History of the United Way Movement

The United Way concept began in 1887 in Denver, Colorado when four religious leaders formed the charity Organization Society. This organization was formed to meet the needs of a growing society and to provide essential services to many citizens who were destitute. At this time, the United Way philosophy of being a coordinated community wide effort to solve problems began.

Approximately thirty years later, executive’s of twelve fund-raising organizations formed the American Association for Community Organizations. These executives are considered to be the founders of the national organization now know as the United Way of America.

The current role of the United Way took root in the 1930’s. Community Chests became widespread throughout the country, and the red feather became the national campaign symbol for the next twenty years. Shortly before the 1950’s, the same United Fund began to sweep the nation. Over 2,000 United Fund organizations existed and $400 million was raised.

When Community Chests and United Funds merged in Los Angeles during the 1960’s, the United Way was formed. At this time, a new shape was taken and a national and international movement began. The use of the common United Way name and rainbow logo symbolized new beginnings. Today there are more than 2,200 United Ways serving communities all across America and in thirteen countries. In 1987, the United Way movement celebrated a century of caring, and invented new and innovative ideas to be used over the next 100 years. The United Way has prospered because it has been able to respond to changing needs and has risen to meet new challenges.

History of the United Way of Russell and Washington Counties

The United Way of Washington County was formed by local citizens in 1963. The organization was created for the purposes of assessing the need for human service programs on a consulting basis, to seek solutions to human problems, to develop and expand human service programs in Washington County, and to foster cooperation among local, state and national agencies serving this community.

Andrew Miller served as President of the first United Way Board of Directors. Board members and officers included: L. C. Angle, C. B Hale, E. W. Potts, Pearl Jones, Ruth Austin, Mrs. T. C. Caldwell, D. M. Cooke, Mrs. Ernest Copenhaver, Ike Crabtree, Mark Farris, W. H. Groseclose, George A. Hall, Thelma Ireson, Mrs. James G. Johnson, Mrs. Fred McConnell, Mrs. Frank McClaughterty, Mrs. L. H. Mongle, Mrs. Oscar Porterfield, Mrs. David Roberts, Jr., Dr. Harrison Spencer, and George Summerson.

In August of 2009, United Way of Washington County grew to encompass Russell County and was incorporated into the United Way of Russell and Washington Counties. Today, United Way of Russell and Washington Counties is comprised of two counties in Southwest Virginia - Russell and Washington. The new organization encompasses 14 towns, including more than 81,000 residents, covering over 1,000 square miles and serves as the largest non-government health and human services funder in Southwest Virginia. Currently, the United Way of Russell and Washington Counties allocates resources to 33 partner agencies that address the most pressing human service needs in Russell and Washington County Virginia.