We Are Committed to

Improve Hardin County by

Mobilizing The

Caring Power of Our Community

Mission Statement of the

United Way of Hardin County

The mission of United Way is to improve people's lives by mobilizing the caring power of communities.

A Community-Based National Movement

United Ways across the country activate community resources to make the greatest possible human impact. The United Way system includes approximately 1,400 community-based United Way organizations. Each is independent, separately incorporated and governed by local volunteers.

As community leaders, United Ways address the most critical local issues and mobilize resources beyond the dollars that are pledged through their fund-raising efforts. Community partners often include schools, government policy makers, businesses, organized labor, financial institutions, voluntary and neighborhood associations, community development corporations and the faith community.

Mobilizing the Caring Power of Communities

United Ways bring communities together to focus on the most important human needs-building partnerships, forging consensus and leveraging resources to make a measurable difference. Focus areas are identified at the local level and vary from community to community.

Common focus areas include: helping children and youth succeed, strengthening and supporting families, promoting self-sufficiency, building vital and safe neighborhoods and supporting vulnerable and aging populations

In 2003/2004, United Ways generated $3.59 billion in revenue, from the annual campaign and gifts beyond the campaign. United Ways leveraged a total of $4.05 billion in resources to build stronger communities. A vast network of volunteers keeps administrative expenses low, averaging 13 percent of all funds raised at the largest United Ways. This figure compares favorably with Better Business Bureau guidelines of up to 35 percent

United Way Initiatives

A United Way-led partnership is currently working with the White House and Congress in support of 211, the national abbreviated dialing code for free access to health and human services.

United Way's children's initiative, Success By 6®, builds upon community strengths, funds programs, advocates for public policy changes and collaborates with others to improve the lives of children, youth and their families.

The United Way State of Caring Index® is a dynamic approach to measuring the health and well-being of the nation. It analyzes 35 social and economic indicators at the state and national levels to create a summary measure of Americans' capacity to care for one another.

National Leadership

United Way of America (UWA) is a national leadership organization for the United Way movement. UWA speaks as the voice for the uniqueness of American Philanthropy. UWA leads the movement through public relations, national brand advertising, the NFL partnership and the management of relationships with national corporate and philanthropic partners and the federal government. UWA provides world-class support services to local United Ways including training, consultation, mediation, conferencing, national research, and assessment tools.