Melissa says she didn’t know 211 even existed before taking a job as a Community Connection Specialist just over three years ago. “I went to Georgia State University, and I had heard of United Way [of Greater Atlanta] in the years prior, but I had no idea that 211 was a thing and I never…

This story was published on Feb. 7, 2021, and it has been updated as of March 30, 2021 LaKeta’s phone rings, and she puts on her headset and adjusts her microphone before clicking on the screen of her monitor to answer. The woman on the other end tells LaKeta, a United Way of Greater Atlanta…

"Community service has been an important aspect in my life, and since moving to Georgia, I saw that YPL provided engaging and impactful opportunities in multiple spaces that allowed me to be amongst my peers."

"I am most passionate about improving educational outcomes for youth. I believe having a solid education can provide children with a path forward and an opportunity to follow their dreams."

"The United Way really 'gets it.' I love the affinity groups that the United Way offers and having the opportunity to serve with Women United has been an awesome experience."

Laura Salvatore Adams is passionate about public health work. But, more recently, she’s seen how the importance a community places on the health of its citizens can impact a family’s ability to grow its wealth. Adams is one of many United Way of Greater Atlanta’s Young Professional Leaders who volunteered in the LINC and YPL…