Youth Opportunity
Helping young people realize their full potential
United Way of East Central Alabama is dedicated to helping young people realize their full potential by providing essential support at every stage of their educational journey. Through initiatives focused on early childhood literacy, student success and development, family engagement, and college and career readiness, we work to create lasting opportunities for growth. By fostering strong foundations in education and empowering families, we strive to equip students with the skills and confidence they need to succeed in school, career, and life.
Imagination Library
Imagination Library provides an age-appropriate book each month to children from birth to five years of age. With United Way of East Central Alabama as the local champion, the program is free to children and their families living in Calhoun, Cleburne, and Randolph County.
Success Academy
The Success Academy is a youth diversion program providing an environment that promotes education, offers mental health support, and supports student success. The program's goal is to prepare students with the skills and mindset needed for a successful transition into adulthood or back into their home school.
Helping Families Initiative (HFI)
In collaboration with the local District Attorney’s office, Helping Families Initiative offers a supportive and comprehensive approach to ending school chronic absenteeism. HFI offers connections to wrap-around services, crisis intervention, and case management with the goal of improving student success and graduation rates. HFI currently serves the Calhoun County, Cleburne County, Oxford City, and Anniston City School systems.
WorkFORCE Connections (WFC)
WorkFORCE Connections offers educational opportunities and work-ready skills, empowering qualified youth in Calhoun & Cleburne Counties to overcome barriers and create a brighter future. The end result connects youth to long-term employment success while meeting the workforce needs of local high-demand industries.