Special Projects

United Way collaborates with local governmental agencies, nonprofits, and citizens to identify pressing community needs and find solutions. Some of United Way's recent collaborations include:

Disaster Response and Recovery
United Way and our funded agencies responded to Hurricane Katrina by helping thousands of evacuees who came to Central Arkansas. Should another disaster strike, United Way is ready and willing to help with disaster response and recovery.

United Way has established a 2-1-1 phone number in Northwest Arkansas. Similar to 911, this hotline connects people with social services such as elder care, job training, food pantries, and volunteer oppurtunities. The 2-1-1 system also currently operates a user-friendly website in Central Arkansas to assist those with internet access.

Arkansas Homefront Fund The Arkansas Homefront Fund was established by the Heart of Arkansas United Way to provide assistance to Arkansas Reserve Components members and their families in times of financial crisis caused by mobilization and/or deployment to fight the war on terrorism. Any current member of a reserve component unit located in Arkansas and is currently deployed, scheduled to deploy, or is returning from mobilization and deployment is eligible.

Future Smiles Dental Clinic
United Way invested $150,000 to help establish a school-based dental clinic for children who might otherwise go without dental care. Thousands of children are now receiving dental care, so they can have a smile to be proud of.

United Way partnered with UALR Children International, the Dental Health Action Team, the Little Rock School District, and other organizations on this project.

Gifts in Kind
United Way operates this program to ensure that local nonprofits receive the products and services they need. United Way helps distribute millions of dollars in donated goods including clothing, office supplies, and toys.

Emergency Food and Shelter Program
United Way helps distribute tens of thousands of dollars to local organizations who help hungry, homeless, and other needy people.

IBM Technology Grants
For the past ten years, United Way and IBM Corporation have helped narrow the digital divide by ensuring that local non-profit agencies receive state-of-the-art computers. Hundreds of young children are getting a jump start on their education by learning valuable computer skills on Young Explorers computers. Agencies that have received Young Explorer computers include St. Francis House, North Hills Services, the YMCA, AEDD, and the Francis Allen School.

Venture Funds Projects that have received venture funding include:
Alzheimer’s Arkansas File of Life program helps people collect personal medical information/identification to assist emergency personnel. Contact Priscilla Pittman - This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Arkansas Hospice Angels program provides "make-over" services such as haircuts, massages, manicures and facials to terminally ill individuals. These pampering treatments add joy and the comfort of human contact to the final days of life for hospice patients.
Camp Aldersgate Young Adult Weekend Camps provide the opportunity for young adults with disabilities to socialize with each other in an outdoor setting.
Family Service Agency Children's Advocacy Center serves victims of child sexual and physical abuse.
Girl Scouts Ouachita Council Girl’s on the Move program is designed for girls age 6-17 in Pulaski County who are homeless. Activities include tutoring, participation in girl scouting activities, team building and development of fundamental skills to build self esteem.
Hearts and Hooves is working to find out how equine activities can help adults with multiple sclerosis and children with disabilities.
Literacy Council of Lonoke County teaches adults how to read and write, and helps them acquire basic computer skills.
PALS program is sponsored by the North Little Rock Police Department. This “Survivor” style camping program provides team building and character development for at-risk, low income youth.