Written By JR Robinson

Memphis, This Is Our Call

Every great city has its beating heart—the pulse that keeps it alive, vibrant, and full of possibility. For Memphis and the Mid-South, that heart has, for more than 100 years, been the United Way of the Mid-South. But its legacy is more than annual campaigns or community banners—it’s a living, breathing movement that continues to change the stories of thousands of our neighbors.

This is a reflection on that powerful legacy, an exploration of its impact, and a challenge—a call to every Memphian to help power the lights of hope, dignity, and transformation through United Way. For me, that journey began nearly four decades ago in the unlikeliest of places—a McDonald’s conference room—and has never truly ended.

United Way of the Mid-South: A Century of Lifting Our City

Humble Beginnings

The United Way of the Mid-South began with borrowed funds and a simple idea: together, we can do more for our community. In 1923, as the Memphis Community Fund, it raised the equivalent of nearly half a million dollars—an audacious act in a city still finding its way, supporting 21 local nonprofits.

The organization’s role quickly grew. During World War II, at the urging of President Roosevelt, United Way merged its efforts with wartime appeals for a unified fundraising campaign. Its evolution—through name changes, shifting priorities, and expanding counties—never lost sight of one bedrock principle: unite resources, empower local agencies, and give every Memphian a better shot at life.

A Legacy of Service

For over 100 years, United Way of the Mid-South has braided together time, talent, and treasure to rewrite the stories of the Mid-South’s most vulnerable citizens. From its roots supporting a handful of agencies, it now stewards funding and partnerships benefiting over 130 nonprofits, touching lives across Crittenden (AR), DeSoto, Tate, Tunica (MS), and Fayette, Lauderdale, Shelby, and Tipton counties in Tennessee.

Through decades, three priorities have defined its work:

• Education: Ensuring that every child has the chance to learn, grow, and thrive.
• Financial Stability: Creating pathways out of poverty and toward independence.
• Health: Providing support for physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

These pillars continue to guide United Way’s investments, initiatives, and advocacy throughout our greater Memphis area.

Fighting Poverty at Its Core

Today, roughly 23% of Memphians—and a staggering 33% of our children—live beneath the poverty line. United Way of the Mid-South has taken on poverty as its number one priority, mobilizing resources for the programs and people most capable of producing lasting change.

Its collective impact is deeply woven into the fabric of Memphis:

• Driving the Dream: An innovative initiative connecting families with a network of over 170 agencies, this “no wrong door” system means people in crisis are guided, supported, and empowered along their entire journey—from child care and transportation to housing, mental health, and employment.
• Day of Caring: Each September, more than 1,200 volunteers fan out across the city, contributing over $260,000 worth of donated work in a single day—beautifying neighborhoods, bolstering nonprofits, packing supplies for at-risk youth, lending a hand to seniors, and more.
• Year-Round Engagement: United Way’s network of volunteers and partners works daily to tutor, mentor, and offer hope, with focused programs supporting everything from job skills and food assistance to disaster relief and health care support.

Stories That Move Us

Behind every dollar and every data point is a human story. Mothers struggling to keep their daughters in school because of transportation barriers. Nonprofits built on hope, receiving critical funding during uncertain times. Veterans finding a path home. Single parents turning desperation into determination. The United Way gives these stories hope.

“We have changed time and time again. We sowed seeds into a number of nonprofit organizations doing great work.”

—Lori Spicer Robertson, Chief Communications and Engagement Officer, United Way of the Mid-South

Leadership for a New Generation: The Story of Tomeka Hart Wigginton

A Life Rooted in Memphis

At the helm of United Way of the Mid-South is Tomeka Hart Wigginton, a woman whose own life journey reads like the story of the city she now serves. Born in Goodwill Village—a Memphis public housing unit—Tomeka’s family knew struggle. Her mother was a domestic worker, her father held three jobs. She grew up “working poor,” seeing firsthand the challenges faced by so many in our community.

But there is nothing ordinary about Tomeka Hart Wigginton’s path.

• A Passion to Serve: Tomeka began as a public school teacher, before becoming a lawyer and then a Memphis City Schools board member—including a term as Board President. Driven by the belief that she was “constantly chasing impact,” she transitioned from corporate law to nonprofit leadership, first as CEO of the Memphis Urban League and later through national work with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Teach for America.

