United Way of Fairfield County

United Way of Fairfield County (UWFC) is working to advance the common good by focusing on education, financial stability, and health. These are the building blocks for a good life--a quality education that leads to a good job, enough income to support a family through retirement, and good health and quality healthcare.

1. Education: Children are entering school prepared to succeed. Youth are successfully transitioning to adulthood and independence.
2. Financial Stability: Households are stable and have access to resources, including food and shelter, in times of crisis.
3. Health: Individuals and families are mentally and physically healthy and have access to services and healthy choices. 

The United Way conducts an annual workplace campaign raising over $1.5 million in 2018. The United Way works with volunteers, business and government leaders, and local non-profits, to develop a community agenda focused on Fairfield County’s human service needs. Governed by a partnership between the Board of Directors and the United Way Executive Director, the UWFC has implemented and managed programs in the community for 80 years.

In addition to our work in raising funds and supporting local agencies and initiatives, UWFC is proud to offer several critical services directly to members of our community. UWFC works to equip families with the tools to increase income by operating a Free Tax Program. This program allows taxpayers to access tax refunds without penalties, and redirect dollars normally spend on preparation services into fulfilling other needs. During the 2018 tax season, over 1,800 tax returns were prepared and filed free of charge for income and age eligible clients. 

UWFC manages the FamilyWize free prescription discount card program in Fairfield County, providing much needed savings to low income and elderly residents. Since the program was launched in Fairfield County in 2007 it has saved local residents over $1.5 million!

In 2014, UWFC established the Career Closet. Women are referred by local agencies to try on and select appropriate interview and work apparel at no cost. All clothing donated by local residents is new or gently used. To date over 350 women have utilized the career closet.

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, was launched in 2012 by UWFC. The early literacy program received funding from the Fairfield County Foundation. More than 2,114 children have participated in the program to date.

In 2015, after many conversations with community leaders, it became clear that more than ever, poverty and food insecurity is a growing problem for families with school-age children in Fairfield County. In the Lancaster City School District alone, there are over 3,200 students utilizing the Free & Reduced Meal program comprising over 50% of the entire student population. Over 2,000 of these students are in the Lancaster City elementary schools. Teachers and school staff have regularly seen many students taking lunch food home to eat during the evening or over the weekend. Because of this need UWFC established Feeding our Future. This program sends a bag of food home once a month with registered students.