VALDOSTA, Ga. (WALB) - This campaign season, Greater Valdosta United Way (GVUW) met its goal of $1.2 million that will benefit partner agencies like the YMCA, which is still recovering from storm impacts while providing meaningful support to families.

Korrelle Trollmann, GVUW Director Services Coordinator said, “We make sure that we invest in the data-driven programs and services that are making the biggest impact in our 11 county region.”

The YMCA is still remodeling after Hurricane Helene’s damage, which caused it to cut back on hours. However, money from United Way allowed the Valdosta-Lowndes location to continue its programs.

Larry Tobey, III, President and CEO of the Valdosta-Lowndes YMCA said, “It’s been a challenge for us honestly, in the last 6 years I think we’ve been through 5 different impact storms.”

When school is out “the Y” is in, helping to support families as a whole. Especially in their after-school programs where children learn critical skills to improve their learning, physical health, and creativity.

“We are basically an extension of what our community needs and what the parents are looking for to help tear their children,” Tobey said.

“The Y” Primetime Parent JaTaryia Thomas said, “Having that after-hours aspect has really been beneficial for our family. We utilized it all the time.”

All of this is made possible through local donors who support United Way, which is able to provide grants for partner agencies to continue their programs.

Tobey said, “We deal with kids and families that are in need of service and United Way fills that gap for us to be able to support that.”

The United Way offers multiple ways for people to give, volunteer, and advocate for nonprofits. You can learn more here.

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