Creating a community that thrives
Health, Education, and Financial Stability form the foundation for an individuals' overall well-being and success in life.
These three elements are interconnected and mutually reinforcing, providing the necessary support for personal and community growth. Together, they are essential for creating opportunities for individuals to reach their full potential, improve their quality of life, and reach their aspirations.
We also recognise the valuable contributions and potential of older individuals in the community and strive to provide support and opportunities that allow them to continue to be active and engaged members of the community.
As custodians of the Lewis Court Fund, United Way Glenelg is dedicated to providing annual resources that specifically benefit senior residents within the Glenelg Shire community.
With the continued generosity of our partners and community members, United Way Glenelg is constantly seeking new and effective ways to enhance the well-being of those living in the Glenelg Shire. Our dedicated Executive Officer and Board are committed to exploring innovative approaches to supporting the community through the distribution of grants and funding.
Improving People's Health
A healthy community is one in which residents from all parts of the community can work together to prevent disease and have access to healthy living options. Working at the community level to promote healthy living, brings the greatest health benefits to the greatest number of people. It reduces health gaps caused by differences in income, education, race, ethnicity, location, and other factors that can affect health and wellbeing.
As the population of Glenelg ages, there is an increase in chronic and age-related illnesses, mental health issues, and suicide, this creates higher demand and pressure to access health and welfare services.
United Way Glenelg is committed to collaborating with community partners to fund programs that contribute towards improved health conditions, and which remove barriers and help people live safe, independent, and active lives life.
Our initiatives
COVID-19 Impact Fund
Support the people living in the Glenelg Shire community struggling from the economic fallout of COVID-19 When facing difficult times, it can be empowering to take action and make a
Our 2024 Health Partners
Partnering with local organisations to create community impact
Helping everyone achieve their potential
A strong education system is the foundation of a successful society. Investing in education can not only improve the lives of individuals, but also promote growth and progress in the community as a whole. A solid education leads to greater opportunities, both for the individual and future generations.
Unfortunately, in Glenelg Shire, the statistics for educational attainment are alarmingly low. Only 30% of the population is likely to graduate from high school, compared to the national average of over 50%. This disparity is even more pronounced when it comes to tertiary education, with residents of Glenelg Shire being 50% less likely to attend college or university. This not only contributes to population decline but also leads to increased unemployment, crime, and poor health outcomes.
United Way Glenelg is dedicated to partnering with community organizations to fund and support programs that aim to ensure all children and young people have access to opportunities that allow them to reach their full educational potential.
Our initiatives
Dolly Parton Imagination Library
In the Glenelg Shire, 30.3% of children are starting school developmentally vulnerable or at risk, which is significantly higher than the national average of 21.7% (AEDC 2018). This raises serious
Magic of Storytime
The Magic of Storytime is providing a rich and meaningful experience for children while sparking their imagination at a time when they are most curious about the world.
Read Across Glenelg
Inspired by Children’s Book Week and the idea of “United Through Books,” United Way Glenelg aims to engage parents and children in every home. A major challenge in achieving this
Our 2023 Education Partners
Partnering with local organisations to create community impact
Promoting Financial Stability and Independence
Financial stability is the cornerstone of a thriving family and community. When individuals and families have strong financial well-being, it has a ripple effect on their overall well-being, including educational attainment, health outcomes, and community vitality. Improving financial stability can break the cycle of poverty and provide access to better healthcare, housing, and education, ultimately benefiting future generations.
In Glenelg, small businesses play a vital role in driving economic growth. With over 1,927 small brick-and-mortar businesses, these enterprises provide employment and entrepreneurial opportunities for community members.
United Way Glenelg is dedicated to working with local partners to provide funding and support for programs that foster financial independence and stability, ultimately promoting financial wellbeing for all members of our community.
Our initiatives
Little FREE Pantry
The concept behind Little Free Pantry (LFP) is simple: Give what you can, take what you need.
Portland Engagement Program
This program specifically caters for students who have disengaged or are at risk of doing so from mainstream education.
Our 2023 Partners
Partnering with local organisations to create community impact
Increase Social and Economic Participation for Older People
Winter Care Packages
A large proportion of residents in the Glenelg Shire region are over the age of 65 and face serious health issues, chronic diseases, isolation, and loneliness.
Cold weather can exacerbate these problems, and for some financially stretched residents, it may mean limiting the use of heating, food, and electricity.
To address this issue, United Way Glenelg is delivering Winter Care Packages to support vulnerable residents.
Each package, valued at $100, includes basic food, toiletries, reading materials, grocery vouchers, non-slip socks, and blankets.
Feedback from recipients shows that these packages are greatly appreciated and help to prevent disconnection from the community and make older residents feel valued as members of the community.
Our initiative
Winter Appeal
As winter approaches, we are seeking support to deliver 200 Winter Care Packages to older residents in need. Many of these residents face serious health issues, chronic diseases, isolation, and
Lewis Court Fund
The Lewis Court Fund was established in 2013 when United Way Glenelg was selected as the custodian of funds from the sale of the Lewis Court Home for the Aged facility.
In accordance with the wishes of the Lewis Court Board, the initial capital of $1 million is being preserved for future generations with the help of BWC Wealth.
The fund is reinvested each year with the original amount plus the Consumer Price Index, and the remaining amount is made available to community groups working on projects to benefit older residents in the Glenelg Shire.
Applications for funding from the United Way Glenelg Lewis Court Fund are accepted annually in August.