• Lead by Example: Tomeka’s connection to United Way runs deep. “I couldn’t have survived as a CEO without the United Way. They were a huge portion of the Urban League budget. Through them, we made change happen.” Her “mission-driven” heart led her to leave more lucrative work behind for community transformation.

Vision for the Future

Tomeka began her tenure as President and CEO in December 2024, stepping in after Rev. Kenneth S. Robinson’s distinguished leadership. She brings a collaborative vision—determined to scale “Driving the Dream,” modernize United Way’s engagement, and ensure every dollar matters for our neighbors most in need.

“My family would have been the Drive the Dream target,” she shares. The mission is personal, and her leadership both pragmatic and visionary. She embraces United Way’s legacy, yet insists on innovation for the challenges of the next century.

Tomeka’s story reminds every Memphian: This work isn’t just for someone else. It’s for all of us.

Your Personal Impact: How Every Memphian Can Help

Why United Way Needs YOU

The United Way of the Mid-South is not powered solely by corporate sponsors or government grants—it is fueled by thousands of ordinary Memphians who step up, give, and get involved.

No matter your skills, schedule, or bank account, there is a place for you to “Live United:”

Ways to Engage

• Give: Donate money, stocks, or resources. Payroll deductions, one-time gifts, or ongoing support all make a difference. Funds go directly to local programs that help people climb out of poverty and build brighter futures.
• Volunteer: Join Volunteer United or become an ambassador, lending your talents to everything from tutoring to painting. Special events like Day of Caring need helping hands at every level.
• Advocate: Use your voice for policy change, connect with leadership and share the United Way story on social media or in your network.
• Engage: Join leadership circles like Women United or the Tocqueville Society. Invite United Way to speak at your workplace, faith group, or club—and rally support for the mission in your world.

Every act—large or small—builds the future of Memphis.

The Power of Corporate Partnerships

United Way’s historic strength is in collaboration. Over 400 local companies participate in campaigns, generating contributions from more than 40,000 donors. As a business leader or employee, supporting United Way at work multiplies your chance to change lives.

My Own Story: A Memphis “JustMy” Moment

As I reflect on my own United Way journey—a journey that began in 1986 on my very first big assignment in the marketing and PR office with Century Management, a McDonald’s Franchisor with over 30 stores—I see the echoes of United Way’s mission in my own story.

Back then, I was charged with encouraging every McDonald’s employee to donate a portion of each paycheck to United Way. Before launching the campaign, I was taken on a tour of local nonprofits that depended on those donations. It was eye-opening and heart-wrenching. The grit, resilience, and dreams of those I met left a mark on me that has never really faded.

I saw mothers working two jobs, children needing backpacks and support after school, families who had lost everything, and the quiet champions working to lift them up. That tour—and the sense of resolve it sparked—was, in spirit, the birth of JustMy. It showed me that storytelling, compassion, and collective energy can change lives.

As I listened to these stories, sometimes through tears, I felt a determination to help. I understood, deep down, that the pain of our city should not define us but instead inspire us, connect us, and move us to action. That is what United Way did for me. That’s what I believe it can do for every Memphian.

The Challenge: What Will YOU Do for Memphis?

The United Way of the Mid-South isn’t just an organization. It’s a movement, a torch of hope, and a promise that we can lift one another out of darkness. But that promise is only possible if we answer the call together.

• Are you ready to help a child find their way?
• Could you support a family on the edge of homelessness?
• Do you believe that your voice, effort, or dollar could help a neighbor rewrite their story?

This city’s story—your story—is waiting to be written. Let’s honor United Way’s legacy by powering its future.

Memphis, the lights of United Way shine because of you. Let’s do our part. Give. Volunteer. Advocate. Engage.

Learn more about how you can join this movement at United Way of the Mid-South, and let’s make tomorrow better—together.

“The pains of life don’t have to be what defines us. That’s why I wanted to be a champion then, and that’s why I’m a champion now. United Way is still amazing. The call remains: What can you do, Memphis, to power the lights of United Way?”