Regions associates generously contribute to United Way chapters across the footprint each year, but their support goes beyond giving. Across the company, associates also volunteer their time and talents with United Way partner agencies, helping extend Regions’ impact in meaningful, hands-on ways.
“One of the most powerful things about United Way is the broad array of services it supports,” said Ryan King, head of Talent Acquisition and chair of the upcoming Regions United Way of Central Alabama campaign. “No matter what you’re passionate about, you can be confident there’s a United Way agency working to meet that need.”
Many United Way agencies align closely with Regions’ community engagement priorities – including economic and community development, education and workforce readiness and financial wellness. Others expand that reach, supporting critical needs such as medical and mental health care, nutrition assistance and disaster relief.
One of the most powerful things about United Way is the broad array of services it supports. Ryan King, head of Talent Acquisition
Here are some recent examples that reflect the breadth of United Way’s impact and the generosity of Regions associates, who are bringing the bank’s mission and values to life.
Mentoring Youth
Kenneth E. Davis, an Information Technology project manager in the Technology, Operations, Digital and Data organization, also serves as Chair of the United Way of Central Alabama’s J. Mason Davis Leadership Society, a community of changemakers dedicated to advancing opportunity through philanthropy, volunteerism and advocacy.
The energy and enthusiasm from the students were contagious.Kenneth E. Davis, an Information Technology project manager in the Technology, Operations, Digital and Data organization
Davis and a group of Regions volunteers recently participated in the J. Mason Davis Day of Mentoring at the Boys & Girls Club in Hueytown/Pleasant Grove. The Regions team led a financial wellness session – helping equip students with knowledge to make informed decisions and build a strong financial future.
“The energy and enthusiasm from the students were contagious,” Davis said. “Being able to connect with them, share real-world insights and hopefully inspire their next steps made it a really rewarding experience for the Regions team.”
Assisting Domestic Violence Survivors
Recently, teammates from People Experience and Solutions came together to support domestic violence survivors by assembling care kits for SafeHouse of Shelby County, a United Way partner agency. The effort was inspired in part by work on a Domestic Violence Playbook and expanded awareness of how Regions can support survivors internally and through community partnerships.
SafeHouse provides shelter, counseling, advocacy and case management for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault across Shelby, Coosa and Clay Counties in Central Alabama. In just one hour, the Regions team assembled 100 kits filled with requested personal care items and handwritten notes of encouragement.
According to Megan Seaton, People Experience manager whose team organized the volunteer activity, the initiative offered both practical support and a reminder to survivors that they are not alone – each kit representing comfort, dignity and compassion during a difficult time.
Addressing Food Insecurity
Oliver Williams and 33 members of his Technology, Operations, Digital and Data Risk team volunteered at the Community Food Bank of Central Alabama, serving the final shift at the organization’s current location before its move to a new facility later this summer.
During their shift, the team packed 630 food boxes, helping ensure that 630 families facing food insecurity will have access to essential support. The effort reflects the continued commitment of Regions associates to meet critical needs in their communities.
Providing Support for Individuals with Disabilities
On Earth Day, Tom Speir and the Investor Relations, Strategy and Corporate Development team volunteered at United Ability’s Dr. E’s place, an adult day program serving individuals with developmental disabilities. United Ability connects people with disabilities to their communities and empowers them to live full and meaningful lives.
The Regions group spent the day engaging with participants through Earth Day-themed activities, including an outdoor scavenger hunt, craft projects, cooking activities and games. Speir said the experience offered a firsthand view of the organization’s impact while creating meaningful moments of connection and joy for both clients and volunteers.
Regions associates also took part in United Ability’s annual Gone Fishin’ event, where participants from the Adult Day program and students from the Hand In Hand Early Learning Program enjoyed a day of fishing and outdoor activities at Oak Mountain State Park.
Dana Johnson from Enterprise Operations and her husband, Jimmy Johnson, a Financial Crimes analyst in the Technology, Operations, Digital and Data division, have volunteered with the event for more than 25 years – an effort that reflects their personal connection to United Ability. Their son, Owen, was part of the very first Hand In Hand class, where he received physical, occupational, and speech therapy while learning alongside children without special needs.
“This environment allowed him to grow and develop without feeling the pressure of being evaluated, which was incredibly beneficial for him and for us as a family,” Jimmy Johnson said.
Kickstarting Early Literacy
Earlier this year, Spring Hill, Fla., Regions Branch Manager Sandra Wall organized a team of 13 associates to support United Way of Hernando County’s annual kickball tournament. The fundraiser benefits the Dolly Parton Imagination Library program, which provides more than 1,100 preschool children with a free book every month to help prepare them for kindergarten.
Everyone loves the kickball tournament. It’s our biggest fundraiser and everyone wants to participate. Sandra Wall, Regions Branch Manager
Wall is a longtime board member of United Way of Hernando County and was recently elected to the organization’s executive board, where she serves as secretary.
“Everyone loves the kickball tournament,” she said. “It’s our biggest fundraiser and everyone wants to participate.”
Regions sponsored the event, fielded a team in the tournament and provided additional volunteers to help ensure its success.
Helping Nonprofits Maximize Impact
Birmingham associates are once again participating in United Way of Central Alabama’s LEARN United program, which supports agencies through flexible training tracks, in-depth cohort programs and year-round learning opportunities.
Regions associates are contributing their financial skills and experience as session leaders. Richard Phillips of the Government and Institutional Banking Credit Products team led Understanding Nonprofit Financial Statements, offering guidance on financial reporting and access to capital. Josh Bryant, Community and Engagement manager, led a session on financial risk management, covering governance, structure, financial controls and fraud prevention.
Most recently, Amanda Saint, a Business Unit controller at Regions, led a session focused on budget management – continuing Regions’ hands-on support to help nonprofit partners build long-term sustainability.
Strengthening Communities Through Leadership and Service
Amy Province, Baton Rouge market executive and Commercial Banking relationship manager, was recently recognized by the YMCA of the Capital Area for her service as board chair over the past three years.
The organization credited Province as “an incredible asset” and thanked her for making a lasting difference. She will continue her board service in a new role as Finance Chair, extending her impact on the YMCA’s mission to support youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.
Volunteering is such a powerful way for our associates to connect with United Way’s mission. Susan Clowdus, United Way program manager and volunteer coordinator for Regions
Province was also named Volunteer of the Year by Unstuck Ministries, previously known as The Life of a Single Mom, a United Way-funded agency and partner of Women United. The organization is one of the nation’s largest programs focused on supporting single mothers, offering services such as life skills education, counseling and community events.
As Regions prepares for its upcoming United Way campaigns, associates continue to make an impact in communities across the footprint – not only through giving, but through hands-on service.
“Volunteering is such a powerful way for our associates to connect with United Way’s mission,” said Susan Clowdus, United Way program manager and volunteer coordinator for Regions. “Whether they’re packing food boxes, mentoring students or sharing their professional skills, they’re helping create stronger, more resilient communities every day.”