Welcome to Heartland United Way

History

2007

In 2007 the Heartland United Way celebrated 60 years of giving together. The United Way formally known as Community Chest came into existence in September 1947. While needs have changed in the past 60 years, the United Way has been a constant means of support to our communities citizens in time of need. Disconnected youth was a Community Impact area that was identified. The GPS program is designed to change the odds for adjudicated youth in our communities by investing in educational, health and social programs to equip them for success by breaking patterns of unproductive behavior and misconduct. Moo-Claw dinner and dance was held in the Heartland Event Center, serving over 800 hungry people. In celebration of the 60th anniversary the Heartland United Way hosted its first ever “Be a Hero today for the United Way” volunteer experience. In conjunction with the public campaign kick-off over 150 community volunteers went out across the area making over many of the United Way agencies. With a wide variety of needs from the agencies, volunteers painted sewed, poured concrete and generally worked on projects the United Way agencies were unable to complete themselves. It was a wonderful day of people working together. Chris and Mike Gloor were the United Way’s super heroes in disguise as our 2007-2008 campaign chairs. With the slogan of “Do what U Can” Mike and Chris encouraged everyone in the area to step up and be a hero for their community. With record breaking campaigns at many of our Pacesetter Businesses the campaign raised another record breaking total of $1,313,264.00!!

2006

The Heartland United Way welcomed the Multicultural Coalition as their 17th Partner Agency. During 2006 a new community impact initiative, BornLearning. BornLearning is a public engagement campaign that helps parents, grandparents and caregivers explore ways to turn everyday moments into fun learning opportunities. Moo-Claw, the Heartland United Way’s summer fund raiser continued to grow with over 500 people feasting on fresh lobster and steak while heating up the dance floor to the tunes of Blackberry Winter. The 2006-2007 campaign was chaired by the dynamic couple Judy and Bruce Smith. The group of leaders the Smiths recruited along with the generosity of our area’s businesses and individuals led to another record breaking campaign! With a goal of $1, 060, 000, the campaign cabinet worked hard and lead the way to an unprecedented $1,211,150.00, never has the United Way had such tremendous support!

2005

The Heartland United Way Campaign was successfully led by Matt and Kathy Shonsey to shatter the goal of $1,055,000 by raising more than $1,194,000! This campaign was again a record-breaking effort to reach this all-time high amount. The Heartland United Way conducted an organizational self-assessment and revised policies and procedures to meet the new United Way of America standards. A strategic plan was conducted as the United Way moved in the direction of Community Impact. The alignment of programs and services under “Children Matter, Families Matter and Communities Matter” focused our communication of outcomes in these areas. Community Impact efforts were also channeled to 2-1-1 ensuring an easier access to care for people in the Heartland Area. Identify local needs and plans to address these needs shifted our Community Impact efforts in two areas to Reduce Use and Developing Youth Minority Leadership. Central Nebraska Community Services joined as a new United Way Agency and Senior Citizen Industries no longer needed the UW support as the Veteran’s Administration Contract was quite beneficial to them.

2004
It was another great year for the Heartland United Way. On July 1, the 211 Information and referral line went “live” in Hall, Howard, Hamilton & Merrick Counties. The United Way received grants from the Nebraska Children & Families Foundation, Hall County Community Team and the Central District Health Department to help implement this system. Agencies attended training sessions to help them enhance the development and measurement of outcomes. This information will be very useful for the agencies as they complete grant requests. Through the generous support of caring community members, 20 families received additional gifts this holiday and 110 nursing and veteran’s home residents received Christmas presents. The United Way joined forces with the US Marine Corps and distributed toys to nearly 1,100 children. Bill and Sherry Marshall co-chaired the campaign with Matt and Kristen Maser. They had a record-breaking campaign of $1,080,000!

2003
Wow... what a year for the Heartland United Way! Ed and Meta Armstrong led the campaign to raise a record-breaking campaign of $1,040,372. The United Way also coordinated the Little Diana Task Force, which was formed in response to the tragic abuse death of a two-year-old little girl. The Heartland United Way has been working to implement a 2-1-1 system in the four counties. 2-1-1 is a telephone number that provides easy access to community resources and volunteer opportunities.

