The year was 1974. Zotz were a favorite candy, the Loco-Motion was a hit song and the United Way of Douglas and Pope Counties was established.  

This year we celebrate 50 years of serving our community. Our work has always been rooted in breaking the cycle of poverty. Over the years we’ve worked at raising funds and pulling people together to tackle local issues with common threads; giving children an equal chance, meeting our neighbors basic needs, and creating a community with opportunities for the betterment of all.

While we’ve helped to seal many gaps in our community, there is still work to be done. We will continue to invest in, and launch programs, that align with our pillars of health, education and financial stability. Our goals remain:

• Health: Individuals have opportunities to improve their mental health
• Education: Children enter school ready and prepared to be successful
• Education: Youth gain the knowledge and skills to be successful in their career and future
• Financial Stability: Individuals/families have opportunities for employment, enhanced financial literacy and their basic needs met.

We couldn’t do this work without caring people like you. We want to take every opportunity we get this year to thank the donors, volunteers and community partners who have helped us along the way. Our heartfelt “thank you” for the support you have given to friends and neighbors in our community through United Way.

As we celebrate this year here are some things we are looking forward to:

• Launching a volunteer challenge called “Chip In” to recognize and appreciate all of the volunteers who support our work throughout the year. We hope that you will consider joining in!
• We set a goal to raise $50,000 this year to kick start our Endowment. Information will be coming on the importance our Endowment holds in our ability to serve our community.
• We’re excited to share content from “Then, Now & Into the Future”. Including memories and milestones from years past and launching an updated logo and branding.    

We hope that you will celebrate the last 50 years along side of us and consider being part of our next 50 years!