From Denver's Vision to Global Impact: The United Way Story
The seeds of the United Way were sown in 1887, when four Denver religious leaders—Reverend Myron W. Reed, Monsignor William J. O'Ryan, Dean H. Martyn Hart, and Rabbi William S. Friedman—recognized the power of collective action to address their city's welfare challenges. They organized the first united campaign, raising $21,700 for ten health and welfare agencies, and established an organization to:
- centralize fundraising for local charities
- coordinate relief services
- provide client counseling and referrals, and
- offer emergency assistance.
This innovative approach became a national model.
More than a century later, the United Way of the Dutchess-Orange Region upholds this legacy, channeling community care into meaningful change.
Our History
1937
The Poughkeepsie Community Chest was formed. In 1942, The Poughkeepsie Community Chest joined together with five Poughkeepsie war relief organizations and became known as the Greater Poughkeepsie War Chest.
1948
Greater Newburgh Community Chest, Inc. was formed with the intention to solicit and collect financial contributions for the improvement, development, or care of the health, welfare, and well-being of the residents of the City of Newburgh and surrounding areas. This also included the dispersion of real or personal property in accordance with donors’ wishes. In September 1966 the Greater Newburgh Community Chest, Inc. changed its name to Orange Area United Fund, Inc.
1971
Dutchess County Community Chest & Council changed its name to United Way of Dutchess County, Inc.
1973
The NFL and the United Way establish their partnership to increase public awareness of social service issues facing the country. In addition to public service announcements in which volunteer NFL players, coaches and owners appear, NFL players support their local United Ways through personal appearances, special programs, and sitting on United Way governing boards.
1987
Orange Area United Fund, Inc. and United Way of Orange County, (originally called United Way of Western Orange County, based in Middletown, NY) consolidated to become United Way of Orange County, Inc.
1994
United Way of America was selected by Financial World magazine as the charity of choice for leadership in nonprofit ethics and accountability.
2000
United Way, its partners, and the Alliance of Information and Referral Systems, successfully petition the Federal Communications Commission to designate "211" as a health and human services information and referral number. Originally created by United Way of Atlanta, 211 is an easy-to-remember and universally recognizable telephone number that makes a critical connection between individuals and families in need and the appropriate community-based organizations and government agencies that can provide assistance.
2001
In response to the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and in Somerset County, PA, United Way of New York City and the New York Community Trust established the September 11th Fund. The purpose of the Fund is to mobilize financial resources to respond to the pressing needs of the victims, their families, and the communities affected by the tragedy. Four months after its establishment, donations to the September 11th Fund totaled more than $425 million.
2011
In an effort to better serve the community, United Way of Dutchess County and Orange County United Way officially merged into United Way of the Dutchess-Orange Region.
