United Way of Central Massachusetts

**MISSION STATEMENT** Connecting people and resources to improve the community. ****Vision**** Together we’re creating a more healthy and resilient community by fostering youth opportunities, enhancing financial security to ensure all can thrive. ****WHO WE ARE**** We address urgent challenges, improve lives and build a strong more equitable future for everyone in our region. ***January 23, 1920.*** After months of planning and organizing at the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce, the United Way of Central Massachusetts was established as the Welfare Federation of Worcester. What began as a collective effort to address local needs has grown into the cornerstone of philanthropy and community support. For over a century, the organization has continually evolved to meet the ever-changing challenges faced by our community, always guided by **a mission to connect people to resources for the betterment of all.** A transformative moment in our history came with an extraordinary **$5 million donation** from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott, forever changing the scope of our impact. This unprecedented gift expanded our ability to support vulnerable populations, fund critical nonprofit initiatives, and invest in innovative solutions to promote youth opportunities, financial security, and a healthy, resilient community. Today, the United Way of Central Massachusetts (UWCM) continues it’s legacy of service with renewed capacity to create lasting change for generations to come.