Our History

2011 With our community again facing difficult economic times, there has been a tremendous increase in calls to United Way’s 2-1-1 HelpLine.  Reports indicate a 25% increase in calls emanating from Atlantic County to 2-1-1 over the past year.  54% of those calls have come from individuals and families seeking temporary financial assistance.  While there are a multitude of reasons to call 2-1-1, these calls for financial help have become significantly more prevalent, experiencing close to a 100% increase from prior years’ calls. United Way’s efforts to immediately address the greatest area of need in our community – the financial distress that many area households are experiencing – were demonstrated in efforts to build awareness of the Earned Income Tax Credits (EITC) and provide Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) for needy families and individuals. Because of the efforts of our trained VITA volunteers, more than 125 tax returns were completed in 2011 – saving the filers an average of nearly $200 per return. But more impressive than this is the fact that well over $150,000 in refunds will be back in the hands of these households to help them save for the future, pay off some debt, or help with their expenses.  In early February, a very special community event took place in Atlantic City thanks to the tremendous generosity of local bestselling author Nelson Johnson. Aligned with his vision for a community event to launch his Boardwalk Empire follow-up – The Northside – we partnered with the Boys & Girls Club of Atlantic City to showcase the past, but not forgotten, heyday of this neighborhood.  Well over 200 people attended from all over South Jersey creating a remarkable opportunity to reconnect with the past and connect with each other to support a great cause.  Proceeds from the sale of this book are being split between both of these agencies, a lasting donation to the community by Mr. Johnson. AtlantiCare regained their #1 status of local workplace campaigns, with their employees donating over $230,000 this year. Another $80,000 from corporate and medical staff giving results in a total of $310,000 from AtlantiCare – the largest amount raised by any organization within the past ten years.  For their outstanding support and continued involvement with our United Way at so many levels, AtlantiCare was awarded our Community Champions Cup this year, which is the third time they have achieved this honor.

2010 United Way of Atlantic County refreshes our vision and mission statements and adds Core Values that will provide a foundation on which we operate and base our actions and decisions.  This new plan contains goals and strategies very similar what we have focused on in recent years, with one exception that we have now added a marketing goal aimed at increasing our brand awareness in the community. Tropicana hosted our 2010 Campaign Kickoff at their annual Taste of the Quarter event and dedicated the $25,000 raised from the event to our annual fundraising drive.  Well over one thousand people – a first time sellout for the event – sampled the fine offerings from the restaurants at Tropicana and the many fine establishments within The Quarter. From proceeds of our fall fundraising event, the Sun National Bank Golf & Sporting Clays Invitational, the Board of Directors set aside funds to establish a Military Families Fund.  Local families that have been financially affected by a loved one being deployed in the armed forces can apply for assistance with secondary living expenses such as a new dryer or a set of tires. This fund was established to honor the men and women of the U.S. Military, past and present – recipients of the Thomas J. Kuhar Founder’s Award this year at the Invitational. United Way joined forces with AtlantiCare, the cities and schools of Atlantic City and Pleasantville, several faith-based organizations and many others to hold a gun surrender program in October 2010.  This two-day event netted 511 guns off of the street and now the organizing group has continued their efforts to curb the increasing violence in our urban areas through the creation of Stop the Violence in Atlantic County, a New Jersey nonprofit corporation.  Tax-exempt status is being sought for this truly grass-roots effort and our United Way is looking forward to assisting with additional programming in the years to come. A highlight of this year’s campaign was a new venture that coupled a giving incentive with an exciting community event.  Thanks for Giving Day brought new partners to our annual campaign as well – Atlantic City Outlets, The Walk.  For donors giving a dollar a week or more, we provided a “Thanks for Giving” card that entitled that contributor to special savings at The Walk along with free gift wrapping and parking on Thanks for Giving Day on the Tuesday before Thanksgiving.  In addition, well over 3,200 donors used their card to also enter a chance to win one of six shopping sprees held on that special day.  The six winners in the spree enjoyed free merchandise from selected stores at The Walk.  For their generosity and outstanding support, our new partners at AC Outlets, The Walk were awarded our 2010 Campaign Innovation Award.