2002
The campaign once again faced many challenges due to the economy and other factors. The theme was "Choose to Care in the Heartland". The United way added the position of Public Relations Coordinator to enhance area community relations and area business relations. The campaign finished by raising 93% of the goal or $933,679.

2001
The United Way campaign faced many challenges on a local level with the National Tragedy of September 11th and the outpouring of generosity for the communities. The theme was "Choose to Care in the Heartland" and thus it was with the caring people in the four counties the campaign finished strong raising $950,155.

2000
The Heartland United Way office moved their office to the St Stephens Community Center at 410 West Second Street, Suite 1. New leadership for the Heartland United Way began in August. Campaign goal was $1,002,001, raising $960,100. This was a strong campaign considering loss due to bank mergers and corporate gifts.

1999
The campaign goal raised $980,724. Mark and Pam Snow and Linda and Reg Gartner were the campaign co-chairs. Sandra Livermon from Rock Mount, North Carolina was the kick-off speaker. Child Care Solutions was added as a new agency.

1998
Heartland United Way raised over one million dollars for the third straight year. Ryder Rosacker McCue & Huston sponsored a half-court basketball shot. Heartland United Way took a leadership role with the Community Partnership Project and partnered with local agencies to bring Dr. Lonise Bias to Grand Island.

1997
Heartland United Way raised over one million dollars again! Parrella Motors donated a two-year lease on a car to be given away. Central Nebraska Council on Alcoholism celebrated their 30th anniversary and the Crisis Center celebrated their 20th anniversary. Community Humanitarian Resource Center was added as a new agency.

1996
Our Heartland United Way celebrated 50 years of serving this area and raised one million dollars!!! Third City Community Clinic was added as a new agency. Citizen Advocacy celebrated its 20th anniversary.

1995
Heartland C.A.S.A., an agency advocating for children in foster care, joined Heartland United Way as an agency receiving funds. Over $950,000 was raised, the organization began working on its strategic plan, and the Board was re-structured to eliminate possible conflicts of interest.
1994 The Heartland United Way went over goal, raising $916,534.08.

1993
The United Way changed its name from Grand Island Area United Way to Heartland United Way. A second comprehensive needs assessment was conducted - to include the communities of Hall, Hamilton, Howard and Merrick counties. The Salvation Army left the United Way umbrella of agencies. The Campaign goal was set at a 10% increase - and was attained. $889,299 was raised!!!

1992
Family Violence Coalition was added to the list of excellent agencies. United Way of America restructured itself and there was a change in leadership here at the Grand Island Area United Way. The campaign focused on needs rather than specific dollar amounts and a team concept was introduced.

1991
The United Way adopted a new Donor Choice program. This program provides that when a donor designates an area of need or an agency to receive his/her gift, that's where it will go. The United Way Youth Board completed the first Youth Survey in the Grand Island area. The First Sand Volleyball Tournament was held. The campaign held this fall was the best ever with $830,353 raised, an 8% increase over the previous year. Two full-time Loaned Executives were recruited.

1990
The first ever-contractual agreement was signed with CHAD (Combined Health Agencies Drive) including 13 health agencies in the Grand Island Area United Way caring. The first ever-comprehensive Needs Assessment was completed and Young Grand Island Cares was started. The campaign held this fall was the best ever with $770,315 raised, a 30.54% increase over the previous year. The Grand Island Area United Way is now a Metro V.

1989
Senior Citizens Industries, Inc. and Adult Basic Education were added to the list of excellent agencies. Grand Island Area United Way opened the Volunteer Center for the recruitment and promotion of volunteerism for the Grand Island Area. The first full-time Loaned Executive was recruited.

1988
The campaign held this fall was the first time over one-half million dollars was raised in out state Nebraska. The Grand Island Area United Way went from a Metro VII to Metro VI classification with United Way of America. The Grand Island Area United Way held its first Celebrity Golf Classic and the Builders Club was founded.

1987
Grand Island Task Force on Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault changed their name to Crisis Center Inc.

1986
Third City Big Brothers merged with YWCA Big Sisters to create Big Brothers Big Sisters.

1985
Grand Island Task Force on Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault joined the Grand Island Area United Way campaign. The First Venture Fund Grants were awarded. Planned giving program was initiated.

1984
The Campaign held this fall was tremendously successful with $408,990 raised, a 20% increase over the previous year. Head Start joined the Grand Island Area United Way campaign.

