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United Way of Central Florida
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OUR HISTORY

  • Our Story
  • Our History
  • Our Mission
    • Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
    • Financials and 990 Forms
    • Strategic Plan
  • Our People
    • Staff
    • Board of Directors
    • Highlands County Advisory Board
    • Impact Cabinet & Steering Teams
    • Resource Development Cabinet
    • Top Supporters

THE HISTORY
of United Way of Central Florida

United Way of Central Florida was established in 1980 with the merger of United Ways of Greater Lakeland, Bartow and Winter Haven. Originally, the United Way served the Greater Lakeland area beginning in 1944. In 1987, Highlands County was added to the service area and, today, UWCF covers the largest geographical area of any United Way in Florida serving Polk, Hardee and Highlands counties.

In 1982, Information and Referral (I&R) was added as a free, confidential service that helped people when they had no where to turn for emergency services.  Today, United Way 211 is free, bilingual, available 24/7 and connects people with solutions that go beyond emergency food, shelter and disaster assistance. In addition, 211 powered by AIRS, refers people to help at locations nearest them. 211 has expanded to connect people to solutions for affordable childcare, affordable healthcare, mentoring, tutoring, job training,  credentials, tax preparation, debt reduction, credit repair, savings planning and senior services.

Less than $1 million was raised in 1980 and over $14 million was raised in 2022. In the 70’s, 17 agencies received funds raised by United Way. Today, our business has evolved and United Way leads collaborations, engages hundreds of volunteers and works collectively to provide community solutions. We focus in the areas of education, income and health because these are the building blocks for a good quality of life.

Give. Advocate. Volunteer.

UNITED WAY TIMELINE

  • 1887

    In Denver, religious leaders founded the Charity Organizations Society, the first United Way, which planned and coordinated local services and conducted a single fundraising campaign for 22 agencies.

  • 1913

    The nation’s first modern Community Chest was born in Cleveland, where a program for allocating campaign funds was developed.

  • 1944

    United Way of Greater Lakeland was founded.

  • 1958

    Lake Region United Way was founded in Winter Haven.

  • 1966

    The United Way serving Bartow was founded.

  • 1970

    The United Way name was formally adopted.

  • 1972

    The United Way logo, representing the helping hand cradling mankind and surrounded by a rainbow symbolizing hope, was created a Saul Bass, a prominent graphic designer.

  • 1974

    United Ways raised $1,038,995,000 in America and Canada—the first time in history that an annual campaign of a single organization raised more than $1 billion.

  • 1980

    The United Ways in Lakeland, Winter Haven and Bartow merged to form United Way of Central Florida.

  • 1987

    Highlands County was added to UWCF’s service area, giving the organization the largest geographical area of any United Way in Florida, serving Polk, Hardee and Highlands counties.

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Our Mission

To inspire our community to give, advocate and volunteer by identifying needs and mobilizing vetted resources to create positive, local change.

Our Vision

To unite our community and empower everyone to achieve their full potential.

Contact Us

BY MAIL
PO Box 1357,
Highland City, FL 33846

BY PHONE
863.648.1500

VISIT US
5605 US Highway 98 S.
Lakeland, FL 33812

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