United Is The Way: 90 years of working together
United Way of the Coastal Bend knows that when we all work together, we can do amazing things.
After all, we've been doing amazing things for 90 years now.
United Way of the Coastal Bend got its start in 1936 as the Junior Chamber of Commerce's first federated, or unified, fundraising campaign in Corpus Christi. It was after the Great Depression, and, on their own, the agencies looking to raise money and help those who were in need were coming up short.
The idea worked! Eleven agencies were aiming to raise $37,235 -- they raised $39,625!
The "campaigns" became known as the Community Chest, and in 1950, we raised $258,262 for 14 agencies. It was then that leaders decided to adopt the "United Fund" concept, which was started in Detroit the year before. It only served local agencies, and raised $467,735 in its first campaign in 1951.
In 1957, the number of funded partners, or agencies helped by these fundraising efforts, rose to 33.
We came under the United Way of America umbrella in 1972, allowing us to share in the organization's impressive footprint. Around the same time, we were slowing growing into an areawide force for good -- Portland's United Fund joined Corpus Christi's in 1967; Alice and Kingsville followed in 1969; Robstown in 1970; Beeville in 1971, and Ingleside in 1973.
By 1979, the our United Way served 50 agencies in five counties.
We celebrated our 50th anniversary of serving our community in 1986, and Operation Supply Our Students began in 1990.
In 1999, Success By 6 joined our ranks
Live Oak County increased the number of counties we serve to six when it came aboard in 2002, and Kenedy, Brooks, Duval and refugio counties also eventually came aboard, boosting that number to 10 counties served.
We actively seek out people with many backgrounds, experiences and ways of thinking to work with. These collaborations help us all better address the issues facing our communities.
Our core values aim to ensure everyone has access to a healthy and safe life. We know that advantages and barriers exist, and that, we all don’t start from the same place.
We prioritize support for vulnerable populations. This commitment includes the intentional and ongoing engagement with diverse groups that makes sure all people are welcomed, valued and heard. We strive to maintain a collaborative, supportive, and respectful environment that encourages everyone's participation and contribution.
Through partnerships with nonprofits, donors, local government, businesses, community advocates and volunteers, we are building a just and fair community in which everyone has the chance to participate, prosper and reach their full potential.
The United Way of the Coastal Bend Board of Directors, staff, volunteers and community partners must always reflect and genuinely demonstrate the values with which we began out mission 90 years ago, showing UNITED IS THE WAY.