INDIANA – In a nod toward future-forward community impact and sustainability, two United Ways
with a long history of serving the south-central area of Indiana are exploring a regional unification.
In January 2023, United Way of Lawrence County Indiana, known locally as United Way of South Central
Indiana, approached United Way of Monroe County about the possibility of joining forces to better serve
those in need.
Currently, United Way of South Central Indiana has one staff serving Lawrence and Orange Counties. With seven staff and several interns, Monroe County serves Monroe, Owen, Greene, and Brown Counties.
“From the perspective of our Board of Directors, Monroe County makes sense as a partner United Way. We are connected by 37, so community members live, work, play, and seek services within our shared footprint. We have companies and branch locations – and even agency relationships – in common,” explains Kim Burgess, Executive Director of United Way of South Central Indiana.
While initiated early this year, the exploration began in earnest this spring.
“This isn’t something we moved on right away,” Randy Rogers, President, and CEO of United Way of Monroe County, clarifies. “Our Board really took time to consider the implications for the communities involved. They wanted to make sure that the potential to amplify assistance to the community existed before we committed to real talks. United Way of South Central Indiana is a stable organization that, under Kim’s leadership, has been able to make real inroads in areas like juvenile justice. And, the organization uses a similar impact model. By spring, our Board was excited by the possibilities this unification could create.”
Currently, members of each Board of Directors are working together to determine what a new Board structure might look like and discussing how to best maintain continuity of presence in Lawrence and Orange Counties (while engaging more significantly in Owen, Greene, and Brown Counties).
Should the unification move forward, the organization plans to operate under the name United Way of South Central Indiana with the tag Serving Brown, Greene, Lawrence, Monroe, Orange, and Owen Counties.
The newly- formed, regional organization will also undertake strategic planning in late 2023 or early 2024.
“United Ways fight for the health, education, and financial stability of all individuals and families in our community,” said Chair of the United Way of South Central Indiana Board of Directors Zarod Myers. “We will always strategically explore ways to maximize efficiencies, preserve our sustainability, and strengthen our ability to address our community’s needs.”
The organizations will hold a virtual town hall meeting on Friday, June 30 at noon. Registration is required, and that link can be found on each organization’s website. At the time of registration, community members can submit any questions they may have. Those who have registered will receive a
link to the Town Hall meeting by 9:30 a.m. the day of.
