Labor & United Way:
Stronger Communities Together.

For over 75 years, organized labor and United Way have been partners in lifting up working families. Here in the Mid-South, that partnership is alive — and growing. And it's not just labor: every company, business, and congregation in the region has a way in.

counties served across TN, MS & AR

229

community partner agencies aligned against poverty

$11M+

in refunds returned through Free Tax Prep last year

2-1-1

the 24/7 helpline — no wrong door

The Labor & United Way partnership

The AFL-CIO and United Way share one of the oldest community partnerships in America — the Community Services program. Through it, unions provide volunteers, Union Counselors, and leadership, while United Way connects workers and their families to the help they need. United Way of the Mid-South carries that legacy forward with a dedicated Labor Liaison on staff and a national partnership with both the AFL-CIO and United Way Worldwide.

Leadership committed to working people

President & CEO

Tomeka Hart Wigginton

President & CEO, United Way of the Mid-South

A born-and-raised Memphian from Goodwill Village and Frayser, Tomeka Hart Wigginton became the first woman to lead United Way of the Mid-South in December 2024. She began her career practicing corporate labor and employment law before serving two terms on the Memphis school board (including as president), leading the Memphis Urban League, and working with the Gates Foundation and Blue Meridian Partners. Her commitment to working families, economic mobility, and the dignity of every Memphian makes her a natural partner for labor.

Partnership in Action

United Way of the Mid-South President & CEO Tomeka Hart Wigginton presents the 2025 Corporate Partner Recognition Award to Kevin Bradshaw — UWMS Board Member — on behalf of WK Kellogg Memphis and BCTGM Local 252G.

Meet your Labor Liaison

Labor Liaison

James E. Jones III

Labor Liaison · President, Teamsters Local 667 · VP, Memphis & West TN CLC

James connects Memphis labor with United Way of the Mid-South — helping unions and unionized employers plug into workplace campaigns, the Union Counselor program, and community service. He puts labor first, always.

Ways to get involved

For Unions

Run a workplace giving campaign, train Union Counselors, and organize volunteer days that put labor's values into action across the Mid-South.

For Unionized Employers

Set up an easy payroll-giving campaign and matching gifts. Show your workforce — and your union partners — that you invest in the community.

For Every Company & Business

Union or not — corporate sponsorships, grants, employee payroll campaigns, and volunteer days. Partners like Wells Fargo, Entergy, Cummins, and Regions already fuel this work. Your business belongs on that list.

For Members & Neighbors

Give, volunteer, or get help. Dial 2-1-1 for resources, or join a day of service alongside your union brothers and sisters.

The work across the Mid-South

Where every dollar goes — from Shelby County to DeSoto, Crittenden, and beyond.

Driving The Dream

A coordinated network of nearly 200 agencies helping families escape generational poverty — one care coordinator, one plan. Six kinds of help: housing, childcare, employment, transportation, health, and financial management.

Explore the six kinds of help