Who We Are

United Way of Whiteside County is a locally-based, volunteer-driven nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting quality health and human service programs that meet the needs of Whiteside County residents and works to improve community conditions. 

We’ve come a long way from being just a fund-raising organization.  United Way of Whiteside County is working with community leaders, public institutions, government agencies and health and human service agencies to tackle the most pressing needs in our communities.  In 2007 a county-wide Needs Survey was completed, the data was analyzed, and seven priority issues were identified.  The 20 member agencies of United Way are working to address these serious issues. 

United Way is also involved in community initiatives.  The “Let’s Feed Our Children” summer lunch program was started in 2002 and received a Governor’s Hometown Award for excellence in 2003.  In 2008 over 200 volunteers served over 27,000 lunches 3 days a week for an 11-week period during the summer.  Costs were kept to 65 cents per lunch.  A Pharmacy Assistance program was initiated in 2004.  This is an emergency program for people who have no insurance and cannot afford prescription medications.  Clients are given a voucher to a local pharmacy.  In 2003 United Way started the LIFE (Literacy is Fun for Everyone) program through the Dolly Parton Imagination Library. Children who are born in and reside in Whiteside County receive an age-appropriate book a month from birth to age 5 when they receive “Look Out Kindergarten, Here I Come.”

Yes, United Way of Whiteside County is more than a fund-raising organization.  United Way has brought residents together to work to make Whiteside County a better place to live and raise their families.  When you reach out a hand to one, you influence the condition of all.  That’s what it means to LIVE UNITED.