Let’s work together to make 2021 a good one.

I enjoy turning the page to a new year because it seems to give us all permission to challenge assumptions, try something new, or think about things in a new way. I am going to challenge my assumption that our readers know these key facts about United Way of Southwest Colorado. I will share a handful here that you may or may not have known! 

1. Each United Way is a LOCAL, INDEPENDENT nonprofit. It is true that we have a huge network of 1,200 United Ways across the world, but we each exist to help our own communities.
2. United Way of Southwest Colorado is rated PLATINUM by Guidestar (the highest level), a charity watchdog, as a result of our effectiveness, transparency, and accountability in our work.
3. Our United Way is the fiscal agent for two emergency assistance coalitions (CEAC – Community Emergency Assistance Coalition for La Plata and San Juan Counties, and POC – Pagosa Outreach Connection for Archuleta County). These have been particularly busy this year helping people to pay bills!
4. Our United Way provides annual grants to help 29 local nonprofits to help people build better lives – our donors make this possible!
5. Our United Way also manages Team UP, a collective effort to improve outcomes for kids and families – we have secured significant grant funding and created a special AmeriCorps program to support these efforts.

We do even more (2-1-1, assist local governments with nonprofit funding, tax credits, and more), but I will save those for another day!