History of United Way of Southeastern Connecticut 

United Way is honored to continue in its ongoing mission: To change our community by helping people in need through responsible use of donations.  In 1962, the United Fund of Norwich and the Community Chest of Groton, New London, and Waterford merged to form United Community Services of Southeastern Connecticut, Inc. The organization pledged itself to study the county's needs and the ways in which they can be met through volunteers and agencies and then to raise the money to support those agencies. 

The first campaign in 1962, called the United Fund, raised $427,885 for programs at 34 agencies providing health, welfare and character-building services. That represented $38,000 more than the two separate agencies raised in total the prior year. Clearly, a successful enterprise had begun.

In 1988, it was recognized that area shelters, pantries, soup kitchens and child care centers needed a center to purchase food in bulk. As a result, the United Way Labor Department Food Center was initiated. Today, the food center, known as the Gemma E. Moran United Way Labor Food Center, distributes food to help serve the equivalent of 1.5 million meals per year through 85 member food distribution sites.

In 2009, United Way raised more than $6.4 million for health and human services in New London County. United Way supports 80 partner programs and initiatives that make meaningful, positive changes in four priority areas:

• Community Wellness
• Thriving Children
• Basic Needs
• Promoting Independence 

Through the ongoing support of hundreds of companies and organizations in Southeastern Connecticut, combined with the generous gifts of employees and residents, United Way is able to improve lives. Together we can make real lasting changes right here in our community by Living United and creating real, lasting change. Think of WE BEFORE ME! That's United Way!