Belle Meade Lifestyle sat down with several members of United Way of Greater Nashville to learn more about the organization and discuss Season of Sharing, which runs through January 31st. We spoke with Kris Wiese, Director of Communications; Tracey Dill, Chief Community Impact Officer; Courtney Barlar, Chief Development Officer; and Jann Seymour, Senior Director, Volunteer Engagement.
Tell us about United Way of Greater Nashville’s mission.
Kris Wiese: At United Way of Greater Nashville, our mission is simple: we bring people and resources together so every child, individual, and family in our community has the opportunity to thrive.
What makes United Way unique is our ability to bring everyone to the same table—individuals, businesses, nonprofits, and government leaders—to talk honestly about the challenges our community is facing and decide how we can tackle them together. We combine diverse perspectives, volunteer action, and resources to develop, fund, and grow solutions that address the root causes of our most pressing problems. From education and health to basic needs and economic empowerment, we’re working to build a stronger future for every person and family in our community.
And none of this happens without the community’s support. Together, we can respond to critical needs across the ten counties we serve and make sure donor dollars go where they can have the greatest impact.
How did you personally get involved with United Way of Greater Nashville?
Tracey Dill: I have been with United Way for over 15 years; however, before I worked at United Way, I was a funded partner and worked with United Way in various capacities, including running several of the community-based VITA sites, providing workforce development and financial education, and being an active member with the Nashville Alliance for Financial Independence (NAFI), which was led by United Way staff. I was excited when an opportunity came along to join the team and have been here so long in various positions because I believe in the mission, the vision, and the service we provide every day to support our community!
In your own words, can you explain the ALICE population to our readers?
Tracey Dill: ALICE stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. These are people who are working and earning above the federal poverty level, but still don’t make enough to cover basics like housing, food, child care, transportation, and health care. They’re often just one unexpected expense—like a car repair or medical bill—away from a financial crisis.
What do you see as the most pressing challenges to the Greater Nashville population right now?
Tracey Dill: There are many pressing challenges that I will sum up into affordability. Nashville has become increasingly expensive to live in, from the housing market to child care to transportation. We have a great job market, but this is forcing people that call Nashville home to relocate because of the cost to live in Nashville and the qualifications necessary to fill the available jobs. Couple this with the cost of child care and transportation, and the ability to upskill to fill those jobs becomes out of reach to those needing to work full time to just barely get by. We have seen more and more people that have not needed assistance before reach out and try to find support to stabilize.
Can you tell us about Season of Sharing as well as some of the upcoming events?
Jann Seymour: Through Season of Sharing, United Way of Greater Nashville invites community members to warm their hearts with volunteering and kindness. Whatever giving means to you – sharing meals, helping with festive events, fulfilling a nonprofit’s wish list, or donating to support Middle Tennessee families – Season of Sharing makes it easy to find ways to give back from November 1 through January 31.
The goal is simple: make it easy for everyone to share their time, resources, and compassion in ways that meet real-time community needs around the holidays and all winter long.
Last year’s inaugural Season of Sharing facilitated more than 2,500 volunteer connections, demonstrating what is possible when neighbors come together through acts of service, kindness, and generosity.
There are so many opportunities for the community to get involved with Season of Sharing. Can you tell me about some of them?
Jann Seymour: The Season of Sharing webpage makes it easy to find festive volunteer opportunities, get involved in making sure our neighbors are warm and fed this winter, and look for group service activities with your family, friends, co-workers, or faith community. Your group could volunteer to help with Rudolph’s Red Nose Run to help families with winter heating bills or collect toys for foster kids with Youth Villages. Families can check out the Dream Streets grocery giveaways, which welcome volunteers as young as eight with an adult. For those who want to volunteer close to the holidays, we encourage you to sign up early to reserve your spot.
For someone who may need United Way’s assistance, what is the best way for them to reach out?
Tracey Dill: If you need help and aren’t sure where to start, call 211. It’s a free, confidential service that connects people with thousands of local resources—from food and housing assistance to health care and other support. There are no income guidelines or eligibility requirements. Anyone in our community can reach out, and 211 will help point them in the right direction. Dial 211 or text your ZIP code to 898-211 to get started.
Is there anything else you want to mention?
Courtney Barlar: 2026 marks the 45th anniversary of United Way of Greater Nashville’s Tocqueville Society Alpha Chapter. Tocqueville Society members improve the lives of our neighbors through extraordinary financial gifts, volunteerism, and advocacy.
In 1981, Dr. Thomas F. Frist, Jr. envisioned an alliance of community and business leaders who would work collectively to address our community’s most pressing needs. He partnered with 27 other Nashville visionaries to create the Alexis de Tocqueville Society Alpha Chapter. Through annual gifts of $10,000 or more, Tocqueville Society Alpha Chapter donors create a strong foundation for our community so that every child, individual, and family thrives.
Since inception, Tocqueville Society members have invested more than $160 million in Nashville.
Philanthropy and giving back are part of what makes Nashville such a special community. Celebrate this 45th anniversary by finding a meaningful way for your family, friends, or colleagues to carry forward that spirit of generosity.
@uwnashville
unitedwaygreaternashville.org
"Through Season of Sharing, United Way of Greater Nashville invites community members to warm their hearts with volunteering and kindness."
"From education and health to basic needs and economic empowerment, we’re working to build a stronger future for every person and family in our community."