Calhoun County saw its first united appeals effort in the 1920’s when the local Kiwanis Club and Rotary Club combined their fundraising efforts to help children living in poverty. Their organized efforts established Calhoun County’s first Community Chest. As time went by and the fundraising efforts grew, community leaders decided that it was time to further grow the capacity of this annual campaign. The United Way was established, and in 1954, the organization was incorporated to officially become United Way of Calhoun County.

In 1996, United Way of Calhoun County expanded its coverage area to serve residents in Cleburne and Randolph counties and changed its name to United Way of East Central Alabama. Today, United Way of East Central Alabama remains the largest fundraising effort in the area, with revenue of over $1 million each year. These efforts allow the organization to fund and support 28 Community Partners and 4 initiatives across our communities.

Staying true to the vision of that first united appeals effort in the 1020’s, United Way of East Central Alabama is working every day to advance the common good and make a positive impact on our communities. We are investing in the Focus Areas of Education, Income & Health – because we believe that these are the building blocks for a good quality of life for all. Our entire community wins when a child succeeds in school and life, when a resident finds gainful employment to support a family, and when individuals and families are safe and healthy. We are also investing in services vital to the immediate Basic Needs of the most vulnerable members of our community. We believe these services will help them achieve stability so they, too, can begin working on the building blocks of a good life for themselves.

In the end, we are seeking to partner with others and invest in programs that achieve positive, lasting outcomes and create brighter opportunities for our residents. As we move forward, we believe that the collective impact of these efforts will translate into better, more vibrant communities for all of us!