Every two years, the United Way of Danville-Pittsylvania County researches current local data to identify needs for individuals and families in the Dan River Region.
Through services, referrals, and financial support, we work hand-in-hand with our neighbors to build a brighter future for everyone within our community!
Funds generated from the campaign are used to support programs that address the area’s highest priorities in education, youth development, basic needs, and economic opportunity.
Our nonprofits are so important to the health of our community, but they can’t do it without the help of volunteers like you!
United Way of Danville-Pittsylvania County manages people and resources to create positive solutions in lives that need it most. Your donations help us make a difference!
United Way of Danville-Pittsylvania County hosts various events throughout the year such as blood drives, wiffleball tournaments, morning brews, conferences, and more!
United Way is here to help. For immediate help, contact 2-1-1 for help and resources.
The United Way of Danville-Pittsylvania County (UWDPC) works to advance the common good. This means creating opportunities for a better life for all. This is accomplished through our funding of programs and initiatives provided by supported agencies, participation in collaborative efforts, and involving our community in solutions that benefit all of us.
When we reach out a hand to one, we influence the condition of all. Our leadership understands that we all win when a child succeeds in school, when families are financially stable and when people have good health. These results and changes have benefits that ripple out to the community.
For more than 100 years, UWDPC has held a reputation as the community’s fundraiser, but United Way doesn’t just raise money. Today’s United Way is a focused, result-driven system working year-round to change community conditions and create lasting solutions. Much like a “general contractor” manages all aspects of constructing a building, UWDPC manages people and resources to create lasting, positive solutions in lives that need it most. Through strong partnerships with volunteers, local businesses, government and nonprofit organizations, UWDPC accomplishes what no one can do alone.
UWDPC is dedicated to improving the lives of our area by mobilizing the caring power of our community to make lasting measurable changes in the conditions that affect us most.
We aim to be the leader and rallying point for community impact in Danville and Pittsylvania County. Learn more about how to support your local United Way.
The Community Chest of Danville, Virginia was formed on May 22, 1922.
The audited campaign result for the first year of the Danville Community Chest was $75,225.50.
Dan River Cotton Mills contributions made up over one-third of the campaign total of $104,119.
D.D. Buchanan ended 27-year run of service as Danville Community Chest Secretary. Community Chest name changed to United Fund.
Danville United Fund hired its first full-time Executive Director Charles Colwell.
Dr. Charles Schollenberger became the United Funds Second Executive Director, but tragically passed away in 1965.
Fred Evans began a 32-year run as Executive Director.
Upon Fred Evans’ retirement William (Bill) Kantz became Executive Director.
2-1-1 was designated as a health and human services information hotline through the collaboration of United Way and the Alliance of information and Referral Systems.
Patrick Jinks became Executive Director (now President/CEO) of United Way of Danville-Pittsylvania County.
United Way work was now well beyond agency funding. Numerous collaborative initiatives were formed.
The collaborative initiatives formed include the Dan River Center for Voluntarism, Neighbors Helping Neighbors, Born Learning, The BEST Initiative, Smart Beginnings DPC, and the Neighborhood Leadership Institute.
United Way moved to its own new building, downtown in the Historic Tobacco Warehouse District.
United Way of Danville-Pittsylvania County and the Center for Early Success announced a $5.4 million grant from the Danville Regional Foundation to advance Smart Beginnings and its school readiness initiative.
United Way of Danville-Pittsylvania becomes Dolly Parton Imagination Library Affiliate for Danville and Pittsylvania County.
30+ year United Way of Danville-Pittsylvania County employee, Jean Walker, retired and June Walters assumes the role as Finance Director.
Philip Haley became President/CEO.
United Way meets campaign goal of $700,000 for the first time in 8 years.
The United Way ALlCE project is a nationwide effort to quantify and describe the number of households that are struggling financially.
The first ALlCE report was presented in a conversational accessible format that is easily accessed by businesses, government, nonprofits, academia, the press, and citizens. The Project also provides regular updates and special subject reports that drill down on specific issues.
Jennifer Smith became President/CEO.
UWDPC began working with Danville Public Schools and created The Transition Stop.
The program is designed to remove barriers of learning through the distribution of free clothing, hygiene products, and school supplies, and providing free access to washer and dryer facilities.
Owens-lllinois’ Glass4Good program began in Danville with a pilot program with United Way of Danville-Pittsylvania County.
Upon Jennifer Smith’s retirement, Cathy Gore became President/CEO.
Our Future Begins With YOU
Now, we want YOU to be apart of our history and keep these pages turning for years to come.
Our history was shaped by the selfless acts of people like you. With donations and volunteering we are able to provide the programs for people to prosper in work, health, and education. None of our history here would be possible without every contribution from every individual that chose to walk with us and make a difference. Thank you for taking a step through time with us.
President/CEO
Cathy has been with UWDPC since 2022, bringing valuable experience from her previous role as Director of Business and Financial Services for the Prevention Services Division at Danville-Pittsylvania Community Services. A native of Pittsylvania County, she holds a degree in Business Administration from Liberty University. Outside of work, Cathy enjoys spending time with her family and friends. In her free time, she can often be found walking or biking along the Riverwalk Trail.
Community Engagement Coordinator
Eben has been serving at UWDPC as a Bonner Leader in 2022. Now, he brings his knowledge of community partners and expertise in communications to expand the awareness of UWDPC in the Danville-Pittsylvania County area. Eben holds a bachelor’s degree in English form Averett University and is a graduate of the 2025 class of Leadership Southside.
Investment and Engagement Director
Phyllis has been serving UWDPC as Investment and Engagement Director since April 2025. She is a native of Danville and brings years of experience in United Way non-profit management from United Way of Greater Greensboro where she held the title of Data and Technology Director for twelve years.
Explore key highlights from our annual report below. For a comprehensive view, download the full report here.
children received high quality literacy support.
youth received educational support.
individuals received services for their health.
individuals assisted with their finances.
people were trained on home maintenance.
people were advised on
employment and self-sufficiency.
round trips to help individuals gain access to health care.
middle and high school students were placed with a mentor.
students advanced to the next grade level.
United Way of Danville-Pittsylvania County is fully committed to transparency. We have earned a Gold Seal of Transparency from Guidestar. Our donors can feel confident that when we say our money stays local, we mean it!
United Way Danville-Pittsylvania County’s strategic plan will be used as a roadmap for the continuous improvement of efforts to fulfill its mission. For a comprehensive view of our 2025-2028 strategic plan, download it here or click the button below.