United Way of the Ocoee Region

**From Our CEO - United is the Way** As we reflect on our work, we cannot help but feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude for the incredible support and dedication the Ocoee Region has devoted to our cause. Together, we've propelled our mission forward and made remarkable progress. The legacy we have built is a testament to the power of collective action - the power of a community united. As we look ahead, we remain committed to leading the way in identifying our community's most pressing needs, optimizing resources, and championing causes that move the needle by working to meet four bold goals - **break the cycle of poverty**, **meet immediate basic needs**, **give kids an equal chance**, and **build pathways to a healthy community**. Our focus on impact continues to set us apart. We tackle challenges head-on by maximizing donor investments to fund collaborative partnerships, provide critical capacity-building resources, and facilitate a strategic, donor-driven allocation process to ensure every dollar has the most far-reaching and sustainable effect. Innovation is at the heart of our work and keeps us on the forefront of change by powering fresh ideas, creative approaches, and forward-thinking strategies to drive progress and stay ahead of emerging issues. **Together, we are more than a fundraising campaign; we are a movement.** Our aim is to change trajectories and outcomes for our neighbors across the region, creating a ripple effect that will resonate for generations to come. With your continued support, we are confident we can continue to make waves that will shape the future of our community. Thank you for serving alongside us. Your unwavering support fuels our passion and drives our determination to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those we serve. **Let's keep our momentum going - united in mission to given everyone the opportunity for a better tomorrow.** **MISSION** **Our Mission** United Way of the Ocoee Region mobilizes people, partnerships, and resources to strengthen our community and improve lives across Bradley and Polk Counties in southeastern Tennessee. We lead our community's collaborative nonprofit efforts by identifying local needs, aligning solutions, and investing in strategies that create measurable, lasting impact. The mission of United Way of the Ocoee Region is to be the community-based organization that leads the effort in identifying community needs, facilitating collaboration, and maximizing resources to positively impact our community and the surrounding area, including Bradley and Polk Counties (in southeastern Tennessee). **Identifying Community Needs** - our Community Needs Identification Committee (CNIC) determines our service area's most pressing needs by analyzing national, regional, state and local data, including ALICE (Working Families) population statistics, and disseminates prioritized findings in an annual report. **Facilitating Collaboration** - driven by CNIC findings, United Way facilitates a strategic donor-driven allocation cycle that takes a holistic approach to funding programs that will move the needle to address our community's most pressing needs. **Maximizing Resources** - the true power of United Way is our ability to *multiply* through collaborative fundraising efforts that translate every dollar raised into a meaningful lifeline for neighbors in need. **Our Vision** We envision a thriving Ocoee Region where every individual and family has the opportunity to achieve stability, well-being, and hope for a better tomorrow. **United is the Way to Create Change** Your impact on the Ocoee Region through United Way makes the most meaningful impact. We provide the strongest safety net to serve our entire community and our impact areas are prioritized to meet the unique needs of Bradley and Polk Counties, focusing on the essential building blocks of a **stable family**. **Meet Immediate Basic Needs** - when our neighbors are devastated by natural disasters, acts of violence, homelessness, hunger or grief, we are prepared to mobilize critical services that stabilize short-term crises. **Break the Cycle of Poverty** - by addressing the root cause of problems, we are helping secure people now so they can better position themselves for stability and sustainable financial independence. **Give Kids an Equal Chance** - we are changing the course for future generations by ensuring families have access to affordable childcare where kids are safe, nurtured and prepared to learn, making them more likely to graduate, succeed and become productive citizens. **Pathways to a Healthy Community** \- we are breaking barriers to make quality medical and dental care, mental health and substance misuse support, nutritional resources and fitness programs more accessible. **The Power of Collective Action** Positive change begins with a single choice to **give**, to **volunteer**, or to **raise your voice**. When your generosity is combined with the actions of neighbors across our region, its impact multiplies. Through donor support, United Way of the Ocoee Region invests in grants, programs, and collaborative initiatives that address root causes, remove barriers, and deliver measurable results. **Our Commitment** We are committed to an ongoing journey of listening, learning, and growing. United Way of the Ocoee Region holds itself - and its funded partners - accountable to advancing equity, strengthening trust, and fostering a more just and inclusive community for all. **Local Impact, Global Movement** United Way is part of a global network serving nearly 1,800 communities in more than 40 countries and territories, yet each United Way is locally governed and community-driven. Because local needs require uniquely-tailored solutions, your support always stays **here** - benefiting your neighbors, strengthening local organizations, and driving change close to home.