United Way of Northeast Louisiana

This morning, we recognized outstanding volunteers and corporate partners during our annual Lincoln, Union, and Jackson Parishes Celebrating Excellence event. This year’s event honoring Lincoln, Union, and Jackson Parishes took place at the Davison Athletics Complex on the campus of Louisiana Tech University. The 2024 campaign total of $755,230 was announced by Amy Stegall (City of Ruston), UWNELA's 2024 Lincoln, Union, and Jackson Parishes Campaign Chair. This total is part of the overall campaign total of $2,790,426. This year’s keynote speaker was Janet S. Durden, current President of United Way of Northeast Louisiana, who is slated to retire on March 31, 2025, after an impressive 40+ years of leading the organization. Recognized at the event were the 2024 Outstanding Campaign Coordinator Award winner, Sarah McKinnie with Origin Bank; 2024 VolunteerUNITED Award winner, Entergy Louisiana; the 2024 LIVE UNITED Award winner, Karl Malone Toyota of Ruston; and the 2024 Bank On Northeast Louisiana Award winner, Cadence Bank. Other awards presented include Campaign Leaders Award, New Campaign Award, Going the Extra 10% Award, and the Circle of Honor Award. Special thanks to our Lincoln, Union, and Jackson Parishes event sponsors, Louisiana Tech University and Origin Bank! Thank you for joining us this morning and thank you for choosing to #LIVEUNITED!

This morning, we recognized outstanding volunteers and corporate partners during our annual Regional Celebrating Excellence event. This year’s event honoring our Regional Parishes took place at Bayou Pointe on the University of Louisiana Monroe’s campus. The 2024 campaign total of $2,790,426 was announced by Ashley West (Progressive Bank), UWNELA Board Chair. On Thursday morning, the 2024 Lincoln, Union, and Jackson Parishes campaign total will be announced by Amy Stegall (City of Ruston), 2024 United Way NELA Campaign Chair for Lincoln, Union, and Jackson Parishes. This year’s keynote speaker was Janet S. Durden, current President of United Way of Northeast Louisiana, who is slated to retire on March 31, 2025, after an impressive 40+ years of leading the organization. Recognized at the event were the 2024 Outstanding Campaign Coordinator Award winner, Jenny Wills with The Woman's Clinic; the 2024 Outstanding Campaign Coordinators Award winners, Sara Carlson, Bria Small, and Matt Dickerson with Mid South Extrusion; the 2024 Campaign Coordinator & Team of the Year Award winners, Aline Smead, Maribeth Holzer, Emily Lincecum, and Haley Holley with Ouachita Parish Schools; 2024 VolunteerUNITED Award winner, Entergy Louisiana; the 2024 LIVE UNITED Award winner, Dean Morris; and the 2024 Bank On Northeast Louisiana Award winner, Cadence Bank. Other awards presented include Campaign Leaders Award, New Campaign Award, Going the Extra 10% Award, Special Achievement Award, and the Circle of Honor Award. Special thanks to our Regional event sponsors, Monroe Housing Authority! Thank you for joining us this morning and thank you for choosing to #LIVEUNITED!

? Exciting Announcement! ? We are thrilled to announce Kim Lowery as our new President & CEO, effective April 1, 2025! ?? Kim, an adaptable and solution-focused nonprofit executive, brings over 14 years of experience advancing community impact, resource development, and organizational excellence at United Way of Northeast Louisiana. She succeeds our President, Janet S. Durden, who will retire on March 31, 2025, after an inspiring 40+ years of service. Read full press release here ? https://lnkd.in/eS7UN57q Join us in celebrating this exciting new chapter at our Celebrating Excellence events, where Kim will be recognized as the incoming President & CEO and Janet will deliver the keynote address. ??? Register now at: https://lnkd.in/d8MucZ8n Congratulations, Kim! We look forward to your visionary leadership and continued dedication to transforming lives across Northeast Louisiana.

Investing in early childhood education isn’t just good for children—it’s good for business. Reliable child care helps parents stay in the workforce and helps children prepare for a brighter future.#LAEarlyEdMonth#ChildCareIsEssential#ChildCareImpactsEveryoneLearn more about the need to invest in quality early childhood education experiences for our youngest Louisianans by visiting policyinstitutela.org.

Unreliable, unaffordable, inaccessible child care isn’t just a family issue—it’s a workforce issue. Louisiana employees need better options to stay productive and thrive.#LAEarlyEdMonth #ChildCareIsEssential #ChildCareImpactsEveryoneLearn more about the impact that the early childhood education sector in Louisiana has on the workforce by visiting policyinstitutela.org!

In 2024, @Louisiana211 responded to 17,465 requests for help with food/meals.To learn more about our work across #Louisiana, please visit www.Louisiana211.org today!#Team211 #211Day

Help us wish the happiest of birthdays to our amazing VolunteerUNITED Manager, Jessica Hughes! Your hard work, dedication, and positive energy make our workplace brighter and better. May your day be filled with joy, laughter, and all the things that bring you happiness!

? Exciting Announcement! ? We are thrilled to announce that Janet S. Durden, President of United Way of Northeast Louisiana, will be the Keynote Speaker at our Celebrating Excellence events! ?? Wednesday, March 5th @ Bayou Pointe (ULM) ?? Thursday, March 6th @ the DAC (LA Tech) Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from a visionary leader whose 40+ years of dedicated service will inspire us all to continue the mission – helping people and improving our community! ??? Register TODAY at https://lnkd.in/d8MucZ8n and secure your spot!

ChildCareIsEssential because children who receive high-quality early childhood education also experience a reduced likelihood of future involvement in the juvenile or criminal justice systems.#LAEarlyEdMonth #ChildCareIsEssential #ChildCareImpactsEveryoneLearn more about the need to invest in quality early childhood education experiences for our youngest Louisianans by visiting policyinstitutela.org.

Last year, @Louisiana211 answered 46,973 calls and texts requesting housing assistance.To learn more about our work across #Louisiana, please visit www.Louisiana211.org today!#Team211 #211Day