United Way of Central and Northeastern
Connecticut:
Serving the Community Since 1924
United Way began serving Hartford in 1924 as the Hartford Community
Chest. As the region grew into the suburbs the
organization changed in 1943 to Greater Hartford
Community Chest serving Hartford,
East Hartford, West Hartford,
Bloomfield, Newington, Wethersfield and
Windsor. During
this time United Funds or Community Chests were
formed in Farmington, Simsbury, Vernon (Tri-Town),
Manchester, New Britain, Enfield and Windham.
In 1973, following a national
movement to use a consistent name, the Greater Hartford Community Chest
became the
United Way
of Greater Hartford. In 1979 the organization became United Way of the
Capital Area (UWCA).
By this time, other
United Way
organizations in the 40-town region either merged
into the UWCA
or entered into affiliate agreements with
UWCA
for fundraising and administrative efficiencies
while maintaining independent corporate status.
In June 2008, the Board of
Directors of
United Way of the Capital
Area officially adopted the new name, United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut. This name symbolizes a truly
united 40-town service region and new governance
structure to support it. In 2008, several local independent United Ways
previously affiliated with United Way of the
Capital Area began voting to dissolve or began
considering dissolution of their independent corporate status to
come under one governing body that is better
equipped to deal with the increasing demands of
accountability and resource distribution. Local
regional advisory boards will continue to work in
the local communities including the
Windham region, New Britain, Berlin, Avon,
Canton, and Greater Enfield.
Each region will do business under a local regional
geographic identifier.
We are changing to become a more
streamlined organization that can best meet the
growing needs of our region. What will not change is
our commitment to improving lives and changing
conditions in local communities, thanks to
committed, engaged and enthusiastic local
volunteers.
Today, the
United Way of Central
and Northeastern Connecticut
truly represents one united region, with one governing body
working together to engage people to improve lives
and change community conditions in local
communities.
Historical
Timeline for United Way of Central and
Northeastern Connecticut
1924 Hartford
Community Chest forms to fund 24 agencies and raises
$381,732.
1943 Hartford
Community Chest changes its name to Greater Hartford
Community Chest. Service areas include
Hartford, East Hartford, West Hartford, Bloomfield, Newington, Wethersfield and
Windsor.
1970
United Ways
national association reorganizes under the name United Way
of
America.
1973 Greater Hartford Chest changes its
name to The United Way
of Greater Hartford.
1979 The United Way of Greater Hartford changes its name to United Way
of the Capital Area.
2008
United Way
of the Capital Area changes its name to United Way
of Central and Northeastern
Connecticut.
40-Town
Service
Area
