More Than a Century of Community
Rooted Here. Growing With the Mohawk Valley.
For more than 100 years, United Way of the Mohawk Valley has been bringing people together to care for one another and strengthen the place we call home.
Our name, programs, and approach have evolved over the decades, but our purpose has remained constant: understand the needs of our community, bring people and resources together, and create meaningful change.
From our beginnings in Utica in 1921 to the work we lead across Oneida and Herkimer Counties today, our story is one of community, collaboration, generosity, and action.
More than a century later, we're still bringing people together, and we're just getting started.
UNITED IS THE WAY.
Where Our Story Began
It Started in Utica in 1921.
United Way of the Mohawk Valley's story began on November 1, 1921, with the creation of the Utica Community Chest.
Founded by local leaders Fredrick T. Proctor, Warrick J. Kernan, and Frank X. Matt, the Community Chest was built around a simple but powerful idea: our community could accomplish more when people and organizations worked together.
Instead of addressing community challenges separately, local leaders, businesses, volunteers, and organizations joined forces to raise resources and support the needs of their neighbors.
That spirit of collaboration became the foundation of the organization we are today.
The name has changed. The community has changed. But the belief that we're stronger together has never changed.
Growing With the Mohawk Valley
Evolving as Our Community Evolved
For more than a century, our community has experienced tremendous change, and United Way has evolved right alongside it.
Through periods of economic change, growing community needs, emergencies, and new challenges, we have continued to adapt how we serve while remaining rooted in the Mohawk Valley.
Over the years, our work has expanded beyond traditional fundraising and community investment. We have become a connector, convener, and partner, bringing people and organizations together to respond to challenges and create new opportunities.
While the way we serve may continue to change, one thing remains the same:
Our commitment to the Mohawk Valley.
From Fundraising to Community Impact
More Than Raising Money. Creating Lasting Change.
For generations, United Way has brought people together to raise resources and invest in organizations serving our community. That work remains important—but today, our role goes even further.
We use local data, community voice, partnerships, and collaboration to understand where needs exist and where we can make the greatest impact.
We invest in local organizations while also developing and leading initiatives that address emerging needs, connect residents to resources, remove barriers, and strengthen our community.
We don't just respond to today's needs. We work together to build solutions for tomorrow.
United Way Today
A New Generation of Impact
Today, United Way of the Mohawk Valley continues to build on more than a century of service while finding new ways to meet the changing needs of our community.
Our work reaches beyond funding. We connect residents to essential resources, address transportation and food-access barriers, mobilize volunteers, respond during disasters and emergencies, bring organizations and community members together, and invest in solutions that strengthen Oneida and Herkimer Counties.
Through programs, partnerships, community investment, and collaborative initiatives, we're working to create a Mohawk Valley where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
Our history gives us a strong foundation. Our community helps shape where we go next.
Part of Something Bigger
Local Impact. National Connection.
United Way of the Mohawk Valley is proudly part of the United Way network—a worldwide movement dedicated to strengthening communities and creating opportunities for people to thrive.
While we are connected to a larger network, our work is local. The needs we address, partnerships we build, programs we support, and decisions we make are centered on the people and communities of Oneida and Herkimer Counties.
Being part of the United Way network allows us to combine the strength of a recognized global movement with something even more important:
Deep roots right here at home.
Local people. Local needs. Local impact.
Are All United Ways the Same?
One Network. Independently Operated. Locally Focused.
United Ways across the country are connected through the larger United Way network, but each local United Way is its own independently operated nonprofit organization.
United Way of the Mohawk Valley is governed locally and makes decisions based on the needs of the communities we serve in Oneida and Herkimer Counties.
While we share a name, brand, and commitment to strengthening communities with other United Ways, our local programs, partnerships, investments, and priorities are shaped right here at home.
What Does That Mean for You?
When you support United Way of the Mohawk Valley, you're supporting work focused on our local community.
Your support helps us respond to local needs, connect residents with resources, invest in community solutions, build partnerships, and create opportunities for people throughout Oneida and Herkimer Counties.
We also work alongside other United Ways when collaboration can create greater impact—because community needs don't always stop at county lines.
We may be part of a worldwide network, but the Mohawk Valley is our home.
LOCAL LEADERSHIP. LOCAL DECISIONS. LOCAL IMPACT.
Our Story Is Still Being Written
Honoring Our Past. Building What's Next.
For more than a century, United Way of the Mohawk Valley has grown, adapted, and responded alongside the community we serve.
And our work continues.
As the needs of our community change, we will continue to listen, evolve, and find new ways to create impact. We will bring people together, strengthen partnerships, elevate community voices, and build solutions that help Oneida and Herkimer Counties thrive.
Our history is more than a story about where we've been.