History - Fact Sheet
United Way of West Central Mississippi has been in the community since 1953. We are chartered by the state of Mississippi as a 501c3 nonprofit charitable organization. For over 60 years, we have focused on mobilizing the caring power of community to make a difference in people’s lives.
There are over 1,800 United Ways worldwide and 20 United Ways spread across the state of Mississippi. Each United Way is completely independent. Our service area includes Claiborne, Issaquena, Sharkey, Warren, Yazoo counties and Madison Parish in Tallulah, Louisiana. More than 99 cents of every dollar donated to United Way stays in the West Central Mississippi service area. Giving to United Way makes it easy to give back to the community in which we live and work.
United Way exists to meet the needs of this community. We focus on improving lives and strengthening our community through programs that provide a lasting impact in the areas of health, education and financial stability – the building blocks for a good quality life.
We collaborate with our partner agencies, non-profits, local government, civic and faith organizations along with community investors to deliver measurable improvements and solutions to the critical health and human services facing the community we serve. The Community Services division of United Way provides a comprehensive Information and Referral service.
We LIVE UNITED because individuals are willing to give, advocate and volunteer on our behalf. While there are only six United Way professionals on staff, hundreds of volunteers give their time to make United Way successful. Our 20 member volunteer Board of Directors governs, determines policy, and oversee operations. Volunteers help raise money to fund the programs in 21 agencies, invest the money raised in the campaign and support our community impact initiatives. This is one reason that United Way is the most cost effective way to give your charitable dollar.
United Way is accountable to the public through its community investment process. This is another unique aspect of United Way. It is the only organization where the people who give their dollars are the ones who decide where the money goes. They make sure funds are invested in programs that meet the education, health and income needs of our community.
Explore our world - visit one of our partner agencies to see how we all LIVE UNITED
