September 25, 2026
In 1941, local leaders came together with a simple but powerful belief: when a community unites, it can overcome any challenge.
A lot has changed since then. Our communities have grown, and the challenges people face have changed too. Through it all, United Way has continued to listen, adapt and work alongside local partners to help make sure the right support is there when people need it most.
Across those 85 years are countless moments that mattered: young people at risk of falling behind getting the support to stay in school, people going through difficult times finding care and connection, and families finding the support they need to build greater financial security.
Today, we’re celebrating the people, partnerships and moments that have shaped our community—and everyone who helped make them possible.
To mark this anniversary, we created a special video featuring people who have been part of that story—from community and workplace leaders to partners and people helping shape what comes next.
We’d love for you to watch and see what 85 years of people showing up for one another can make possible.
For over 85 years, United Way has evolved alongside our community. Our name has changed—from the Community Chest to the United Community Fund to the United Way we know today—and so have our programs, partnerships and approaches. But the idea at the heart of the work has endured: when people come together, we can make sure support is there when it’s needed.
Today, that means working side by side with community partners to help people access support in three critical areas: education, mental well-being and financial security.
Last year alone, 456,719 people across our region received support through United Way and our network of partners.
Behind that number is a network of donors, volunteers, agencies and partners helping make that support possible.
And that means this anniversary belongs to you, too.
To every donor, volunteer, workplace and community partner, agency, advocate and community champion who has helped strengthen our region: thank you. This 85-year milestone is something we share.
Eighty-five years gives us a lot to celebrate—and a strong foundation for what comes next. As the needs of our community continue to change, United Way will continue to listen, strengthen partnerships and help make sure support is there when it matters.
Thank you for being part of 85 years of moments that matter—and for being part of the moments still to come.
See what your support is making possible today. Read our 2025 Annual Report here.
Explore our 2025/26 Annual Report and discover the impact your support made possible.
2025/26 Annual Report