OUR BEGINNINGS
The organization we know today as United Way of Lancaster County was officially born in 1925.
The Welfare Federation of Lancaster recognized a great need to coordinate, maintain and finance the human service agencies in the county. The first campaign, in the fall of 1925, raised $197,794. Twelve organizations were represented in the initial fundraising effort.
Four years later, at the start of The Great Depression, Lancaster County faced difficult problems. The Welfare Federation stepped up to help, and worked with city and county agencies to meet the ever-expanding needs of the community.
The post-World War II years ushered in a new era and a name change. In 1947, the Welfare Federation became the Lancaster County Community Chest. In 1960, we moved to 630 Janet Avenue in the Grandview Heights neighborhood, where we remain to this day. This full city block of land was deeded to the Health and Welfare Foundation for one dollar by the Tuberculosis and Health Society. The center, easily accessible for Lancaster County residents, was the first of its kind in the nation to combine treatment and administrative facilities under one roof.
BECOMING UNITED
A big step in our history came on January 1, 1973, when the Community Chest and Community Council merged to form United Way. With that transition, United Way broadened the base of its services in the county. The 48-year-old organization no longer was involved only in fundraising, but also in agency relations and community planning.
Today, United Way of Lancaster County is considered among the leading United Ways in the U.S., setting a standard for community involvement, fundraising, and investing dollars where they're needed most. United Way of Lancaster County invests resources in high-impact programs that demonstrate measurable results for the community. By focusing on the building blocks of a good quality of life - Education, Financial Stability, and Health - and providing Safety Net Services for our most vulnerable, we work to advance the common good and create opportunities for a better life for all.
MAKING CHANGE HAPPEN
While our name has changed over the years, and our work has changed community conditions for the better, our mission remains the same: to build a stronger Lancaster County by mobilizing the caring power of our community.
We invite you to join us and LIVE UNITED.
