Mission
To improve lives by mobilizing the caring
power of communities.
Vision
We will build a stronger America by mobilizing our communities
to improve people’s lives.
History
In 1887, a Denver priest, two ministers and a rabbi recognized
the need for cooperative action to address their city’s welfare
problems. The Rev. Myron W. Reed, Msgr. William J. O’Ryan, Dean
H. Martyn Hart and Rabbi William S. Friedman put their heads together
to plan the first united campaign for ten health and welfare agencies.
They created an organization to serve as an agent to collect funds for
local charities, as well as to coordinate relief services, counsel and
refer clients to cooperating agencies, and make emergency assistance
grants in cases which could not be referred.
That year, Denver raised $21,700 and created a movement that would spread
throughout the county to become the United Way. Over 118 years later,
United Way is still focused on mobilizing the caring power of communities
and making a difference in people’s lives.
The United Way Movement
United Ways across the country bring diverse people
and resources together to address the most urgent issues their communities
face. Through unique partnerships and approaches, United Ways mobilize
resources beyond the dollars that are pledged through their fund-raising
efforts. Community partners often include schools, government policy
makers, businesses, organized labor, financial institutions, voluntary
and neighborhood associations, community development corporations, and
the faith community.
Click here
to visit United Way of America's website
