“Defining What It Means to be United”
Do you remember when you were in grade school learning vocabulary words, and you had to memorize the definition? Alternatively, it may show that there can be more than one meaning and you had to use the word in a sentence to show that you understood the correct meaning of the word. Can we look together at the definition of the word "United." This word can have different meanings for each person. When you hear the word "united," you may think of being united in forces like allies in war. On the other hand, a happier meaning, such as unity in marriage. The standard definition for united is "made one, combined, relating to or produced by joint action. The definition that resonates the most with me is "to join together as a group, or to combine." I get to see this and live this out daily in my role as Director of Community Impact and Investment at United Way of the Ohio Valley. Our local UW mission is to "unite communities to deliver solutions that improve lives of individuals and families."
United Way of the Ohio Valley financially supports approximately 50 non-profits yearly in six counties, 17 in Daviess County. However, UWOV is not just a grant funder. United Way is a community partner continually involved as a stakeholder in assessing the needs of our communities. UWOV is a convener in various forms. That could be bringing the for-profit world together with the non-profit world. UWOV recruits local businesses and employers to run employee campaigns where employees donate a certain amount from their paycheck to United Way. UWOV also convenes non-profits, elected officials, various service providers, and more entities to combine missions, values, concerns, and resources to tackle our community's many needs and find solutions to meet those needs. UWOV also has a role in educating citizens regarding community social issues and how they can donate, volunteer, or advocate for services to help address those needs.
We had a brief vocabulary lesson, so let us move on to a history lesson. When, where, and why was the United Way created? United Way was created to collect funds for local charities, coordinate relief services, counsel and refer clients to cooperating agencies, and make emergency assistance grants for cases that could not be referred elsewhere. On October 16, 1887, a Denver woman, a priest, two ministers, and a rabbi came together because they believed there was a better way to meet the needs of residents. They formed what is known today as Mile High United Way. The Charity Organization Society's goals were to raise funds for local charities, coordinate relief services, counsel and refer clients to cooperating agencies, and make emergency assistance grants. The first United Way campaign raised $21,700. The Charity Organization Society model spread nationwide and was known as the Community Chest until the 1950s. In 1949, the first United Fund was formed in Detroit, Michigan. After World War II, the United Fund took on a role similar to that of the modern United Way.
Today, I will share a few brief statistics of combined numbers for United Ways Worldwide. Seventy-three percent of youth served by United Way gained jobs or furthered their education or credentials, 2.3 million youth received academic enrichment outside of school because of United Way, and 81% of children and adults served by United Way ate healthier or increased physical activity. There are 1.4 million people who volunteer through United Way, 5.4 million invest in their communities, and 39K companies partner with United Way to make change.
In the past five years, our local United Way of the Ohio Valley has granted over 4 million dollars to programs to promote Health, Education, and Financial Stability in our communities. In the past three years (including this upcoming 2025 allocation), our program will have granted approximately $300,000 in Impact areas to assist with affordable Housing, Prevention & Intervention of Homelessness, and Financial Mobility. These dollars will primarily help support local homeless shelters, and their case management services, helping people experiencing homelessness become more stable. Dollars are also invested in programs that assist those in recovery from addiction. These areas address social detriments that affect health, mental health, financial stability, and overall community living. United Way donations are catalysts for social change. The word “united” comes to action by bringing people together to build robust, resilient, and equitable communities by tackling challenging social issues. You can join the fight for health, education, and financial stability for every person in our community. Our local non-profits cannot fight this alone. They need dollars, volunteers, and advocates. The people they serve need to know we care about them and want all citizens to reach their potential and thrive.
UWOV takes our mission seriously and how we complete the mission as well. Programs that apply for funding go through a thorough vetting application process. Because the dollars that are raised are from local donations, community citizens who volunteer as "Community Investment volunteers" for United Way review the applications and financial reviewers review the financials of each program. The Community Investment panels visit the program sites and learn more about the program services that are provided. United Way does not make these crucial decisions alone; we convene citizens and give them a voice in how the money raised is invested back into the community. This is your community at work!
What is your definition of "united," and what does it mean to you? If you want to see real-time issues tackled in your community, I invite you to learn more about United Way today. There are many ways to give your time, money, talents, or other resources. If you want to explore how that may work in your life or with your cause, I will share the links below to learn more about the mission of the United Way. Together, we can make a difference!
Vikki Embry
Director of Community Impact & Investment
United Way of the Ohio Valley
October 2024
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