2026 United Way Day of Caring
At VOA Southeast’s Community Enrichment Center, growth happens in more ways than one. During United Way of Southwest Alabama’s Day of Caring, volunteers from Trustmark joined staff and individuals served through our Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) program to restore and replant the center’s community gardens. Together, they created not only a brighter, more welcoming outdoor space, but also meaningful moments of connection and pride for everyone involved.
There was plenty of laughter, teamwork, and muddy hands at VOA Southeast’s Community Enrichment Center during this year’s United Way Day of Caring — and the impact reached far beyond the garden beds.
The Community Enrichment Center serves adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD), providing opportunities for life enrichment, social connection, skill development, and community engagement in a welcoming and supportive environment. Every day, the center works to empower individuals to build confidence, independence, and meaningful relationships while creating a space where everyone feels valued and included.
As part of the 32nd Annual United Way Day of Caring, volunteers from Trustmark joined staff and individuals served by the Community Enrichment Center to revitalize the facility’s outdoor garden areas. Together, the team planted potatoes, squash, cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, strawberries, herbs, and colorful flowers across six garden beds.
What made the day especially meaningful was that the individuals served by the center were not simply watching the project happen — they were active participants alongside the volunteers. Staff members, clients, and volunteers worked side-by-side digging, planting, watering, and sharing conversations throughout the day. The experience created opportunities for connection, teamwork, and pride as everyone contributed to making the center more beautiful and inviting.
For many of the individuals served at the Community Enrichment Center, the day brought excitement and joy that extended far beyond gardening itself. Seeing community members invest their time and energy into their space reinforced a powerful message: they are seen, valued, and supported by the larger community. The refreshed flower beds and growing gardens now provide not only beauty for the facility, but also a sense of ownership and accomplishment for those who helped create them.
The revitalized outdoor space will continue to brighten the facility for months to come, creating a more welcoming environment where participants can gather, learn, and enjoy time outdoors together.
VOA Southeast is deeply grateful to Trustmark for their generous volunteer support and to United Way of Southwest Alabama for organizing another impactful Day of Caring as part of their celebration of 100 years of service in Southwest Alabama. Events like these demonstrate the incredible impact that happens when businesses, nonprofits, volunteers, and community members come together with a shared purpose.
Together, we didn’t just plant gardens — we planted encouragement, connection, and hope.