2009 A new initiative, YouthUnited, was launched with eight young adults under the joint initiative of UWAC and the Boys & Girls Club of Atlantic City.  These local high school students experienced a terrific hands-on program that educates them on the needs in our community, inspires them to plan a course of action to help address those needs, fundraise to augment our UW’s $5,000 commitment to the project, write a “Request for Proposal” for grant funding and review and select programs that will be awarded grants.  United Way welcomed a new partner agency to our “family”.  FACES (Families for Autistic Children Education & Support) is a non-profit organization dedicated to education and support of children with Autism and their families. Their mission is centered on early intervention, education, advocacy, and support for families affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder in the South Jersey area. United Way’s National Day of Action on June 21 had local volunteers launching our new school preparation program, Stuff the Bus. Local companies, churches and individuals collected more than 1,500 items including backpacks, crayons, notebooks, paper, scissors, pens and pencils worth more than $3,000. The items were delivered to children at the Egg Harbor Township Community Center, the Pleasantville Family Center, AtlantiCare Center for Community Health, and at the Hammonton Farmer’s Market in Hammonton at the Children’s Health Day Back to School Celebration. In a year where most local United Way campaigns were facing declines – some down 5% or more – due to the extended economic recession, the annual fundraising campaign raised more than $2,650,000, nearly a 2% increase over last year’s results.  A new campaign incentive, offered by the casino properties in AC, generated quite an interest and brought new dollars to the campaign. Ten workplace campaigns qualified for the incentive by running a new campaign of $5,000 or more, or increasing an existing one by that amount or higher.  In the end a total of $175,000 new dollars were realized because of this incentive.

2008 Public Policy and advocacy efforts are launched on behalf of United Way’s partner agencies, their constituents, and our entire community with the creation of a board level committee by our Board of Directors. Public Policy is central to and leverages Community Impact.  Nearly every community issue of interest to local United Ways has a strong public policy element, including early learning (Success By 6), 211, housing, and child health, among others. Because decisions made by our elected and appointed officials often have a significant effect on the nonprofit sector’s ability to serve, it is critical that United Way of Atlantic County has a place at the table with policymakers. In choosing issues, we focus on issues with broad, usually centrist appeal, not issues more likely to divide the community. In addition to promoting awareness of free volunteer tax-preparation (VITA) sites here in our county and training/staffing volunteers to prepare taxes, we opened our own VITA site in conjunction with the Community FoodBank in Egg Harbor Township. The IRS reports that over $15 million in Earned Income Tax Credits go unclaimed in our community every year. Promoting the credits coupled with offering free tax-preparation has proven to be one of the most effective ways of increasing incomes to families in need. A modest increase in our fundraising efforts during the prior year combined with an 11% decrease in designated dollars (the first decline in recent memory), resulted in a 9% increase in available core priority funding for a total of $1,150,000. With the redesign of the statewide 2-1-1 helpline into two call centers covering New Jersey, our United Way now had the opportunity to invest in this 24-hour phone coverage for our county. The volunteers and UW board approved an annual $30,000 grant to fund 2-1-1 coverage for our community as well as support of the nj211.org website.

2007 This past year saw the publication of our latest Community Needs Assessment. A major advancement in how we measure and communicate this community change was released earlier this year. The State of Caring Index is a compilation of a number of indicators that helps to show how well a community cares for its own. Through research assistance from United Way of America an initial measurement gives Atlantic County an index of 67.2 on a scale of 0-100. The annual fundraising campaign has experienced another challenging year, but because of the hard work by many campaign volunteers and generosity of thousands of donors we are projecting that the campaign will reach $2,740,000 – our first campaign increase in four years.

2006 Our United Way’s Core Priority Funding Process is now completely phased in, but the second double-digit decline in available funds resulted in another challenging year for our grant-making process. We were able to increase our funding in the affordable housing need area by partnering with Covenant House and the AC Rescue Mission on programs aimed at providing rental or utilities deposits for individuals seeking housing. We’ve built upon this model by applying for and receiving a $10,000 grant from Bank of America to bolster these resources. The big story for Success By 6 this year is the creation and launch of the Women’s Leadership Initiative. This new effort has already enlisted a powerful network of 43 women in our community, who are committed to effect change in the lives of young children through active leadership, philanthropy and advocacy. Over $21,000 has been generated to date.

2005 The 2-1-1 Non-Emergency Helpline becomes active in Atlantic County through a partnership between UWAC and the County government. An updated Community Needs Assessment begins to 'dig deeper' into the areas identifies in 2001. UWAC completes the transition to Core Priority Funding by awarding grants to Fosting Safer Homes & Neighborhoods and Promoting Mental Wellness. The Core Priorities of Reducing Substance Abuse and Promoting Mental Wellness are combined to create a total of four priorities.

