Around the corner, down the road and right in your own backyard, United Way is proud to continue in its ongoing mission: to be a leader in bringing people together to provide solutions that strengthen our community.

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 1975, the organization changed its name to United Way of Southeastern Connecticut and was raising nearly $1,000,000 each year to support the community.

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 2006 United Way raised more than $8 million for health and human services in New London County. United Way supports 83 partner programs and initiatives that make meaningful, positive changes in four priority areas:

• Community Wellness
• Thriving Children
• Basic Needs
• Training & Education for Jobs

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. It's not accomplished the old way, it's the United Way. Right here in your backyard, United Way is changing the way -- from quick fixes to real, lasting change. That's what matters. That's United Way!

If you would like to learn more about United Way and the community, consider becoming a volunteer for United Way's fund distribution process. Complete a form online and get involved in the community.