News Summary
United Way of the Coastal Empire has appointed Carissa Hendricks as the new regional county director for Liberty and Long counties, beginning August 18. Her background in community service and previous role as a program coordinator at the Liberty and Long County Service Center highlights her dedication to local families. Economic challenges in the region are emphasized by recent ALICE data, which indicates that over half of Liberty County residents live below the ALICE threshold, necessitating focused community efforts.
Hinesville, GA – United Way of the Coastal Empire has appointed Carissa Hendricks as the new regional county director for Liberty and Long counties. Hendricks is set to provide strategic leadership and oversight to further United Way’s mission in these regions, officially assuming her role on August 18, 2025.
The president and CEO of United Way of the Coastal Empire, Kimberly Waller, commended Hendricks for her exceptional leadership qualities. Her passion for community service and strong ties to Liberty County were highlighted as significant assets that will benefit her new position.
Previously, Hendricks worked as a program coordinator at the Liberty and Long County Service Center under the United Way umbrella. Her experience encompasses wellness programming, coordination in human resources, and a wealth of volunteer and service leadership. She expressed eagerness to return to United Way, stating that she is excited about the opportunity to support local families in her leadership role.
ALICE Data Highlights Economic Challenges
In related news, recent data from United Way’s ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) report indicates that a concerning 54% of Liberty County residents are living below the ALICE threshold. This figure denotes a 9% increase, highlighting growing economic challenges within the community.
The ALICE household survival budget for 2023 shows that a single adult requires an annual income of $33,876, or an hourly wage of $16.94 to meet basic needs. For a family of four, the threshold rises significantly to $78,804, necessitating a combined hourly wage of $39.40 for two adults.
United Way chief operating officer Leia Dedic pointed out that families falling below the ALICE threshold typically have little to no savings and earn too much to qualify for public assistance, exacerbating their economic challenges. The region exhibits notable disparities; for example, Emanuel County’s ALICE threshold is $67,000, while Forsyth County’s is considerably higher at $110,000.
County Comparisons and Community Needs
The ALICE data has been instrumental for United Way in attracting grant funding, which is essential for tailoring community efforts to focus on pressing needs such as transportation and childcare. Comparing nearby counties reveals that Liberty County has a higher percentage of residents living below the ALICE threshold, in contrast to Oconee County at 33% and Wheeler County at 83%.
Leadership Southeast Georgia Program
Additionally, the Leadership Southeast Georgia program recently wrapped up its final session, which concentrated on regional health and infrastructure across 10 coastal counties. Participants presented capstone projects showcasing community-focused solutions and engaged in discussions covering various issues affecting their regions.
The program’s conclusion highlighted the collaborative efforts of local leaders and organizations dedicated to enhancing community engagement and development. Numerous sponsors supported the initiative, reflecting a strong commitment to fostering education and local development across the coastal region.
As Carissa Hendricks steps into her new role, the collective efforts of individuals and organizations like United Way aim to address the challenges faced by families in Liberty and Long counties, creating a more equitable and supportive community.
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Additional Resources
- Savannah Tribune: United Way Names Hendricks Regional County Director
- Coastal Courier: ALICE Data Shows Liberty Co Cost of Living Remains High
- Grice Connect: Leadership Southeast Georgia Celebrates Graduates
- Wikipedia: Economic Inequality
- Google Search: Liberty County ALICE Data
Author: STAFF HERE SAVANNAH WRITER
SAVANNAH STAFF WRITER The SAVANNAH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESavannah.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Savannah, Chatham County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Savannah Music Festival, St. Patrick's Day Parade, and Savannah Jazz Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Coastal Empire, plus leading businesses in aerospace, education, and logistics that power the local economy such as Gulfstream Aerospace, Savannah College of Art and Design, and Colonial Group. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HEREAugusta.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
