| United Way of the Desert and Inland Southern California United Way have served neighboring communities for many years, but after more than a year of strategic conversations, the leadership and Boards of Directors have agreed that a single organization could have a greater impact on the region.
“We have seen in the short amount of time that we have been working together that our two organizations are heavily complementary to one another and have the opportunity to make positive impacts at a much greater rate. Both organizations have strong programming that we are looking to grow for our entire region to better serve our community’s needs.” said Kimberly Starrs, President & CEO of Inland SoCal United Way.
We are excited to announce that we are joining forces and United Way of the Desert will join Inland Southern California United Way. This expanded organization brings together many strengths to serve our community and is comprised of two firmly rooted organizations that have been serving the Inland Region for many years. With this new structure, we are not losing our old identity, but rather we are in a metamorphosis into something stronger, more agile, and better able to serve our community the way they need us in this moment in time, says Kristal Granados, CEO of United Way of the Desert. Ms. Granados will shift to serve as the Executive Director of Strategy for the expanded organization.
The organization will offer a regional campaign approach for its corporate partners and share a consistent regional story about its role in the community. Partnership between the two organizations was instrumental in establishing the Inland SoCal COVID19 Fund that has met the needs of those affected economically by the impact of the pandemic through direct financial assistance. The Fund has seen notable successes including a four-million-dollar anonymous donation and support from several local companies.
The merger will enable Inland SoCal United Way to more effectively deliver programs and services across the Inland Southern California region, including expanded services to the Coachella Valley. Currently, Inland SoCal United Way serves approximately 1 million people each year with more than 40 programs and services, including the 211 Contact Center. The staff of United Way of the Desert will join the Inland SoCal United Way teams, and the region will retain its name of United Way of the Desert.
For more information about Inland SoCal United Way, visit: www.inlandsocaluw.org/faq
About Inland Southern California United Way Inland Southern California United Way is committed to investing and advocating for the local communities in the areas of Education, Financial Stability, Health and Housing. United Way strives to improve the lives of children and families through public policy, as well as providing much needed resources. By partnering with a network of local nonprofit organizations, United Way delivers critical services to our community, connects individuals in crisis with needed resources 24/7 through 2-1-1. Inland SoCal United Way distributed more than $300 million dollars of direct assistance to families and individuals facing housing insecurity during the pandemic, which kept more than 30,000 families housed during the public health crisis. ISCUW also distributed more than $15 million dollars in small and micro business grant programs to keep low-income small businesses open during the height of the crisis. Inland SoCal United Way has been serving the Inland Region for more than 90 years and continues to explore innovative programs to unite people, ideas, and resources together with the community to improve lives.
About United Way of the Desert: United Way of the Desert has served Coachella Valley residents for more than 50 years. Its mission is to break the cycle of poverty in the Coachella Valley through mobilizing the caring power of community. Its Community Impact Agenda focuses on education, economic mobility, and health programs, including the Raising a Reader Early Childhood Education literacy program, the Help2 Others Water Bill assistance fund, and the COVID 19 Family Support Fund, which provides more than 30,000 instances of annual support to residents in need. Collaborative work with local programs, business partners and community leaders are what differentiates the United Way of the Desert. It meets the community’s critical needs while simultaneously building positive and long-lasting community change. |
Inland SoCal United Way and United Way of the Desert proudly announce their merger effective July 1st.
July 05, 2023
