Our Impact

Bringing people & resources together to solve local challenges

Our work is about more than charity—it’s about creating lasting change. We identify the most urgent needs in Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia and partner with local organizations to deliver real, measurable solutions that help individuals and families thrive.

A black and white icon featuring a stylized road looping around and intersecting with itself, with two solid circular shapes.

Ride United

In 2023, United Way of Bristol implemented a new transportation gap program in partnership with Lyft. This program assists employees without transportation get back and forth to work for a limited time.  


In 2025, Ride United has been responsible for:

 -154 unique riders served

 -1,207 completed rides

-6,282+ miles ridden to employment


Mid-year, we expanded the program to include limited medical appointments.

Thank you to our sponsors: Tennessee Valley Authority and Bristol Tennessee Essential Services

An open book with a glowing lightbulb rising from the center, symbolizing knowledge, learning, or a bright idea.

Bristol Afterschool Network (BAN)

A partnership established between UWB and the TN Afterschool Network to create the Bristol Out-of-School Network HUB to improve access and the quality of after-school programs through training, support and advocacy. Our goal is for our children, youth and families to have safe, healthy and enriching out-of-school time experiences. We have had two trainings, one on Human Trafficking within the youth population and another to educate our network on the resources/tools available on the TN Afterschool Network with more than 15 local groups represented.

A black icon featuring an overlapping triangle, square, and circle arranged in a cluster.

K-Ready Kids Program

This literacy program distributes more than 600 back packs annually to incoming kindergarten students in the Bristol VA Public Schools, Bristol TN City Schools and the East Zone of Sullivan County. This program was developed to encourage parents to read with their children and to help them build their home libraries. Each child receives a backpack with two new books and parent engagement activities. We have served 3100 students since the program began five years ago.


Sponsored by AFL Foundry

A black laptop icon with a cursor arrow on the screen.

Senior Digital Literacy Program

This program provides training, digital access, new internet ready devices for seniors in Tennessee (age 60+), to help them connect to services (which are mostly online nowadays), stay engaged more and be less isolated.

How Ride United Works

Ride United

Step 1: Call United Way of Bristol (UWB) at 423-968-4912

An individual calls UWB to discuss the program and determine eligibility. Eligibility depends on funding, distance, cost, and availability.

Ride United

Step 2: Submit work schedule for needed rides

Once approved for the program, each client submits their work schedule here, on the United Way of Bristol website no later than Thursday for the rides needed for the following week. 

Ride United

Step 3: Rides are scheduled by UWB Staff

UWB staff will schedule all rides requested through our website. Client will receive text messages when their rides are on the way. Lyft drivers are paid by UWB, no cost to the client.

United Is The Way

Each day at United Way of Bristol, we walk alongside individuals and families, advancing financial security, opening doors for young people, and improving health and well-being across our community.


We know lasting change does not happen in isolation. While our partner agencies extend our reach in powerful ways, we also cultivate strategic partnerships beyond traditional funding relationships, bringing together healthcare providers, educators, businesses, technology partners, and community organizations to meet immediate needs while helping individuals and families move toward stability and self-sufficiency.

Man and baby lying on green carpet, smiling and looking at each other.
Family of four embraces in a park. Woman in brown jacket smiles, surrounded by three children.

Helping neighbors live longer, stronger lives

Healthy Community

We support programs that expand access to physical and mental health services across Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia. From medical care and dental treatment to counseling, wellness programs, and prevention initiatives, our goal is to help people of all ages live longer, healthier lives.

Building brighter futures

Youth Opportunity

We support children and families through early learning programs, mentoring, and family resources. From affordable child care to after-school opportunities, every child in Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia deserves a strong start and the chance to thrive.

Creating paths out of poverty

Financial Security

We bring together resources to help people find employment, budgeting and money management, access affordable housing, legal support, transportation and more. Our goal is to help individuals and families become more secure, stable, and self-sufficient over time.

Connecting people with resources & each other

Community Resiliency

When you don’t know where to turn, we help you find the right support. Through Resource United, we help people access food, shelter, support networks & more.