Learn About United Way of Erie

Overview

United Way of Erie County is a local social impact organization focused on breaking the cycle of poverty in our region. We envision a collaborative community where all students succeed and all families thrive. That's LIVING UNITED.

For every dollar raised, 99 cents stays in Erie County.

Join Us to Crush Poverty

United Way of Erie County has evolved from its roots as a fundraising organization to a critical community impact organization mobilizing local partners - including businesses, community leaders and community residents. United Way is investing in leveling the playing field for low-income students and their families who face barriers to success. Simply put, breaking the cycle of poverty means breaking down these barriers. We believe all children should have equal opportunity to receive a quality education!

Mission: United Way of Erie County mobilizes resources to break the cycle of poverty and improve our community.

Vision: The Erie region is a collaborative community of opportunity where ALL students succeed and ALL families thrive.

United Way's key initiatives include:

IMAGINATION LIBRARY = providing FREE high-quality, age and developmentally appropriate books monthly to children from birth to their fifth birthday so children enter kindergarten with early literacy skills ready to learn

RAISING READERS = making sure children are reading at grade-level so they don’t fall behind and drop out of school

COMMUNITY SCHOOLS = stripping away non-academic barriers to learning that low-income children face, from basic needs to trauma counseling to dental/vision health supports and much more so they can focus and engage in the classroom

ERIE FREE TAXES = helping hard working low-to moderate income families get free tax preparation and take advantage of the earned income tax credit to get financially stable

211 HELPLINE = connecting individuals and families to the help they need when they need it so that the home environment is stable and supported

OTHER STRATEGIC INVESTMENTS = responding in times of emergencies and to priority community needs

100+ YEARS OF IMPROVING LIVES IN ERIE COUNTY

United Way of Erie County was first conceptualized in 1911, when the first recorded discussion concerning the need to unite separate agencies for fundraising and mutual cooperation was held. Then in 1914, it was established under the name of Erie Social Service Federation when 11 of the 22 agencies in Erie County united. This federation of nonprofits would be known by a variety of names throughout the following years, including; Community Chest, United Fund, and United Community Services. In 1974, it was established as United Way of Erie County.

For more than 100 years, United Way of Erie County has witnessed and experienced many changes, but the one thing that remains constant is its mission of improving people’s lives. The words may be different, but the message is still the same:

“United Way of Erie County mobilizes resources to break the cycle of poverty and improve our community.”

Check out United Way of Erie County's FAQ's

United Way of Erie Timeline

1914:

Half of the local social service agencies in Erie County unite to form the Erie Social Service Federation.

1919:

Erie Social Service Federation has 22 members and changes its name to the “Community Chest of Erie County.”

1928:

Edward Doll, president of the Community Chest, activates “fair share” giving at Lovell Manufacturing, encouraging workers to donate the equivalent of one hour’s pay each month.

1942 - 1946:

Several war-related agencies joined the Community Chest during World War II, leading it to temporarily become known as the “Community and War Chest”

1952:

Erie joins the national AFL-CIO/UW partnership with the hiring of the first Community Service Liaison, Alton Ross.

1956:

The United Fund was established by 33 members of the Community Chest.

1970:

The United Fund merged with Community Services Planning Council and became United Community Services of Erie County.

1974:

The organization officially becomes United Way of Erie County.

1982:

United Way begins implementing a new priorities system to allocate funding based on the most pressing needs in the community each year.

1983:

Alexis de Tocqueville Society of Erie County formed and the first Alex de Tocqueville Society Award presented to Edward C. Doll.

1997:

United Way of Erie County Endowment Fund established with anonymous $1 million donation.

2004:

Young Leaders Club formed to promote philanthropy, volunteerism and involvement among emerging leaders in Erie County.

2006:

United Way moves to a new building located at 420 West 6th Street.

2010:

United Way begins operation of Erie FREE Taxes, the local Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, providing free tax preparation for hard-working low to moderate wage earners.

2012:

United Way starts their transition from transactional organization to social impact organization, focusing on poverty.

2013:

United Way launches the Imagination Library, a game-changing program designed to increase literacy rates and prepare more children to enter kindergarten. All children in Erie County under the age of five are eligible to sign up and get a free book mailed to their homes each month.

United Way introduces FamilyWize® Prescription Drug Discount Card to Erie County residents.

2014:

United Way has served the Erie County community for 100 Years.

2015:

United Way launches their strategic plan, shifting focus to the root causes of poverty.

2016:

United Way joins with Erie's Public Schools to bring the Community School model to five pilot schools in the City of Erie.

2017:

United Way launches 211 Helpline information and referral services across Erie County, connecting people in need to the right nonprofits with programs to assist them.

2018:

United Way expands the Community School model countywide to include Girard and Iroquois school districts.

United Way becomes a Campaign for Grade-Level Reading community, launching the local initiative known as Raising Readers.

2019:

United Way expands Community Schools model to include 5 additional schools located in Erie County.

2020:

FamilyWize Prescription Discount Card transitions to SingleCare.

United Way's Community Schools initiative is recognized by the US Department of Education through Full Service Community School Grant Program - Removing Barriers to Learning Through Case Management in Erie's Community Schools. This marks the largest grant in United Way's history.

2021:

United Way launches the community school model at Union City Elementary in the Union City School District.
United Way establishes Women United affinity group to partly fund Union City Elementary.
United Way completes transition from former transaction model to social impact organization, focusing on student success and family stability.

Learn About

United Way of Erie

Overview

United Way's key initiatives include:

100+ YEARS OF IMPROVING LIVES IN ERIE COUNTY

United Way of Erie Timeline

Subscribe