Everyone has mental health, but unfortunately stigma, misinformation, and inequities create barriers that prevent many people from accessing positive mental health support. United Way plays an important role in providing mental health support to individuals and communities, while also creating the partnerships needed to remove barriers to mental health for all.

United Way of Pickens County seeks to lay a foundation for children's healthy development, learning, and long-term well being. 

Your gift to support United Way's Mental Well-being initiatives ensures that children:

• Can focus and participate in school.
• Build resilience and navigate challenges.
• Strengthen relationships and social skills.
• Develop confidence and positive self-identity.
• Have reduced risk of depression, anxiety, substance abuse or chronic stress-related health problems in adulthood.

2024-2025 COMMUNITY IMPACT GRANT AWARDS

The volunteer driven Mental Well-being Impact Council received and reviewed grant requests from the community to fund high quality programs that further United Way's mission to improve 3rd grade reading. The following programs were approved for 2024-2025.

CENTRAL ACADEMY OF THE ARTS: SHINE AND HEAL EXPRESSIVE ART THERAPY 

Shine and Heal: Expressive Arts Therapy for Student Support is designed to provide consistent, school-based expressive arts therapy for students in grades 3–5 at Central Academy of the Arts. The purpose of this program is to support students' emotional well-being through expressive arts therapies (primarily drama and art), helping those affected by trauma, grief, chronic stress, or other mental health challenges that interfere with learning and overall development.