Filed by United Community Banks, Inc.

Pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended

and deemed filed pursuant to Rule 14a-12

under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended

Subject Company: Progress Financial Corp.

Commission File No.: 001-35095

Date: June 29, 2022

Set forth below is an internal newsletter to employees of Progress Financial Corp. regarding the proposed merger of Progress Financial Corp., with and into United Community Banks, Inc.

Human Resources:

United’s Human Resources department is working closely with Progress leaders to begin the transition to convert Progress to the United payroll system, effective as of legal close on October 1st. In the meantime, HR will work closely with IT departments on both sides to make the process of switching payroll systems as smooth as possible. Progress employees should be well aware of key dates ahead of the conversion process on November 14th, which should ensure a quick and easy transition. In the event of any glitches, software will be put into place to create a safeguard to correct any issues quickly and efficiently.

We also have exciting news about recent changes to the United 401(k). Now, new entrants to the plan will have immediate vesting of the company match.

Topics Coming Up:

July 6: Time off – vacation, holidays, personal

and sick days

July 13: Leaves of Absence – military leave, jury

duty, bereavement

July 20: Employee Assistance Program

United’s Culture: Who We Are

This week in our Getting to Know U series, meet our Chief Risk Officer, Rob Edwards!

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR SHAREHOLDERS AND INVESTORS

In connection with the proposed merger with Progress Financial Corporation (“Progress”)(the “Merger”), United Community Banks, Inc. (“UCBI”) filed a registration statement on Form S-4 with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) that includes a proxy statement of Progress to be sent to Progress’ shareholders seeking their approval of the Merger. The registration statement contains a prospectus of UCBI to register the shares of UCBI common stock to be issued in connection with the Merger. A definitive proxy statement/prospectus will also be provided to Progress shareholders as required by applicable law.

INVESTORS AND SHAREHOLDERS OF PROGRESS ARE ENCOURAGED TO READ THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT, INCLUDING THE PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS THAT IS PART OF THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT, AND ANY OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS FILED BY UCBI WITH THE SEC, INCLUDING ANY AMENDMENTS OR SUPPLEMENTS TO THE REGISTRATION STATEMENTS, BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT UCBI, PROGRESS AND THE MERGER.

The registration statement and other documents filed with the SEC may be obtained for free at the SEC’s website (www.sec.gov). You can also obtain these documents, free of charge, from UCBI at the “Investor Relations” section of UCBI’s website at www.ucbi.com, from Progress at the “Investor Relations” section of Progress’ website at www.myprogressbank.com. Copies of the definitive proxy statement/prospectus will also be made available, free of charge, by contacting United Community Banks, Inc., P.O. Box 398, Blairsville, GA 30514, Attn: Jefferson Harralson, Telephone: (864) 240-6208 and Progress Financial Corp., 201 Williams Avenue Huntsville, Alabama 35801, Attn: Dabsey Maxwell, Telephone: (256) 319-3641.

This communication is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, or a solicitation of any vote or approval, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of such jurisdiction.

PARTICIPANTS IN THE SOLICITATION

Progress and UCBI and certain of their respective directors and executive officers, under the rules of the SEC, may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from Progress shareholders in favor of the approval of the Merger. Information about the directors and officers of UCBI and their ownership of UCBI common stock can also be found in UCBI’s definitive proxy statement in connection with its 2022 annual meeting of shareholders, as filed with the SEC on April 6, 2022, and other documents subsequently filed by UCBI with the SEC. Information about the directors and executive officers of Progress and their ownership of Progress capital stock, as well as information regarding the interests of other persons who may be deemed participants in the transaction, may be obtained by reading the proxy statement/prospectus regarding the Merger with Progress when it becomes available. Additional information regarding the interests of these participants will also be included in the proxy statement/prospectus pertaining to the Merger if and when it becomes available. Free copies of this document may be obtained as described above.