United Way of the Coastal Empire Announces Expansion of Regional Service Area into Long County

United Way of the Coastal Empire serving Bryan, Chatham, Effingham, Liberty, and Long counties

SAVANNAH, GA (August 22, 2024) —United Way of the Coastal Empire is proud to announce its expansion of service into Long County. United Way leaders shared this special announcement alongside community leaders in Long County during a press conference at the Ludowici City Hall.

With this expansion, United Way of the Coastal Empire will now cover five counties in our region to improve lives, including Bryan, Chatham, Effingham, Liberty, and Long counties. “Our approach to this expansion is intentional and thoughtful, ensuring that our impact in Long County is fully funded through collaborations with county partners and grants that will cover any new costs associated with this growth,” says Michael Kaigler, 2024-2025 Board Chairman, United Way of the Coastal Empire Board of Directors. “This partnership is a testament to our commitment to serve our neighbors and this growing region.”

United Way will launch this partnership by extending Liberty County’s impactful Backpack Buddies program to Long County, providing critical support to more children in need. Through Backpack Buddies, United Way will partner with Long County Schools to send meals home each weekend with students who experience food insecurity.

“As we build more support, we will strategically grow our partnerships and expand our services,” says Kimberly Waller, United Way of the Coastal Empire President and CEO. “Growth leads to opportunity, and we are honored to be partnering with our neighbors in Long County to improve lives.”

The decision to expand into Long County follows the formation of United Way’s new partnerships with key community leaders in Long County, including the County Board of Commissioners, the City of Ludowici, and the Long County School System. “We are proud to join forces with these partners and are thrilled they are preparing to launch campaigns to support our fundraising efforts to improve lives,” says Waller.