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Matt

Matt

“It’s such a joy knowing that I’m helping those services—just like we received—to happen.” Matt’s daughter, Emma, was born six weeks early at 3 pounds, five ounces. Immediately after delivery, his wife’s blood pressure spiked and his infant daughter was rushed...
Sherry

Sherry

“It’s an opportunity to give back to the community. And I feel very fortunate with the life I’ve led. I look out and I see so many people that are struggling and it was a good opportunity to try to help those people that were in need.” 15 years ago, Sherry was looking...
La Rhonda

La Rhonda

“In the beginning, I was a little nervous but here I am six years later and to see the impact that just me—just a volunteer—has. I don’t possess any type of legal experience; I don’t have a JD degree. What I have is basically a heart of compassion and the willingness...
Clayton

Clayton

“That’s how communities are built: giving to and supporting one another.” When Clayton first moved from a farming community in Iowa to Nashville, he spent his nights playing music on stage at Tootsie’s. He landed a publishing contract but decided to leave it behind to...
Ross

Ross

“All of us have a responsibility to make our community better.” Ross joined PICA’s team when he moved from Maryland to Tennessee in 2012. He was intrigued by United Way, so he started to meet with some funded partner agencies to learn about their work on the...
Reginald

Reginald

“You don’t always have to be giving money to give back.” Reginald grew up in Bethlehem Centers, a United Way funded partner—from pre-K to after-school programs to internships. “If it weren’t for Bethlehem Centers, I probably wouldn’t be half of the person that I am...
Rachel B

Rachel B

Judge Rachel Bell says her purpose in life was to be a leader in North Nashville. As a general sessions court judge for division 8 in North Nashville, she’s fulfilling that purpose—specifically through the Music City Community Court and McGruder Center. “I’ve always...
Michael

Michael

“It’s a scary feeling when you’re completely out of resources—and I’m not someone who likes to ask for help.” On March 13, Michael was waiting backstage at the Fillmore in Minneapolis when his tour manager told the band to pack up their things. They were going home....
Mika

Mika

“It really strengthens us professionally and helps us see the benefit of financial giving and how it actually impacts the community.” Mika has been with Bank Director, a United Way corporate partner, for almost 10 years. She says her company has always supported...
Lamar

Lamar

“I missed so much time when they were little—and you can’t get that time back—the only thing you can do is just move forward and do better as a father, as a man. I usually get them every other weekend and I try to get them during the week, pick them up, take them to...
Hans

Hans

“United Way in my opinion just has the greatest reach.” Every year at United Way’s Stuff the Bus Day of Action, you’ll find Hans leading assembly lines, hauling stacks of boxes and moving dollies—long after his volunteer shift has technically ended. Hans has always...
Joan

Joan

“Many people who originally were able to live in the community, especially in the inner city—it’s just unaffordable without the skills or the kinds of jobs that you need to buy a home or rent.” Joan has always been passionate about public health, specifically the ways...