1983
Group officially changed the name to Grand Island Area United Way, Inc.

1982
Lutheran Family Services joined the Grand Island Area United Way campaign.

1980
The Campaign held this fall, even after the June 3 tornadoes, was tremendously successful, with $290,000 raised, a 17% increase over the previous year.

1975
Group officially changed the name to Grand Island United Way, Inc.

1974
Citizen Advocacy joined the Grand Island Campaign.

1971
Combined Federal Campaign joined the Grand Island Campaign.

1969
Central Nebraska Council on Alcoholism and the Third City Big Brothers joined the Grand Island Campaign.

1967
U.S.O. joined the Grand Island Campaign. The United Way office moved to a building at 2020 West Seventh.

1963
Group was officially incorporated as the Grand Island Community Chest.

1960
Red Cross joined the Grand Island Campaign.

1956
First year with a permanent office for the Grand Island Community Chest.

1947
A combined campaign was organized in Grand Island on September 19th with William Reutlinger as president and a goal of $36,000, which was surpassed. The five original agencies were: Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Y.M.C.A., Y.W.C.A. and Salvation Army.

1918
Twelve executives of United Way fund raising organizations met in Chicago and agreed to form a national association with the purpose of exchanging ideas and experiences. They called it the American Association for Community Organization. Today, it is known as the United Way of America.

1887
First United Way organization was formed in Denver as a result of the joint efforts of two ministers, a priest and a rabbi. It is regarded as a United Way formation because it was the first attempt to perform community planning and the first known united fund raising effort for 'charity' organizations. It coordinated services of twenty-two agencies and give financial support to ten of these services.

MISSION STATEMENT
To increase the organized capacity of people to care for one another.

VISION STATEMENT
Heartland United Way will aspire to be the critical link which brings together all community participants to build stronger, healthier, and more sustainable communities as cost effectively as possible.

COMMITMENT STATEMENTS
• We will maximize the impact of every dollar you invest in your community.

• Your money will go where you want it to go.

• We will be accessible to you and respond effectively to your needs.

• We will be a responsible community member and will report to you on our progress.

CORE VALUES
The mission of Heartland United Way is to increase the organized capacity of all people in Hall, Hamilton, Howard and Merrick counties to improve our quality of life by being accountable to one another. This critical role requires that all of Heartland United Way Board members, staff, volunteers and representatives who foster such essential public good must assume the responsibility of earning public trust.

Accordingly, Heartland United Way (HUW) plays a unique role both as a leader in the health and human services sector and as a major resource to partner agencies to build trust through all that we do. This bond of trust goes far beyond legal or regulatory requirements to include our core values, and ethics. To fulfill this special obligation, five core values provide the foundation on which we base our actions and decisions:

INTEGRITY: We act with integrity that inspires the highest truth. We therefore:
• Stand as "one" in the relentless pursuit of instilling and promoting public confidence and trust.
• Maintain the highest standards of excellence and accountability, including prudent use of finances, and fair, accurate and honest disclosures of information.
• Keep our promises. People know that "United Way makes my caring count."

IMPACT: We make a positive difference and have a measurable impact of enduring consequence. We therefore:
• Make a difference in our community and change lives through our efforts.
• Are committed to a United Way that is relevant to its people, its community and the times.
• Assume responsibility as good stewards and are accountable for our work and sustainable results.

VOLUNTEERISM: We have impact and are made relevant through the spirit of volunteerism. We therefore:
• Are outstanding in the way that we invite volunteers to express their philanthropic beliefs (expression of one's "love of humanity").
• Believe that the most effective models of service and excellence are created through the leadership of volunteers.
• Encourage volunteer participation.

INCLUSIVENESS: We are strong only when we are inclusive. We therefore:
• Aspire to involve every segment of the community in every aspect of our work.
• Act in ways that respect the dignity, uniqueness, and intrinsic worth of every person, the community, the donors, our own Board members, staff, volunteers and representatives.
• Believe in a movement built from the rich diversity and gifts of all people in all systems.

COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP: We provide leadership for community building to be a catalyst for positive change. We therefore:
• Are effective educators and facilitators bringing all segments of the community together to promote individual well being and common good.
• Are leaders of a process that multiplies the impact of people's innate desire and capacity to care for one another.
• Help transform visions of compassion and giving into dynamic reality.