BEDFORD & BLOOMINGTON – United Way of Monroe County and United Way of South Central Indiana announce the exciting news that these two organizations have united as one, joining forces to combine their unique abilities, partnerships, and histories to bring new opportunities to the region. Merging creates operational efficiencies, ensuring greater impact while maintaining a strong local presence within each distinct community that makes up the south-central region.
After several months of discussion, the two organizations are officially operating as United Way of South Central Indiana and will create impact in Brown, Greene, Lawrence, Monroe, Orange, and Owen counties. The organization will retain offices in Bloomington at 431 S. College Avenue and an office within the Stonegate Arts & Education building in Bedford at 931 15th St.
The newly broadened organization launched its 2023 giving season at the Blue Jean Ball on September 21, celebrating the expanded United Way of South Central Indiana service area. Those wishing to donate or get involved are encouraged to visit www.unitedwaysci.org.
United Way of South Central Indiana will work toward moving families out of poverty and into possibility by addressing the root causes of inequities in health, education, and financial stability across South Central Indiana.
Nearly half of the families in the region are in, or one emergency away from, poverty – including 30% of families with children and 43% of seniors. It takes everyone, and United Way of South Central Indiana is rallying our communities to work hand-in-hand.
Kim Burgess, Executive Director of the former United Way of South Central Indiana, remains on staff in the role of Director of Rural Engagement. She will remain active and visible in Lawrence and Orange counties while also providing outreach to additional rural counties in the new footprint. “Our board launched discussions to combine operations with United Way of Monroe County to leverage the strengths of an expanded staff and ensure that United Way can effectively and efficiently serve the South Central region far into the future,” said Burgess.
“We are confident that Lawrence and Orange counties will be better served through unification,” shared Nick Shafer, board member of the former and current United Way of South Central Indiana.
As part of the unification, Randy Rogers, President & CEO of the former United Way of Monroe County, will retain as the President & CEO role for United Way of South Central Indiana.
He said, “We’re looking forward to beginning a listening tour of Brown, Greene, Lawrence, Monroe, Orange, and Owen counties over the next several months and determining how best to focus our regional planning efforts in the future. Each county faces unique challenges, and we will tailor our work accordingly. As we launch the 2023 fundraising season, we also want to assure donors that their communities will be well represented and served; to ensure this, the regional Board of Directors will include members from across the counties we serve.”
“We’re excited for this opportunity to serve the members of our communities who live and work throughout the region,” shared Chris Pierce, Board Chair of the former United Way of Monroe County and current United Way of South Central Indiana.
In the short-term, donors, volunteers, and community partners can expect minimal changes. During the upcoming months, www.unitedwaysci.org, social media platforms, communication channels, granting processes, accounting, and fundraising will be updated to reflect the transition.
To learn more about the unification of the United Way of South Central Indiana and the United Way of Monroe County, view the FAQ at www.unitedwaysci.org/merger.
