United Way seeks to improve lives around the Wabash Valley to advance the common good.
True to our founding spirit, whenever there is a need in our communities, United Way is there. We bring a comprehensive approach to every challenge, actively listening and responding to local needs by addressing the underlying causes. We unite donors and volunteers with organizations who are focused on producing real results. Thanks to the generous support of people throughout the Wabash Valley, we’re helping to improve lives every day.
Our Vision
We envision a thriving, inspired community focused on care and collaboration.
Our Mission
We achieve our vision by working with and for our community to create lasting solutions to our greatest challenges.
Our Values
Our work will be guided by:
Collaboration and Open, Two-Way Communication
We are dedicated to a culture of listening and an exchange of ideas. We intentionally seek the voices of a variety of audiences, give voice to the often unheard, and lend our knowledge to address our toughest challenges.
Accountability and Empowerment
We hold ourselves to a higher standard, and everyday must ask ourselves, our partners and our neighbors how our efforts will have a lasting impact. We listen when you tell us to lead, follow, convene or make room for new points of view.
Passion
We all have something that is important to us, that motivates and energizes us, about which we talk and get others excited. For us, it is helping others see the potential in themselves, in our community and in each other.
Our Reach
Understanding the unique needs of the communities we serve is critical to supporting the programs and places best equipped to create long-lasting change for families and individuals who call the Wabash Valley home.
We serve the communities in Vigo, Vermillion, Parke, Clay, and Sullivan counties IN, and Clark county, IL
Our History
In 1957, the United Appeal was formed as the fundraising arm of the Community Chest. The stated purpose of the United Appeal was “to promote the social welfare of the county, prevent waste and duplication of fundraising efforts for charitable and welfare organizations and to bring together in a united appeal all possible campaign of the community’s accepted welfare and recreational agencies…” The United Appeal was incorporated in June 1958.
In 1959, the United Appeal was succeeded by the United Fund of Terre Haute and Vigo County, Inc. in a reorganization that saw all administrative powers of the Community Chest being transferred to the new agency. The United Appeal was given the authority to hire any administrative personnel deemed necessary. From that point on, the Community Chest would handle only legacies and trusts.
In 1976, the Articles of Incorporation for United Fund of Terre Haute and Vigo County, Inc. were amended, filed, and recorded to change the name to United Way of the Wabash Valley, Inc.
In 2018, United Way of the Wabash Valley began a transformative change from a long-time agency program funder to a collective impact, social change, organization. This new direction still relies on core staples of United Way such as workplace and individual fund-raising, and volunteer-driven investment decisions, but also leans on our strengths as a convener, collaborator and community-change agent.
