5 easy ways you can change lives in Central Alabama, according to this year’s UWCA Campaign Chair

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Leroy Abrahams, Regions, United Way of Central Alabama 2024 Annual Campaign Chair
Leroy Abrahams, the 2024 United Way Annual Campaign Chair, in front of Regions in downtown Birmingham. (Jacob Blankenship / Bham Now)

Leroy Abrahams’ life and career have been devoted to service. This year, after decades of involvement, he’s serving as the United Way of Central Alabama (UWCA) 2024 Annual Campaign Chair.

Keep reading for more of his story, plus five ways you help change lives.

Leroy Abrahams has been involved with United Way his whole career

Abrahams reflecting on his first experience with a Visiting Allocation Team. (UWCA)

When Leroy Abrahams and his wife moved to Birmingham 11 years ago, they fell in love with the topography. They enjoyed the hills and mountains, greenery and trees.

On his third day at Regions, he got involved with UWCA. This gave him the opportunity to meet a lot of great people.

Now, Abrahams stays active with UWCA for two reasons:

  • The ongoing needs within the community
  • The unique ways UWCA meets those needs

“The secret sauce here is true generosity. Giving and philanthropy are clearly woven into the fabric of this area, which means a lot.

Put that together with a committed staff, strong agencies and leadership and you can be confident. Your donations are being used for a good purpose.”

Leroy Abrahams, UWCA Campaign Chair, Executive Vice President of Community Engagement, Regions

Learn more about UWCA’s annual campaign + the organizations it supports.

Leroy Abrahams has played many roles within United Way

Leroy Abrahams, Regions, United Way of Central Alabama
Leroy Abrahams helping pack boxes at the Community Food Bank of Central Alabama. (United Way of Central Alabama)

Abrahams has been a contributor to United Way since the beginning of his career.

He’s also served in several leadership roles, including:

  • Visiting Allocation Team (VAT) member
  • Board member in Texas + Alabama
  • Working with Nancy Collat Goedecke on an Annual Campaign almost 10 years ago

Chairing this year’s campaign is both humbling and exciting for this longtime volunteer leader.

Get involved with United Way of Central Alabama

Abrahams is especially passionate about getting young people involved in UWCA.

Here are five easy ways you can start—in some cases, with just an hour of your time:

“If you can carve out some time to volunteer with an agency, it is well worth it. Whether you’re packing food boxes or reading to kids, you’ll be amazed at the difference you can make.

You’ll also be impressed with how UWCA and its agencies can stretch a dollar.”

Leroy Abrahams, UWCA Campaign Chair, Executive Vice President of Community Engagement, Regions

Looking to the future of the 2024 Annual Campaign

Leroy Abrahams, United Way of Central Alabama, Regions
Leroy Abrahams speaking at a J. Mason Davis Leadership Society event. (United Way of Central Alabama)

When he looks at Central Alabama, the two biggest challenges Abrahams sees are affordable housing and education.

To address these and other issues facing our area, UWCA is in the middle of the 2024 Pacesetter Campaign. Their goal: to raise $10.7M.

The Pacesetter results will help UWCA set the Annual Campaign goal, which is usually between $37-39M.

“When we think about the agencies that benefit, it’s a tremendous honor to serve as Chair. I take the responsibility seriously, but also realize this is a team sport.

It’s a privilege to get people engaged and keep folks engaged who have been active all the way through.”

Leroy Abrahams, UWCA Campaign Chair, Executive Vice President of Community Engagement, Regions

Learn more about United Way’s 2024 Annual Campaign + how you can get involved.

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Sharron Swain
Sharron Swain

Writer, Interviewer + Adventurer | Telling stories to make a difference

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