UWLES Kicks-Off 80th Year of Impact at Salisbury University

United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore recently held its Kick-Off event for its 80^th year of local impact at Salisbury University.  This annual event brings together business and community leaders to inspire  collaboration on meeting community needs. Presented in partnership with Salisbury University, UWLES recognized annual sponsors Perdue Farms, TidalHealth, Avery Hall Insurance Group, and First Shore Federal, whose generous support helps with year-long campaign efforts.

The program opened with an energizing performance by Salisbury University’s Pep Band, followed by a warm welcome from Dr. Carolyn Ringer-Lepre, President of Salisbury University. UWLES Board Chair Sonya Whited highlighted how five Wicomico community leaders started the local grassroots organization in 1944, now known as United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore, to empower neighbors to give back and support each other during challenging times. “Our focus remains steadfast to create change for all neighbors to have better health & wellness, for youth to have what they need to succeed, and for families to be empowered to achieve financial security,” shared Whited.  “Our founders knew that it all began with them stepping up, and today it’s still up to each of us joining together,” she continued, tying into the year’s theme of United Way Begins with You.

The central part of the morning was an interactive experience to simulate a Month in the Life of ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed), which gave participants a brief window into the daily struggles that more than two out of five households face across the lower shore.  For ALICE households, the experience isn’t brief, nor do they have the ability to go back to a different life; instead, they have to make tough decisions about how to survive on a daily basis.  This experience opened the eyes of all in attendance to the plight of our neighbors.

While UWLES remains an independent local nonprofit, the organization has enjoyed membership in the United Way Worldwide network for about 40 years.  UWLES welcomed special guest John Farden, Executive Vice President of Global Network Advancement & Operations, who shared, “It was a pleasure to join the UWLES team in celebrating their 80th anniversary. I was inspired by the incredible support and enthusiasm of community stakeholders. At United Way Worldwide, we are excited to continue partnering with UWLES to ensure that every person in the community can thrive.”

Pam Gregory, UWLES President & CEO, closed out announcing a new signature event for May, 2025, Over the Edge for ALICE.  UWLES is partnering with The Ross and the City of Salisbury to bring a day of family fun to build awareness about how ALICE lives on the edge each month, while raising money to make our community stronger.  Pam challenged that if the $80,000 Over the Edge for ALICE goal is met, she will rappel off the top of The Ross along with community members who have each raised $1,080 or more towards the goal. More information on sponsorships and participating to rappel will be released in December.

The broadcast recorded by PAC14 is available online at uwles.org or on Facebook (@uwles) and on PAC14.org.  To learn more about UWLES and getting involved through the workplace, holiday events, volunteering or other ways to give, visit uwles.org, socials, or call 410.742.5143.

About United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore:

United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore (UWLES), now in its 80th year of local service, harnesses the power of our community to advance health, education, and financial stability for all neighbors in Dorchester, Somerset, Wicomico, and Worcester counties. UWLES and their community partners help empower Lower Shore residents by addressing barriers to better health, supporting educational success for learners of all ages, and strengthening economic security for local households. UWLES provides direct services, collaborates with stakeholders, and supports dozens of local nonprofits to strengthen the entire community, impacting 1 in every 3 neighbors annually. UWLES’ Get Connected Volunteer Center connects over 200 nonprofits with community members who want to get involved.  For more information on United Way or to help make a local impact, visit: www.uwles.org, www.ShoreGetConnected.org, Facebook@uwles, Instagram@unitedwayles, LinkedIN@uwles or Twitter@UNITEDWAY_LES.