Pro-Life/Pro-Choice Position Statement
United Way Position on Pro-Life/Pro-Choice Issues

The role of United Way of Greater Chattanooga is to unite the community in responding to health and human service needs. United Way is a consensus organization that represents a wide range of public opinion.

Occasionally an issue arises which, because of its sensitive nature, compels the volunteer Board of Directors to determine it is beyond the scope of our United Way to address. We cannot become a magnet that attracts one view and repels another.

The pro-choice/pro-life issue has divided communities across the nation. United Way must set itself apart from this issue so that a contribution does not become a vote for or against the issue.

United Way of Greater Chattanooga, serving Southeast Tennessee, Northwest Georgia and Northeast Alabama, is neither a pro-choice nor pro-life organization. This United Way does not fund the delivery or advocacy of abortion nor does it fund the promotion of the pro-life point of view.

Requests for pregnancy counseling made to United Way or United Way 2-1-1 – the information and referral service sponsored by United Way – are referred to any of several appropriate organizations, whether or not they are United Way agencies. It is important to note that there are currently no “pro-choice” provider agencies within the service area for the United Way of Greater Chattanooga.  

The people helped through United Way depend upon the goodwill and contributions of all our citizens. Contributions provide funding for vital programs through United Way partner agencies. Your continued support of the United Way is needed to help ensure that those services will continue to be available for local people in need.

Partnership for Families, Children and Adults 
Statement Regarding Pregnancy Counseling:

An individual who seeks counseling at this agency in regard to pregnancy may share concerns, feelings and thoughts about the situation, just as in the case of a person who comes to the agency for counseling in any area of personal or family concern. In all areas of counseling, the partnership is non-judgmental.

When individuals request information regarding resources for termination of pregnancy, it is suggested that they consult their private physicians and/or the local health department.

Sandra Hollett
Executive Director
Partnership for Families, Children and Adults

Partnership for Families, Children and Adults offers more than twenty counseling, residential, and case management services at several area locations. Partnership programs receiving United Way support are: Family and Individual Counseling (counseling, seminars and support for individuals and families); Consumer Credit Counseling (budget counseling and education, debt management); Services to the Deaf (communication services, counseling and advocacy for the hearing impaired); Combined Homemaker Services and Combined Geriatrics (case management and/or direct assistance enabling the elderly and disabled to remain in their own homes); Group Home for Girls ( a residential and counseling program for teen girls referred by Juvenile Court); Emergency Shelter for Girls (a short-term, protective residential facility for dependent, neglected and homeless teen girls); Pregnancy Counseling and Parent Education (for adolescents and adults); Family Emergency Shelter (short term shelter and referral services for homeless families); Family Violence Shelter & Services (shelter, counseling, transitional and support services for women escaping violence); Transitions (Housing) for Women (temporary housing and case management for single, adult women with low incomes and rehabilitation need).