United Way of Henderson County’s new campaign features a message—“United is the Way”—that UW leaders hope is both powerful and unifying.
“For me, ‘United is the Way’ to a thriving Henderson County,” said Executive Director Kelsi Dunham Johnston in a prepared statement. “But we want our community to finish that sentence for themselves. Whether it’s the way to stronger schools, healthier families or hope after hardship, we believe everyone has a part to play in building a better future.”
One of the goals of the campaign is to gather the thoughts of employees of the United Way’s business partners, individual donors and community members by asking them to finish the sentence—United is the Way… —and define what it means to them.
“We’re not just asking for donations,” said Riley Hamilton, the campaign chair. “We’re inviting people to be part of something bigger—something that connects neighbors, empowers families and invests in long-term solutions. That’s what this campaign is about.”
Johnston said UW’s campaign has already begun, but much of the organization’s work connecting with businesses occurs in the fall, she said.
Throughout the fall when working with business partners and donors, UW will be gathering the finished sentences. Johnston said a small booklet or pamphlet with all the collected sentences will be created and given out during the winter.
Of course, with most campaigns, the UW wants to raise funds. This year, Johnston said the goal is $450,000.
But Johnston said that UW wants the focus to be on money, with more of the monetary side of things being the goals a workplace sets for itself. Businesses will also set their own volunteerism goals, she said.
“Not everyone is able to give money but they love being invested in the community,” Johnston said.
A central feature of this year’s campaign is a renewed focus on personalization. Donors and partners are encouraged to share which causes matter most to them so that United Way can provide customized materials, stories and data that reflect their priorities, said a UW release.
“Some supporters connect through numbers. Others are moved by stories,” said Board Chair Charissa O’Daniel. “We’re focused on meeting people where they are and showing them the very real impact they’re helping create. This campaign is built on relationships, not just results.”
Johnston said some donors want to know what was able to be accomplished with the monetary donation they gave—programs implemented, the number of people helped, etc. But others, she said, aren’t as concerned about the numbers, but more about how it affected real people and how they felt.
According to a release from the United Way, funds raised during the campaign support critical local programs that address core community needs in health, education, financial stability and workforce development.
Examples include:
- Academic enrichment and tutoring programs for local youth
- Mental health counseling and senior wellness initiatives
- Emergency financial assistance and resource navigation
- Job training and workforce certifications for underemployed residents
United Way will also continue coordinating Days of Caring, volunteer service opportunities open to individuals, companies, school groups, and clubs. These projects allow people to engage with local nonprofits and experience first-hand the impact of their support.
According to the release, United Way will also share updates from ongoing disaster response efforts following the 2025 ice storm and spring flooding. While campaign dollars are not used for disaster relief, many residents and businesses were directly affected. These stories of resilience are part of the broader message of what it means to unite during times of need.
In its release, UW listed ways to participate. They include:
- Host or participate in an employee or individual campaign
- Schedule a Day of Caring with a local nonprofit
- Donate online at www.UWofHC.org
- Follow @UWofHC and share your own “United is the Way to…” message using #UnitedIsTheWay
Johnston said that people can also stop in to the UW office at 428 Second St. or call at 270-826-2107.
She also said that businesses that would like UW to present or stop by during lunch hour should call her to organize.
The campaign will run through May 2026, with events and updates shared throughout the year. Johnston said though, after May, UW will still collect any donations that may come through the end of the fiscal year.
