United Bank announced Friday that it has pledged a total of $17,000 to assist the Atmore Area YMCA with its operational needs and to help alleviate recent shortfalls that threatened the closure of the organization, according to a United Bank press release.

The YMCA announced in July that without additional financial support it would close its doors Aug. 29. United Bank’s commitment of $1,000 per month through December 2015 will allow the YMCA to continue to provide valuable services to children, families and senior citizens in the Atmore area.

“Very few organizations reach as many people with such a wide range of programs as the YMCA,” said Robert Jones, president and CEO of United Bank. “We recognized the loss of those programs would severely impact the quality of life for our Atmore residents. Our commitment today will meet an immediate need, but it’s also reflective of United Bank’s commitment to help the YMCA find a long-term solution to its funding issues.”

In addition to its financial commitment, Jones said the bank is currently assisting the YMCA with drafting a grant application from the Alabama Historical Commission for capital enhancements. United has also offered its advertising space the bank pays for in local media for use by the YMCA to communicate with the community. He said the bank’s marketing staff is also ready to assist with public relations, design work and social media and that the bank’s LED message board is available if needed.

While there are some tangible savings for the YMCA by using these resources, Jones said the greater impact is avoiding future surprises by staying in touch.

“You can’t put a price on great communications,” Jones said. “We are proud to make our resources available for the YMCA to help keep the community informed about the progress being made and to strengthen its fundraising efforts.”

For more information about United Bank’s partnership with the YMCA, contact Greg Walker at 251-605-4477 or email greg.walker@unitedbank.com.

United Bank is a $480 million financial institution that has enjoyed 110 years of service. United Bank has offices in Atmore, Flomaton, Monroeville, Frisco City, Bay Minette, Foley, Greensboro, Lillian, Loxley, Magnolia Springs, Silverhill, Spanish Fort and Summerdale in Alabama. United Bank serves Santa Rosa County, Fla., in Jay, Milton and Pace. For more information about United Bank, visit online at www.unitedbank.com.