial coaching, weatherization services, or job training. By focusing on empowerment and lasting impact, the Community Connector helps residents move from crisis to stability—improving their quality of life and fostering a stronger, more self-sufficient community.
Regional Childcare & Workforce Initiative
UWCV is adopting a successful blueprint established by United Way of Southwest Virginia in Abingdon, endorsed by Governor Glenn Youngkin. This initiative involves partnerships with schools, colleges, governments, and corporate partners to expand childcare options, focusing on workforce retention and attraction.
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library
The Imagination Library through Bright Beginnings CV at the United Way of Central Virginia, is offered to children from birth through age five who reside in the counties of Amherst, Appomattox, Bedford or Campbell.
Registrations are temporarily suspended in the counties of Amherst, Appomattox and Bedford due to limited funding. We hope to resume registrations in these counties as soon as possible.
Warming Hearts
In the City of Lynchburg, 20% of residents live below the federal poverty line and already qualify for public assistance. However, the needs in our community extend far beyond that group. According to the ALICE Report (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) from United Way, 38% of Lynchburg households are working hard yet struggling to make ends meet. Think of your local cashier, childcare worker or restaurant staff for example - These families live paycheck to paycheck and are often one unexpected emergency away from financial crisis.
Warming Hearts exists to provide a mostly one-time, essential boost to these ALICE households—support that helps stabilize a temporary hardship before it becomes a long-term setback. By covering critical basic needs during moments of strain, the program helps families stay secure, avoid deeper financial distress, and maintain their overall well-being.
This initiative complements existing assistance offered through United Way of Central VA, programs such as Energy Share and Neighbor to Neighbor, filling the gap for families who may not qualify for traditional aid but still need help to stay afloat.
Preventing a household from slipping into poverty is not only the compassionate approach—it is also the most cost-effective. It is far less costly to help a family avoid a financial crisis than to lift a family out of poverty once they are already there. Warming Hearts provides the timely support required to keep families stable, empowered, and moving forward.
Nonprofit Incubator Program
UWCV Supports small nonprofits and startups addressing community needs by providing the necessary resources and expertise to succeed.
The UWCV Nonprofit Incubator Program offers qualifying nonprofits comprehensive support, including stewardship, best practices training, mentoring, a turnkey office with Wi-Fi, and utilities within our facility. This program fosters an active collective, encouraging collaboration among participants.
For more information, contact Kim Soerensen at kim.soerensen@unitedwaycv.org.
