The History and Mission of the United Way in America

By Deborah Lambeth

United Way organizations across the country use local community resources to make the greatest impact in helping others. There are over 1400 community-based organizations that operate separately and are governed by local volunteers. Since each community knows of its own particular needs, community partners are a vital part of the United Way. These often include schools, financial institutions, neighborhood associations, faith-based organizations, and businesses.

There have been many milestones in the history of the United Way. Probably one of the more prominent ones was in 1973 when the NFL joined forces with the United Way to bring awareness to the public about social service issues facing the nation. Players, coaches, and owners voluntarily appeared on commercials to focus public attention on these critical issues. Today, many NFL players willingly make personal appearances, host special programs, and serve as a part of the governing board of some of the United Way agencies. This partnership recently celebrated 25 years of working together for the common good.

Among the many other milestones the United Way has celebrated through the years:

• The United Way campaigns became the premiere workplace fundraiser.
  
• Bill and Melinda Gates have donated $10.5 million to support UW programs.
  
• The Bank of America Foundation donated $50 million dollars over a five-year period specifically for the establishment of and ongoing assistance to the Birth to Work program.
  
• "211" became the number by which people can call and find the United Way organization that will best meet their needs for assistance.
  
• In 2000-2001, the United Way campaigns produced a record-breaking $3.91 billion in resources.
  
• In response to the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center, the United Way established a special fund to help the victims and victims’ families. In just four months after the September 11th fund was created, over $425 million in donations were received.

While money is an important part of the United Way’s success in fulfilling their mission to reach out to those in need, one of the other important facets to the success is for people to get involved as volunteers in the agencies the UA serves. Consider both alternatives by giving to and getting involved in your local United Way.