In 1959 the first United Way fundraising campaign took place in Longview as the Cowlitz County United Fund. The goal of that campaign was $100,000 to be allocated to 12 charitable organizations. That first effort raised $107,069, surpassing its goal by 7%. In ten year’s time, the Cowlitz County United Fund grew by 100%.
Further success and growth were marked in 1981 when under the leadership of Margaret Spence, the local campaign raised $500,000. Support was given to 16 local charitable organizations.
The Cowlitz County United Fund became United Way of Cowlitz County in 1989 with Kay Green at its helm. The organization supported 22 local organizations, and in the coming ten years, would raise over $900,000 a year.
In 1996 Bob Johnson followed Kay Green as the agency’s Director. With that change, the United Way moved to a new “Outcome” based funding system. In 1998 and 1999 the organization raised over $1,000,000 each year.
Today, Cowlitz County United Way is considered a “full-service” United Way – it is a community problem-solving institution and manages resources to increase the capacity of people to care for one another. Cowlitz County United Way impacts our community by raising and distributing money to local organizations. It also operates, supports or oversees direct services that include the Day of Caring, The Cowlitz AmeriCorps Network, WIN 211, Born Learning, the Emergency Food and Shelter Program, and in-kind donations of services and materials. |