2004 UWAC continues the phase-in of the Core Priority Funding, awarding funding for Providing Basic Needs & Increasing Self-Sufficiency and Supporting Community Health Issues. UWAC again updates its Strategic Plan to take the organization through 2007.

2003 UWAC announces new Core Priority Funding Process and 5 Core Priorities at a June press conference. The first grants through this phased-in process are awarded to programs that are targeted at Reducing Substance Abuse. Catholic Charities, Camden Diocese, was admitted as a Partner Agency. In July, UWAC purchased a permanent, cost-effective office space to house our expanding organization, located at 4 East Jimmie Leeds Road in Galloway. UWAC assumed management of Success By 6, a nationally-recognized, community-based private and public collaborative dedicated to addressing the critical issues that face children from birth to 6 years of age. SB6 was launched in Atlantic County in 1995 by the AtlantiCare Foundation with the primary focus on improving childhood immunization rates. United Way's Volunteer Center of Atlantic County is accredited by the Points of Light Foundation and the Volunteer Center National Network. Court Appointed Special Advocates of Atlantic and Cape May Counties (CASA) joins as newest UWAC partner agency.

2002 Yet another record-setting year for United Way of Atlantic County!! With Mark Brown, president/CEO of Trump Hotels & Casinos, at the helm, the 2002 Campaign raises $3.6 million. UWAC implements its first-ever campaign-wide incentive, offering a chance at prizes for people who donate $3 or more per week.

2001 UWAC responds to the tragedies of September 11th. More than $140,000 is donated through UWAC to United Way's September 11th Fund to meet the immediate and long-term needs of the people and communities affected by the tragedies. The 2001 Campaign raises another record-setting amount, $3.4 million -- a 5 percent increase over 2000's efforts. UWAC partners with Atlantic City Boardwalk Bullies to create the PowerPlay for United Way, similar to the Home Run Club. The inaugural United Ride raises more than $6,400 for UWAC. The event, organized by employees at Tropicana Casino & Hotel, attracts more than 500 motorcyclists who tour the Pinelands in support of United Way. Half the proceeds were donated to the United Way's September 11th Fund. The completion of the new Strategic Plan ushers in a new direction for UWAC known as Community Impact. UWAC adopts a new mission statement --"Uniting generosity with Community Needs." UWAC, led by the Community Initiatives Committee, begins to conduct a Community Needs Assessment to determine our community's most pressing health and human service needs.

2000 John Emge, with 15 years of United Way experience, begins duties as the new Executive Director of United Way of Atlantic County. Led by Thomas J. Kuhar, the 2000 Campaign achieves record-setting results by reaching $3.2 million. UWAC initiates another strategic planning process

1999 Executive Director Scott Ferguson leaves United Way of Atlantic County to head United Way of Greater Utica, NY. Under the leadership of Campaign Chair Bob Fiedler from Conectiv, the 1999 Campaign reaches just over $2,930,000--second highest campaign in UWAC's history. UWAC admits two new member agencies-- Disabilities Resource Center and Atlantic City YouthBuild. UWAC partnered with the Atlantic City Surf baseball team to form the Home Run Club, a successful fundraising endeavor in which sponsor companies donate $10 for every Home Run hit by a Surf team member during the season. This first season raised nearly $6,000 for United Way.

1998 United Way of Atlantic County not only achieves, but also surpasses, the nine-year-old campaign goal of $3 million, raising $3,013,130 under the leadership of Tim Wilmott, division president of Harrah’s Atlantic City. Outcome measurement system was piloted with member agencies. The creation and introduction of the United Way mascot, Captain United and the organization won two national awards for advertising.

1997 United Way of Atlantic County sold the property at 200 N Texas Avenue, Atlantic City, NJ, and United Way of Atlantic County and the United Way's Volunteer Center moved into a rented facility at 6712 Washington Avenue, Suite 104, Egg Harbor Township, NJ.

1996 A new executive director, Scott Ferguson, was hired on September 30, 1996. He introduced a new logo and tagline for United Way of Atlantic County.

1995 Contracted with an outside firm to develop a new strategic plan. Adopted a new mission statement: "To develop resources and raise funds in the workplace to address health and human service needs in Atlantic County through partnership with social service agencies." A merger between the Volunteer Center of Atlantic County and United Way of Atlantic County took place on December 29, 1995. The Volunteer Center of Atlantic County was renamed the United Way's Volunteer Center of Atlantic County.

1992 New Executive Director hired. Rosalia Velazquez becomes the first woman and first person of color to serve as Executive Director of United Way of Atlantic County. United Way of America undergoes critical media scrutiny following a scandal involving president William Aramony. UWAC withholds dues to United Way of America, calling for massive reforms at the national organization.

