History
How United Way Began
The United Way movement began 1887 in Denver when a priest, a rabbi and a minister recognized the need for cooperative action to address their city’s welfare problems, a result of the thousands of families who came to Colorado during the Gold Rush era. They formed the Charity Organization Society of Denver, which sought financial support for ten agencies in one combined and coordinated fundraising appeal. This first campaign raised $21,700.
This idea soon spread to other communities. As these programs grew, they began setting standards and monitoring the performance of local charities. Local councils were formed to prevent overlapping services and to prohibit multiple solicitations by non-profit agencies. Known then by many names, these groups set the foundation for what we know today as United Way.
In 1918, fundraising federations across the U.S. met in Chicago and formed the first national organization linking these local groups. Rochester, New York, became the first to use the name Community Chest in 1919. But real growth wasn’t achieved until local funds embraced payroll deduction, a fundraising technique actually invented by the United Auto Workers in Detroit to help their members give back to their community. By the early 70’s, most had adopted the name United Way.
In 1971, United Way of America was formed to be the trade and service association for local United Ways, supporting them with volunteer and staff training, coordination, advocacy, marketing, the sharing of best practices and more.
Today, there are nearly 1,800 independent and grassroots United Ways in the U.S. and 45 countries around the world. Each United Way is autonomous and governed by a local volunteer Board. Money raised in each community stays in that community to address local needs.
Local History
Lake Area United Way (LAUW) traces its history to 1969 when Judge William J. Obermiller of East Chicago founded an organization called United Drive. The goal was to unite seven separate fundraising groups into one.
The vision took a big leap forward in 1971 when Lyndon R. Milliken became the first executive director of the Lake Area United Appeal. The new organization combined the Northwest Indiana United Fund and the United Calumet Community Chest. This became the forerunner of Lake Area United Way, officially established in 1973.
Hammond businessman Julian Colby donated the current LAUW building located near the intersection of Cline Avenue and Ridge Road in Griffith, providing needed office space to house the new organization. Mr. Colby’s generosity helped give LAUW its start.
LAUW works constantly to improve its level of service to the community. By keeping our fingers on the pulse of this community’s most pressing health and human-service needs and monitoring our 31 member agencies, LAUW assures individuals and companies that their donations are invested in top-performing programs and initiatives that produce positive results.
In 2000, the State of Indiana recognized Lake Area United Way’s superior performance when it awarded the organization its prestigious Indiana Quality Improvement Award. It is the highest honor given to Hoosier companies for continuous improvement.
Today, LAUW is much more than just a fundraising or funds-distribution organization. We are a community impact and planning organization supported by an alliance of donors who want to positively affect community conditions before they become community problems.
Change Starts Here
Lake Area United Way advances the common good by creating opportunities for a better life for all. Our focus is on education, income and health – the building blocks for a good quality of life.
United Way recruits people and organizations who bring the passion, expertise and resources to get things done in our community.
We invite you to be a part of the change. You can give, you can advocate, and you can volunteer. That’s what it means to LIVE UNITED™.
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