United Way of the Midlands receives $100,000 grant from First Citizens Bank
July 23, 2026
First Citizens Bank awarded United Way of the Midlands $100,000 to increase multi-generational economic stability and mobility through its Young Men United initiative and Whole Family Strategy. This latest grant brings the bank’s total commitment to the Midlands community to $300,000 over the past three years.
Whole Family Strategy is a collaborative community initiative that promotes multi-generational economic stability by providing workforce, housing and educational support for adults and their children. The evidence-informed program helps stabilize families during times of crisis while providing individualized case management to increase earned income, maintain stable housing and strengthen children’s educational continuity and support systems.
Young Men United (YMU) is an immersive character and workforce development initiative designed to help young men discover, plan and achieve their post-secondary academic and career goals. The program provides high school and college-age students with guidance, training and real-world experiences to prepare them for long-term career success.
“At First Citizens Bank, we believe strong communities are built by investing in people,” said Marquita Hicks, Community Affairs and Sustainability with First Citizens Bank. “United Way of the Midlands has a proven track record of helping families achieve greater stability and preparing young people for long-term success. We are proud to support these efforts and look forward to the lasting impact this investment will have across the Midlands.”
In 2025, Whole Family Strategy served 580 families, with:
- 64% improving their income stability
- 72% improving housing stability
- 89% of children remaining educationally stable in the same school throughout the academic year
Young Men United currently serves 130 active high school and college-age participants. Now in its fourth year, the program has achieved a 100% on-time graduation rate among participating high school seniors, with 97% of graduates enrolled in or committed to postsecondary education or career training.
“This investment will help more families build lasting financial stability while giving young men the tools, support and opportunities they need to succeed,” said Jennifer Moore, United Way of the Midlands’ Vice President of Community Impact. “We are grateful to First Citizens Bank for believing in this work and investing in solutions that create stronger futures for individuals, families and our entire community.”
Together, United Way of the Midlands and First Citizens Bank are investing in long-term solutions that empower families, develop future leaders and build a stronger Midlands for generations to come.
About United Way of the Midlands
United Way of the Midlands is a collaborative, efficient and accountable organization dedicated to improving the quality of life across the Midlands. Working with more than 70 Community Impact Partners, United Way identifies and addresses critical human service needs in Calhoun, Fairfield, Lexington, Newberry, Orangeburg and Richland counties.
Through workplace campaigns, grants and individual donations, United Way invests in programs that create generational change by empowering individuals and families to build pathways to self-sufficiency.
