DONATE

Montana 2-1-1 connects you with the community services, need help?  Call 211 or visit www.montana211.org

DONATE
DONATE

Montana 2-1-1 connects you with the community services, need help?  Call 211 or visit www.montana211.org

About Us

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Our Team

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Emily McVey

Executive Director

Jeff Buscher

Director of Community Impact

Melani McBride

Community Partnership Coordinator

Board of Directors

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Ryan Fetherston

Board Chair

Whitney Fisher

Vice Chair

Paige O’Neil

Secretary

Ali Ventri

Treasurer

Kenneth Varns

Member

Spence Van Meter

Member

Cait McWilliams

Member

Jayme Watson

Member

The Details

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Our History

The History of the United Way of the Lewis and Clark Area

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The United Way was created in 1887 in Denver, Colorado by a priest, two ministers, and a rabbi. The first United Way campaign raised $21,700 and was given to 10 Denver area health and welfare agencies. This movement was officially named United Way in 1970.

There are currently approximately 1100 United Ways in the US and another 700 around the world.

The United Way of the Lewis and Clark Area (UWLCA) was founded in 1941. Originally known as the Community Chest the goal of the program was to raise money to help support other local nonprofit programs. The goal of the modern United Way is to provide collective impact work in the community providing more than financial support. We are the HUB, the backbone, the agency that brings people to the table and breaks down silos for the local nonprofits, local government, and businesses in our community. We provide the opportunity for people to work together to achieve more than any single person or organization can do alone.

UNITED WE ARE STRONG

Our Statement of Equity

UWLCA Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Statement

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At the United Way of Lewis & Clark Area, we recognize racism, discrimination and oppression have contributed to disparities that have existed in the past and persist in the present across our nation and in Montana. We acknowledge those inequities are the result of policies and practices that work to marginalize entire populations of people. We denounce discrimination in all its forms because it undermines the well-being and vitality of our communities. Our United Way Network seeks to dismantle disparities. We strive to engage residents and community members, especially those whose voices have traditionally been marginalized, in the shared work of building equity and empowerment. We work with public and private partners to co-create solutions that ensure everyone has the resources, support, and opportunities they need to thrive. We believe that diversity drives creativity and innovation, therefore we commit to leveraging all of our assets to create more equitable communities. We know that having varied perspectives helps generate better ideas to solve the complex problems of an ever-changing and increasingly diverse world.

Adopted 5/15/21

Core Values

The UWCLA operates according to the following core values:

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Transparency - We share honestly and openly with our partners

Inclusivity - We intentionally include all voices

Equity - We recognize the unique needs of marginalized populations and work to ensure they are included and supported

Compassion - We courageously encounter and address the suffering around us

Visibility - We are present and engaged in the community

Stability | We have a strong financial base and a supported community of staff and partners

Accountability | We track and share measurable outcomes to demonstrate success

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