United Way of Southern Colorado Inc.

Background Statement

The spirit of philanthropic giving began in Pueblo in 1923 when community leaders raised $105,000 by going door-to-door. It was known first as the Community Chest, then the United Fund and now, United Way. While the name changed, the mission remained constant--to raise funds whereby donors could give to a single effort and help support the array of needed and critical services in our community.

Today, the same mission leads United Way of Southern Colorado --'to develop donor resources to enhance the quality of life for the people of Southern Colorado. United Way of Southern Colorado is autonomous, directing our own course based on community needs and the direction given by our governing board.

The power of United Way is a result of a community-wide collaboration to help those in need. UWSC relies on hundreds of committed volunteers each year to raise and allocate funds to help solve the most critical issues of our community through various health and human service agencies. Knowledgeable volunteers are also dedicated to ensuring good stewardship of funds, and low overhead. Programming is in three focus areas - youth/family strengthening and senior services, crisis intervention, and basic needs/financial stability (housing and utility assistance, food, tax prep and financial education). Because of the generosity of donors throughout the years, thousands of individuals and families lives have been touched.