1991 Strategic plan conducted changing direction of organization, introducing concept of customer, marketing, community problem solving. UWAC purchases facility at 200 N. Texas Avenue, Atlantic City, NJ.

1989 Now 31 agencies, $2,700,000 raised by Henry Applegate, III Campaign Chair.

1988 Now 29 agencies, $2,500,000 raised by Peter Boynton, Campaign Chairman.

1987 Now 28 agencies, $2,330,000 raised by Michael Jarrett, Campaign Chairman. New mission statement developed, "To increased the organized capacity for people to care for one another." Goal to double financial resources and volunteer capacity by 1991.

1986 Another landmark year as $2,104,000 raised to send United Way of Atlantic County into Metro III group, 22% increased over 1985, John M. Gallaway is Campaign Chairman.

1984 After serving 31 years as Executive Director of the United Way, Alan Angelo retires and a new Director, Raymond B. Jacoby, is welcomed aboard. $1,800,000 raised with President John D. Feehan, 15% raised over the year before. Irwin Pastor, Campaign Chairman.

1982 The first women president of United Way of Atlantic County Board of Directors, Carol Fuessner, enters office.

1981 A landmark year as the campaign passed the "million dollar" mark with Will Gemmel as Campaign Chairman.

1980 With the advent of casino gaming a new source of support indicated future campaigns were going to take on new dimensions. Two additional agencies joined United Way for a total of 24.

1978 Campaign set a "new high" realizing $517,848 under Robert Flippen's leader as President and Campaign Chairman.

1974 Campaign passed $400,000 when it raised $420,000 with "Pilot Programs" making major contribution to its success.

1973 Following national trends the local organization renamed itself the United Way of Atlantic County, adopted the national logo and campaign theme of "Thanks to you - it works for all of us." Citizens' Budget Committee urged UW Board to accept goal of $470,000 to meet agency needs. Hank Remis was hired as Associate Director.

1971 Campaign leaders discontinued "house-to-house" canvass.

1968 Campaign goal for 28 agencies was announced as $369,000 additional agencies, more county-wide employee programs result in another "Over the Top" effort when $299,346 was raised on goal $298,998. George Meagher was successful President.

1967 Another organizational change and the Community Chest again became the United Fund of Atlantic County and five new agencies were added under Morris B. Stevenson's leadership as President.

1966 Campaign solicitation was taken to the Mainland with the start of employee programs by major employers in Linwood, Pomona, Egg Harbor and Hammonton. Campaign goal of $235,000 was exceeded when $237,000 was realized with the increased support of employee programs.

1965 Campaign goal was set at $270,000 to meet requested agency needs.

1961 Second "Over the Top" campaign raised $196,000.

1959 Community Chest President, Carl Carlson, recommended the "Chest go out of business," which resulted in a new surge of business leadership and support.

1954 Campaign goal reached a new high of $200,000. Theodore Kendall was Campaign Chairman. Alan Angelo was hired as Executive Director. Budget Committee was restructured to be more representative of the contributors than agency oriented.

1950 Community Chest of Absecon Island underwent name change and organizational structure to become the United Fund of Atlantic County. B.L. England was President. First campaign as the United Fund made a "county-wide" effort, and, like the following year did not prove successful and the community leaders returned to functioning as the Community Chest.

1946 End of war, various organizations going separate ways, by their own decision, and Community Chest returns to a single campaign. First campaign to go "over the top" raising $120,000 against a goal of $112,000. Henry R. Jackson was campaign chairman.

1944 Red Feather became symbol of the Community Chest movement.

1942 Community Chest, Federation of Jewish Agencies, USO and other organizations joined to campaign as the War Chest, one of the 600 combined campaigns held in the US during World War II years.

1938 Early in year, Visiting Nurse, TB Association, Salvation Army, Girl Scouts and Child Federation becomes member agencies. Community Chest of Absecon Island was formally organized in June with election of Board of Trustees. Paul O'Neill is elected its first president. Early campaign conducted to provide financial support for staff and other expenses. First campaign conducted in fall with goal of $65,080. Actual dollars raised amounted to $66,670 and was distributed to ten agencies. A.C. Poffenberger was first Campaign Chairperson.

1937 First organizational meeting held in December and shortly thereafter a Constitution and Bylaws were adopted. Four agencies signed agreements - Social Service Bureau, Boy Scouts, YMCA and Colored Old Folks Home.