History

 

A History of Helping

 

Our Mission


To unite the diverse elements of the community for the delivery of human services through assessing community needs, raising funds, allocating resources and encouraging voluntarism.

 

Our History of Helping


1918 - Community leaders formed the "War Chest" to organize and raise funds to support soldiers and their families during WWI.

1918-1939 - War Chest led efforts to support our country, soldiers and their families. 

1940-1949 - Greater Muskegon War, Community Progress and Charity Fund led provision for child care, to help support mothers who were called to work while their husbands served our country overseas during WWII.alt

1950-1959 - Red Feather, Community Chest assisted working families, supported programs to eradicate polio and tuberculosis 

1959 - An AFL-CIO staff position was added to strengthen our partnership with labor.

1960-1969 - United Appeal assisted with community transition, addressed the impact of juvenile delinquency and high unemployment.

1974 - Tough issues including domestic violence and child abuse became top priority.

1980-1989 - United Fund developed programs to meet the needs of single-parent and blended families, with focus on health education and prevention. 

1990 - United Way of Muskegon County funded developing programs that oversee, mentor and care for children.

2003 - Work got underway to strengthen our impact on the community — including early childhood and youth services, a community help line, and developing and maintaining safety net services.

2006 - Muskegon and Oceana County United Ways joined to become United Way of the Lakeshore.

2007 - Newaygo County joins United Way of the Lakeshore.

2008 – United Way celebrates 90 years in Muskegon County.

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