United Way of Cumberland County

MISSION Our mission is to improve lives across Cumberland County by strategically raising and investing resources that successfully impact prioritized human service and health needs while working in effective and innovative partnerships with direct provider agencies. OUR VISION For Cumberland County to be a diverse and dynamic community where individuals and families thrive, where people willingly share the responsibility of ensuring a safe and healthy community, and where there is ongoing emphasis on enhancing the quality of life for all citizens. ORGANIZATIONAL STATEMENT ON RACISM United Way of Cumberland County strongly opposes all forms of racism. We celebrate diversity and its power to improve any endeavors that guide our work. HISTORY United Way of Cumberland County was first established in 1939. Representatives from the YMCA, The Salvation Army, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and Cumberland County Assoc. for the Blind (Vision Resource Center today) met to lay the foundation for a Community Chest in Fayetteville. 1970 In the 1970’s, the United Fund Board of Directors voted to change the organization’s name to United Way. 1990 In the 1990’s, the United Way began the administration of the Youth Growth Stock Trust. 2004 In 2004, United Way of Cumberland County graduated its first class from the Leadership Development Program (LDP). The mission of the LDP is to recruit volunteer leaders, enhance leadership skills and prepare volunteers for leadership roles within non-profit organizations throughout Cumberland County. 2005 In 2005, UWCC launched the Dolly Parton Imagination Library Program. This program is designed to encourage the love of reading and learning. It provides support to children – ages birth to age five – by mailing one free book each month. 2012 In 2012, UWCC developed a Strategic Plan that included community focus groups and survey analysis from the community regarding emerging issues and needs. In 2012, UWCC announced the implementation of 2-1-1, a free, 24/7 telephone referral service. Just as people call 9-1-1 for emergencies, callers in Cumberland County could now call 2-1-1 and speak with a trained referral specialist who will refer them to the health and human service program that meets their needs. In 2013 there will a total of 2,655 calls received. 2013 UWCC celebrated 75 years of service to Cumberland County. The programs provided over 344,000 instances to individuals and families including 106,000 instances to military individuals and families. 2015 In 2015, we proudly supported programs provided over 344,000 instances to individuals and families including 106,000 instances to military individuals and families. 2016 UWCC launched Character Playbook, a digital character development program, in 17 Cumberland County Middle Schools. The program is made possible through a partnership with United Way and the National Football League. By the end of the 2016 – 2017 Academic Year, 4, 524 students were reached by Character Playbook. 2019 In 2019, UWCC moved from traditional funding to a Community Impact Model of funding programs versus organizations. UWCC opened the Request for Funding process to include any program with a two-year history in Cumberland County and also aligning with UWCC’s targeted impact areas.