United Way of Addison County

About

Our goal is to create long-lasting changes by addressing the underlying causes of problems.

Story

Our Programs

Community Leadership
United Way staff and volunteers participate in many local and state initiatives to bring people, expertise, resources and ideas together in order to strengthen the community. Some examples of these are: United Ways of Vermont, Addison County Housing Coalition, and People of Addison County Together (PACT).

Community Impact Funding
United Way of Addison County is working to advance the common good by seeking solutions to the immediate needs of our community members. We do this while looking forward to a vision of our community 10 years from now. Our long-range goal is to create lasting changes that prevent problems from starting in the first place.

But there are immediate needs our friends and neighbors will be facing this year: rising fuel and gas prices will affect their ability to buy food and pay their rent and mortgages, and some may have to choose between food and medicines. We need to support agencies that help people with their immediate needs. And we will continue to support and improve the infrastructure of the nonprofit human service agencies that provide direct services to one in every three people in Addison County.

In 2007, United Way of Addison County conducted a county-wide needs assessment with more than 600 people of all ages responding. The survey confirmed what our partner agencies have been telling us about the areas of impact that are most important to our friends and neighbors.

Do you share our vision for the community?

The goals that are imbedded in these Impact Areas define a vision for our community: that all people live safe, healthy, independent lives with opportunities for learning at all stages of life; that all people have access to adequate housing and healthcare, job opportunities and financial stability; and that we will remain actively engaged in keeping our community strong through volunteering, advocating and giving.

Immediate needs
Meeting the essential needs of all people and assisting in times of crisis
Food All people have access to adequate nutrition during times of need.
Shelter All people have shelter during times of need.
Alternative housing options are available to those who need them.
Personal Safety All people are free from abuse and violence.

Self-Sufficiency
Supporting people of all ages to live safe, healthy and independent lives

Healthy Living
All people have access to health care and are able to make healthy choices

Life Long Learning
All people have access to age appropriate learning opportunities that lead to personal success in life and at work

Financial Stability
Individuals and families are able to build income, savings and assets
Affordable housing and affordable transportation are available to all ages.

Community Engagement
Raising awareness about community issues, and identifying and supporting solutions to community needs through advocacy, volunteerism and philanthropy

Volunteering
The Volunteer Center is available to those individuals, families and organizations who wish to volunteer.

Volunteer Programs
UWAC strives to gather resources throughout the community to support and foster volunteering. UWAC kicks off its fall fundraising campaign with Days of Caring, an opportunity to bring together more than 700 volunteers to complete projects large and small and bring attention to the needs of county non-profits. The Volunteer Center is a collaboration of UWAC and RSVP to attract and match volunteers with non-profit agencies. United Way facilitates the Volunteer Coordinators’ Network and Addison County’s National Volunteer Week Celebration.

Fundraising
United Way of Addison County conducts an annual fundraising campaign to support its community based allocations process. UW’s fundraising campaign is conducted by volunteers, people like you. Volunteers meet with friends and co-workers to explain community needs and how businesses and individuals can help UWAC meet them.

Mission

United Way of Addison County is a leader and catalyst, mobilizing and supporting the caring power of individuals and organizations to improve lives and strengthen the community.