Statements
Mission
The United Way of Rutherford and Cannon Counties improves lives by advancing opportunities for education, health and financial stability for all.
Background
Chartered as the 'United Givers Fund' in 1956, the new organization raised $36,000 in its first year. That was four times more than the local Community Chest raised the year before in 1955. Chartering board members of UWRCC were Cecil Adams, Clyde Fite, Earle Rees, Donald Knight, Jack Weatherford, John Bragg, Hollis Donnell, Ellis Gray, Sam Lasseter, Frank Clardy, Bernard Goldstein, W.E. Landers, Q.M. Smith, J.D. Swartzbaugh, and J.J. Jewell Jr. Three of the founding board members were present to celebrate United Way's 50th Anniversary Celebration in 2006. In 1956, the United Way partnering agencies consisted of The Council of Social Agencies, Bradley Cafeteria, Crichlow Cafeteria, McFadden Cafeteria, United Defense Fund, Traveler's Aid, Franklin Heights Nursery, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and the USO. In 1982, the United Givers Fund was transformed into the United Way of Rutherford County under the leadership of Dot Harrison, the first female board chair. The organization began serving Cannon County in the early 1990s, and in 2005 the name changed to United Way of Rutherford and Cannon Counties. The United Way grossed $100,000 in 1968, $1 million in 1991, and $2 million in 1999. The 2013 campaign surpassed $3 million. Today, the United Way of Rutherford and Cannon Counties takes pride in being an accountable, efficient and transparent community impact organization.
Impact
United Way works to identify issues, develop partnerships, implement solutions and measure results to meet the most critical needs in the community by bringing together the nonprofit, government, education, health, corporate and faith-based sectors. United Way's key priority issues are within the areas of education, financial stability and health. UWRCC Top Accomplishments in 2023- The 2023 VITA (volunteer income tax assistance program) resulted in $2.1M in economic impact to the community. - $1.8M saved by the Single Care Prescription Discount Program- Stuff the Bus resulted in over 29,000 school supplies collected that were assembled into backpacks - $25,000.00 provides the 2-1-1 service to Rutherford and Cannon Counties- The sixth annual Community Baby Shower resulted in 550 baby bags assembled. Hometown Huddle volunteers provided 467 snack packs, providing children with meals for healthy living. United Way is in its eighth year of the Catalyst Program, a program aimed at meeting the needs of society today, while proactively preparing and pursuing measures in place for future generations. Fourteen consecutive 'Thumbs Up' from United Way Worldwide for completing a series of thirteen membership requirements to be considered in good standing with the international organization.
Needs
1. Increased revenue from individual and corporate contributions.
2. Passionate and knowledgeable volunteers to actively participate in advisory and oversight committees.
3. More civic engagement by public and private sector leaders to address the root causes of problems.
4. More public donations of items that support various United Way community engagement activities; for example, baby items for disadvantaged mothers, school supplies for Stuff the Bus, non-perishable healthy snack items - Hometown Huddle
5. Planned giving as part of the UWRCC Legacy Society to build endowment
Service Categories |
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| Primary Category: | Community Improvement, Capacity Building - Alliances & Advocacy |
| Secondary Category: | Human Services - Emergency Assistance (Food, Clothing, Cash) |
| Tertiary Category: | Housing, Shelter - Alliances & Advocacy |
Areas Served
LaVergne, Smyrna, Murfreesboro, Eagleville, Woodbury, Auburntown, Tullahoma, Lynchburg, Shelbyville, Manchester
| TN - Cannon |
| TN - Rutherford |
| TN - Bedford |
| TN - Lincoln |
| TN - Coffee |
| TN - Moore |
| TN - Warren |
