United Way of Lake County, Ohio
   About Us




 

Mission Statement of United Way of Lake County

To improve people's lives by mobilizing the community to identify key community needs and collaborate with solutions that have measurable results and make a positive impact.

Our History

     In 1922, the Western Lake County Fund in Willoughby held its first drive and the funds raised were used to purchase an automobile for the one visiting nurse. The Lake County Federation was formed in 1935 to support community charities. In 1946, the Mentor Community Fund was established, and in 1950, the Kirtland Township Community Fund was created. The City of Wickliffe held its first campaign in 1953, followed in 1957 by the founding of the Madison Township Community Fund.

     The Lake County Federation amended its constitution and by-laws in 1958 to conduct one money-raising campaign for health, welfare and character building agencies and the United Fund was born. The United Fund raised $137,000 in its first fund drive in 1959.

     In 1968 Madison Township joined forces with the United Fund campaign and more agencies became part of the United Fund campaign. In another change, the name becomes the United Fund of Central and Eastern Lake County. The newly consolidated funding agency extended an invitation of cooperation to the remaining separate groups in Mentor, Kirtland, Wickliffe and Willoughby.

     In 1972, the Mentor Community Fund chose to join the organization and the two merge to become the United Way of Lake County. The Kirtland Area Community Fund decided to join in 1973 and in 1978, the Western Lake County Fund merged with UWLC on March 23rd.

     United Way of Lake County moved to a location on Progress Parkway in Mentor in 1981. Under United Way leadership, the Lake County Community Resource Team was formed in response to the local teen suicide crisis. As a result, teen suicide prevention materials were distributed to every Lake County household and the first crisis hotline was established. United Way of Lake County received national recognition for this program as a model for other communities.

    The first community-wide needs assessment was published and released in 1988; and the Homeless Coalition was formed to address the growing problem of homelessness in Lake County.

     In 1991, a generous bequest from Catherine Roddick provided funding for a permanent home for United Way of Lake County and a new building was built down the street on Progress Parkway. In response with Ms. Roddick's wishes, the building includes a central meeting room to be made available to community groups and other non-profit organizations.
The first Day of Caring in Lake County was sponsored by United Way of Lake County in 1992, with 75 volunteers participating. Also, in 1992, UWLC begins running the Harvest Hunger campaign in Lake County. The United Way LINK staff form (1993) The Lake County Church Network to better coordinate the matching of services available through local churches and those in need.

     1995 marked the change in the allocation process from funding agencies to funding specific programs and services. A Sherwick Foundation grant (2000) of $100,000 allowed United Way of Lake County to upgrade its computer system used throughout the organization.

     After careful consideration, the advisory board of the Wickliffe United Way recommended the organization end its relationship with United Way Services of Greater Cleveland and join United Way of Lake County. This action unifies all of the cities and communities in Lake County with the purpose of serving the health and human service needs of all its citizens.