Welcome to the United Way of Kenosha County!

United Way of Kenosha County (UWKC) is an independently-governed 501(c)3 nonprofit organization connected to a network of more than 1,400 local United Ways through United Way Worldwide.

We have our own board of directors and focus our work on local solutions for local problems. United Way of Kenosha County's strategic approach to community problem solving concentrates on collaboration and results. We achieve results through programs at partner agencies.

United Way of Kenosha County mobilizes the caring power of the entire Kenosha County to improve lives in measurable and lasting ways throughout our communities. The organization is led by a diverse group of volunteers from business, labor, government, human services, education and the community.

History

In 1887, a Denver woman, a priest, two ministers and a rabbi recognized the need for cooperative action to address their city’s welfare problems. Frances Wisebart Jacobs, the Rev. Myron W. Reed, Msgr. William J.O’Ryan, Dean H. Martyn Hart and Rabbi William S. Friedman put their heads together to plan the first united campaign for ten health and welfare agencies.

They created an organization to serve as an agent to collect funds for local charities, as well as to coordinate relief services, counsel and refer clients to cooperating agencies, and make emergency assistance grants in cases which could not be referred.

That year, Denver raised $21,700 and created a movement that would spread throughout the country to become the United Way. More than 125 years later, United Way is still focused on mobilizing the caring power of communities and making a difference in people’s lives.