History of UWBH and our Transition to Community Impact
Since 1944, the United Way of the Black Hills (UWBH) has been investing in nonprofits who help us accomplish our mission. During that time there has been significant changes to our region, leading UWBH to adapt our role to the changing needs. This includes expanding our geographic footprint to the entire Black Hills region from Edgemont to Belle Fourche and being more strategic with our support of nonprofit agencies.
Over the past twenty years, United Ways around the country have evolved from its origins as a fundraising organization to a community convener that mobilizes local partners including businesses, community leaders, and nonprofits, to expand opportunities for people to succeed. These efforts have led to greater impact in their communities, better leveraging of resources, and measurable results. United Way of the Black Hills is now transitioning to this new model, an impact-driven UW.
Our newly adopted mission is to unite people and resources to improve lives in the Black Hills by delivering measurable long-term solutions to community issues in education, financial stability, and health. We will be champions for our community, empowering individuals and improving lives, while striving to facilitate lasting, positive change.
Based on the Needs Assessment, our grants will focus on the top seven issues identified as the top needs in every community in the Black Hills. They are mental health, substance abuse, birth to 5 services, food security, home and family life (abuse & neglect), affordable housing, and economic opportunities. Click Here to read the needs assessment.
Linn Evans, President and CEO of Black Hills Energy, spoke in support of United Way of the Black Hills’ new mission and vision. “We believe that we should sow in the communities we serve, both through financial support of quality nonprofits as well as through employee volunteerism. Thank you to United Way of the Black Hills for leading the charge to ensure the seeds we plant today thrive to make our community stronger,” said Evans.
Through this transition we’ve worked very hard to be transparent and continually communicate the upcoming changes to our funded partner agencies as well as the general public.