Who We Are
About United Way of El Paso County
In 1923, in an attempt to avoid duplication of fundraising efforts and expenses, members of the Kiwanis Club established the El Paso Community Chest. This was El Paso's first community-wide fund raising campaign on behalf of local, "charitable and character building organizations." Community Chest ran a one-week campaign to raise $150,000 for "charity and benevolent work."
In 1957, the Community Chest became the United Fund of El Paso and El Paso County. At that time, 16 agencies were represented including for the first time health organizations as well as human service agencies. The major difference between the Community Chest and United Fund was in the organizational base. The Chest was primarily an association of charitable agencies. The United Fund was founded on the premise that each donor is a member of the corporation. Representatives of the givers rather than the agencies now made decisions.
In 1976, United Fund changed its name to the United Way of El Paso County. In addition, the functional concept has broadened into today's comprehensive system for addressing community problems though planning, fundraising and allocations; hence the name United Way.
Today United Way of El Paso County is an independent organization governed by a 40 member local board of directors that includes representatives from business, labor, education and community volunteers. We conduct an annual community-wide, primarily workplace campaign, and by contract serve as the fiscal agent and manager of the City, County, State and Federal employee's charitable campaign.
In 2004, United Way of El Paso County began the most significant organizational change since the mid 1970's. Faced with ever changing economic and social conditions, our United Way is challenged to find new ways to address our community's social and health needs. In answer to this challenge, we started our journey toward Community Impact-creating lasting change that goes beyond the dollars that are raised or the number of programs/services that are funded.
In September 2007, our board of directors approved a strategic plan with a new mission and vision statement and three impact areas.
Strategic Plan
2008 Report to the Community
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