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Health

United Way improves and promotes the physical and mental health of our community. We strive to increase the number of healthy youth and adults and have them avoid risky behaviors. Thirty-one percent of United Way of Southeast Mississippi’s overall community investment is devoted to health-related programs.

Community Investment Partners in this area include:

  • Domestic Abuse Family Shelter

    This organization offers temporary shelter, counseling and a variety of other services to victims of domestic violence, along with prevention programs to the community.

  • D.R.E.A.M. of Hattiesburg (Drug-free Resources for Education and Alternatives in Mississippi)

    DREAM provides drug and alcohol awareness and prevention and an after-school enrichment program to help youth and families lead healthy, drug-free lifestyles.

  • The Family Y

    The Family YMCA's programs emphasize physical fitness and healthy lifestyles.

  • Pinebelt Association for Families

    This organization offers health, nutrition, recreational and support programs for families in which grandparents or other relatives are raising grandchildren.

  • Shafer Center for Crisis Intervention

    The Shafer Center provides support, counseling and referral for victims of sexual violence, homicide and families of suicide victims.

  • South Mississippi Children’s Center

    This shelter offers temporary housing and support for abused, neglected, runaway and homeless children.

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    Learn more about United Way Worldwide’s work for a healthier America

    Meet Zac

    Zac Jones had always struggled in English and reading but excelled in science and math. He was tested for dyslexia as a child but was not properly diagnosed until 2009, when he was 17 years old. The high school senior then began outclient therapy at DuBard School and immediately started making progress. After just one year of therapy, his ACT score nearly DOUBLED, and his grades improved in all academic areas.

    Zac advanced to the community college level and plans on a career in science. He continues therapy twice a week and says his reading improves each month. "Within two months of starting therapy, I could tell a difference at school," Zac said. "I was reading better. I could sound out words and understand their meaning. My grades continue to improve." Zac is another example of your United Way donations at work!