United Way of Acadiana

06/12/2026

Did you know that we have more than 80 businesses participating as Stuff the Bus locations?

Stuff the Bus, presented by Hancock Whitney, helps ensure educators across Acadiana have the resources they need to support student success. Stop by any Stuff the Bus drop-off location in Lafayette, Acadia, Iberia, St. Martin, or Vermilion Parish to help stock local classrooms with these essential supplies.

🔗See the full list of all participating businesses on our website: https://unitedwayofacadiana.org/stuffthebus/.

06/11/2026

We had a great turnout at this afternoon’s Resources for Resilience session!

Thank you to Elsa Dimitriadis, Executive Director of Acadiana Regional Coalition on Homelessness and Housing - ARCH , for leading an engaging discussion, and thank you to everyone who attended and participated. We also appreciate @232-HELP / Louisiana 211 for providing the conference room for the session.

Together, attendees explored local resources, identified service gaps and barriers, and strengthened connections to better support individuals and families across Acadiana.

06/11/2026

We are so excited to join the Vermilion Chamber of Commerce family! 💛💙❤️

🎉💙 Welcome New Member: United Way of Acadiana! 💙🎉

Please join us in welcoming United Way of Acadiana to the Vermilion Chamber of Commerce!

For generations, United Way of Acadiana has worked to strengthen communities across our region by investing in education, financial stability, health, and programs that improve quality of life for families. Their commitment to creating opportunities and building stronger futures has made a lasting impact throughout Acadiana.

We are especially excited about the new United Way of Acadiana Abbeville Early Learning Center, which will serve as an important resource for children and families in Vermilion Parish. Access to quality early childhood education is critical to the success of our workforce, our families, and our community, and this investment represents a significant step forward for our area.

📅 Mark your calendars! United Way of Acadiana will host a Grand Opening Celebration on July 29, with more details to be announced soon.

We are proud to welcome United Way of Acadiana to our Chamber family and look forward to the positive impact they will continue to make in Vermilion Parish.

💙 Welcome to the Chamber!

06/09/2026

Last week, we had the opportunity to present at the TexBioMed event, where Heather Blanchard, CEO of United Way of Acadiana, and Marissa Winters, Director of Community Impact, shared insights about our work and guided students through the ALICE simulation.

We enjoyed connecting with students, discussing the importance of community impact, and demonstrating how the ALICE simulation helps strengthen understanding of local challenges and opportunities.

Thank you to the University of Louisiana at Lafayette for inviting us to be part of this meaningful experience.

Interested in learning more about what UWA is doing in your area? Invite us to speak at your next meeting or event—we’d love to connect. Contact us today at unitedwayofacadiana.org/contact.

06/08/2026

The first years matter most—they shape a lifetime of learning and success 🌟

Thanks to our dedicated partners at Ochsner Lafayette General, Our Lady of Lourdes Women's & Children's Hospital, and Iberia Medical Center , Resources for Developing Minds is reaching families from the very start. By putting tools for early learning directly into the hands of new parents, we’re helping close gaps before they begin.

We’re proud to support Acadiana families through the moments that matter most! 💙

For more information and to explore helpful resources designed to support you and your child’s development, get started here: https://unitedwayofacadiana.org/developingminds/

06/05/2026

This World Environment Day, we’re celebrating the impact of LIFE and the partnership between Fightingville Fresh and Earthshare Gardens .

Together, they are supporting backyard gardeners, expanding local growing capacity, and investing in solutions that strengthen food equity and environmental sustainability throughout Lafayette.

These efforts are creating greener neighborhoods, increasing access to fresh produce, and building a stronger, healthier Acadiana for future generations. 🌎💚

06/05/2026

Did you know these are the top 10 most requested classroom supplies by teachers? Stuff the Bus, presented by Hancock Whitney, helps ensure educators across Acadiana have the resources they need to support student success.

You can help support local teachers by donating supplies at any Stuff the Bus collection site, shopping our Amazon Wish List, or making a gift to the Stuff the Bus Fund at unitedwayofacadiana.org/stuffthebus.

Together, we can help teachers start the school year prepared for success.

06/04/2026

Join us next week for the next Resources for Resilience session, Navigating Community Resources, led by Elsa Dimitriadis, Executive Director of ARCH Acadiana.

This session will focus on mapping available community services such as housing, healthcare, education, and employment, identifying service gaps and barriers, and strengthening referral networks to better support individuals and families.

🗓 Thursday, June 11, 2026
📍 1005 Jefferson St, Lafayette, LA 70501
🕦 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

🔗 Register today: https://unitedwayofacadiana.org/resourcesforresilience/

06/02/2026

This is the final week to submit applications for United Way of Acadiana’s 2026–2027 Education Innovation Grants.

These grants support innovative classroom projects that create meaningful learning opportunities for students across Acadiana and help educators bring new ideas to life in their schools.

Applications will close at 4:30 p.m. on Friday, June 5. We encourage all educators to apply before the deadline.

Learn more and submit your application at unitedwayofacadiana.org/education/educationinnovation.