FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 8th, 2025
United Way of Douglas & Pope Counties and United Way of Otter Tail & Wadena Counties Announce Official Merger
ALEXANDRIA, MN — United Way of Douglas & Pope Counties and United Way of Otter Tail & Wadena Counties have officially merged into one regional organization, effective July 1, 2025. The unified United Way will continue to serve the five-county region of Douglas, Otter Tail, Pope, Todd, and Wadena, with operational hubs in both Alexandria and Fergus Falls.
This strategic merger brings together two strong local United Ways into one regional team, combining the talents of both staff and board members. The newly combined board reflects leadership from each of the previously separate organizations, creating a diverse team of community leaders dedicated to advancing the mission of United Way.
Jen Jabas, who has served as Executive Director of United Way of Douglas & Pope Counties for the past nine years, will continue to lead the expanded organization. Reflecting on this next chapter, Jabas shared,
“This merger allows us to build on the strong foundation we’ve created in each county and take a broader, more unified approach to community impact. Over the past nine years, I’ve seen the power of local people coming together to solve local challenges. Now, with the depth of resources and ideas from a larger team, we can do even more to support the families and individuals who call our region home.”
The organization is currently undergoing the legal process of adopting a new name that better reflects the expanded five-county region it now serves. While that process moves forward, community members, donors, and partners can reach out directly to the United Way team with any questions about donations, financial contributions, or payment processing.
As the organization transitions, dollars raised throughout the region will continue to be used to local United Way programing in the local regional community like the 211-helpline resource, ALICE data initiatives, and also grant funding for local nonprofit partners. The regional team can now respond to community needs with greater coordination, while continuing to invest in meaningful, community-focused work. Looking ahead, communities across the service area can expect a continued emphasis on collaboration, equity, and locally driven impact, grounded in the belief that United is the Way to build stronger, more connected communities.
Media Contact:
Becca Wood
Marketing & Development Manager
United Way of Douglas, Pope, Otter Tail & Wadena Counties
bwood@uwdp.org | 320-834-7800
