United Way of 1000 Lakes

OUR MISSION VISION United Way’s mission is to improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of Itasca-area communities. Our vision is an equitable Itasca Area where all people have the opportunities and resources needed to thrive. UNITED WAY OF 1000 LAKES United Way of 1000 Lakes began in 1963 as the United Fund of Grand Rapids, organized by volunteers to raise money to help more than twenty local charities. Today, United Way of 1000 Lakes has evolved from its roots as a fundraising organization to a community convener which mobilizes local partners including businesses, community leaders, public officials, and residents to develop opportunities for people to succeed. Our focus is on three key building blocks: a quality education that leads to a stable job, enough income to support a family, and good mental and physical health. United Way helps to identify community needs, create solutions, and fund local programs that deliver health and human services directly to the people in our community. UNITED WAY WORLDWIDE United Way was formed in 1887 when a Denver priest, two ministers, and a rabbi recognized the need for cooperative action to address their city’s welfare problems. The first campaign raised $21,700 for 22 agencies. By the 1950s, more than 1,000 communities across the United States and Canada had established United Ways. In 1974, United Ways raised nearly $1.04 billion, marking the first time in history that a single organization raised more than $1 billion in an annual campaign. Over its long history, United Way has helped with everything from the Persian Gulf War to the Olympic torch relay to the President’s Summit for America’s Future. It’s won awards, such as the Charity of Choice from Financial World magazine. Across the country, United Ways now raise more than $4 billion annually.