EO’s mission is to research, pilot, and scale innovative solutions so that people and communities can thrive.
Learn MoreAs the needs of Southwest Virginians change, so too do the best practices for meeting those needs.
Learn MoreJoin us in our fight for our friends and neighbors in Southwest Virginia by exploring the options below.
Learn MoreTogether, we can create endless opportunities for our region to thrive.
Our PurposeHere you will find our regularly published findings, stories, reports, and videos about our impact in Workforce Innovation and Early Childhood Care and Education. Search for content by using the filters below or by using the keyword search field.
Do you have a story about our work or impact that you want to share? We'd love to hear from you. Email us at info@eoco.org and we'll be in touch.
Press Releases
EO Companies to Expand Employer-Led Internships Among Higher Education Students
ABINGDON, Va. — Oct. 23, 2025 —EO Companies (EO) is launching new programming to strengthen employer engagement and expand high-quality paid internship opportunities for higher education students across Central and Southwest Virginia. The program, known as the Innovative Internship Program, is a state-funded initiative designed to help businesses create and launch meaningful internship programs that...
October 23, 2025
Articles
COMMUNITY SCHOOLS CONFERENCE Virginia's first Community Schools conference draws 150-plus
"The nationwide Community Schools initiative works to build partnerships between community organizations and public elementary and secondary schools to meet the educational, physical, and emotional...
June 13, 2023
Articles
Workforce development and childcare center coming to Southwest Virginia
"A former shopping center is set to be transformed into a United Way of Southwest Virginia hub. The old Kmart building in Abingdon is where...
June 01, 2023
Articles
Workforce development and childcare center coming to Southwest Virginia
"A former shopping center is set to be transformed into a United Way of Southwest Virginia hub. The old Kmart building in Abingdon is where...
June 01, 2023
Articles
Multifunctional Resource Center Being Built in Former Abingdon K-mart
"United Way of Southwest Virginia and the Wellspring Foundation of Southwest Virginia have partnered with Food City to obtain an 85,000-square-foot building that formerly housed...
June 01, 2023
Articles
United Way of SWVA to open workforce hub
Nonprofit will convert former Kmart in Abingdon Construction is set to begin in July, and UWSWVA expects to open the building in July or August 2024....
May 23, 2023
Articles
Regional workforce development hub to open in Abingdon
The Abingdon announcement is the latest in a series of initiatives by United Way and others to bolster the region’s economy by addressing the availability...
May 22, 2023
Articles
United Way, Food City flipping former department store for job, child care training and service
United Way CEO Travis Staton said a needed source for skill development for young adults can make a location like Abingdon attractive for both parents...
May 22, 2023
Articles
United Way to create child care, workforce training center
"The 87,000-square-foot former Kmart location in the now partially vacant Abingdon Town Centre shopping area will serve as the anchor campus, said Travis Staton, president...
May 20, 2023
Articles
United Way of Southwest Virginia to develop regional workforce development hub
The hub-and-spoke model consists of the hub, a primary anchor campus in Abingdon, and four smaller facilities located across SWVA. Read the full article here
May 20, 2023
Press Releases
May 19, 2023
Articles
United Way, Food City announce plans for workforce development hub & childcare center
United Way leadership said the hub, located at one of Abingdon’s busiest intersections, will help the region on its way to overcoming a lagging economy. Read...
May 19, 2023
