United Way is a national organization whose roots date back to 1913 when it was called the “Community Chest”. United Way of America serves as a parent organization offering standards, training and technical support to local entities throughout the United States. Each United Way is locally governed and directed. United Way’s traditional role in communities is fund raising in support of local human services. United Way developed a unique relationship with the business community where businesses invited United Way representatives into the workplace in order to raise philanthropic dollars through worker donation. The model of payroll deduction over the course of the year facilitates ease of donation and often promotes for a far greater donation than could be offered at one point in time. United Way of Windham County raises over $500,000 annually in support of 26 member agencies serving Windham County.

In March of 2001 the Board of Directors of United Way of Windham County met to reflect upon and revise the strategic direction of the organization. From that meeting grew the vision, that “United Way will have the greatest positive impact on the quality of life in Windham County, as defined by an informed process, inclusive of numerous Windham County stake holders. The existing organizational mission, “ to increase the organized capacity for people to care for one another through volunteer efforts” held true.

From that vision, mission and current considerations evolved the strategy that a new model of United Way would be adopted. United Way would act as a community leader to advocate for an integrated, collaborative, efficient system of community services. United Way would develop innovative and timely fund development strategies to support said system. In addition, United Way would revisit its fund distribution policies in relation to the vision and mission and revise it as indicated to best achieve results. And finally, United Way would begin to think, communicate and plan in terms of community outcomes.

The new model of United Way views the organization as a community solutions provider. Where historically United Way was seen as a provider of agency funds, asking the question, “What do the agencies need?” In the new model, United Way asks the question, “What does the community need and how do we best meet that need?” The new model of United Way suggests a new set of relationships for the organization. It suggests relationships with any and all stakeholders who have an active investment in the quality of life and well being in Windham County.

In short, United Way’s mission has become “community impact”, to achieve improvement of lives through the mobilization of the caring power of our community.