As The Capital Area United Way (CAUW) proudly celebrates 100 years of continuous operation, there’s no doubt that much has changed since it began. But through the power of leveraging community partnerships, one thing remains: CAUW’s strategy of improving lives of those in the surrounding 10-parish area.
Described by President and Chief Executive Officer George Bell as a “funder and fundraiser,” the 501(c)3 organization utilizes the support it generates from its donors, volunteers and over 250 corporate partners.
AT A GLANCE
Top executives: Charlene Montelaro, Board Chair; Cheri M. Ausberry, Board Chair-Elect; George Bell, President and Chief Executive Officer; Amey Shortess Crousillac, Executive Vice President
Phone: 225.383.2643
Address: 700 Laurel St., Baton Rouge, LA 70802
Website: cauw.org
“In the last three years alone, we have been able to grant over $10 million to 89 non-profits in our 10-parish service area,” reports Bell. “In addition, we support internal initiatives such as our Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program, BankOn and 211.”
211 is CAUW’s free and confidential resource call center. By calling this easy-to-remember number, anyone within CAUW’s 10-parish service region can be connected to the best resource to meet their needs.
“This line has been successful because callers are talking with a trained specialist who is knowledgeable, compassionate and solutions for food insecurity,” says Bell. “And if you have a need beyond the primary reason you called, our call specialists are trained to answer those questions as well.”
Programs like 211 demonstrate how CAUW works to meet members of the community where they are. The organization takes a similar approach with its corporate partners—helping them enhance their employee engagement to achieve corporate social responsibility goals. “Some employees new to the workforce may not be aware of all that we do, but we find that many people have a strong desire to support their community,” says Bell. “Our approach is to listen to what employers and employees need and offer solutions about how they can benefit communities where they live and work.”
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- Certified IRS VITA volunteers help community members file their taxes for FREE.
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- President & CEO George Bell reads to children at Kidz Karousel during CAUW’s Early Childhood Education Day
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- Capital Area United Way’s Women United affinity group collects hygiene products to distribute among those in need in the surrounding 10-parish service area.
Bell recounts a St. James Parish company that was already very involved in the community but needed help amplifying their efforts. “After listening to their needs, we were able to recommend a very targeted range of services,” says Bell. “We’re good at leveraging relationships and funds to intensify what a company would normally be able to do.”
Along with CAUW’s centennial celebration comes another exciting milestone: the building that they have occupied since 1982 is being renovated. With an expected April completion, this renovation of the original Old Public Library of East Baton Rouge Parish includes interior and exterior work. “This restoration will not only give the building a refreshed look, but will also add much needed energy efficiency,” says Bell of the building, which was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2024.
For the past 43 years, the building has allowed the CAUW staff, which currently numbers 21 employees, a place to conduct their work and meet with community partners. In addition to daily operations, the restoration will strategically allow CAUW and its non-profit partners and volunteers space to use when they are in transition or following a disaster.
“It’s pretty exciting to be part of an organization that has sustained itself for 100 years,” says Bell. “But this would not be possible without the generous support of our community, donors, volunteers and corporate partners. And for that reason, we celebrate them.
