1. Who is United Way of Passaic County?
United Way of the Passaic County is the foremost facilitator of community change and social improvement in Passaic County. United Way of Passaic County is a not-for-profit organization that has been serving our community for more than 50 years. We focus on addressing issues related to early childhood development, youth development, literacy, education, employment, the elderly and disabled. Our Mission is to improve the quality of life in Passaic County by applying resources to, and measuring their impact upon identified health and human service needs. Through leadership, partnerships and collaborations, United Way of Passaic County has strengthened the community by acquiring and investing resources in health and human priorities.
2. How does United Way help my community?
United Way's initiatives support program services to organizations that help people from all walks of life. The variety of nonprofits supported by United Way of Passaic County reflects the diversity of our communities residents. Chances are that you, a family member, a friend, or a neighbor has benefited from programs that receive funding from us. For example, United Way programs include child care centers, adoption agencies, elder care services and more. Our nonprofit partners also serve the homeless, victims of domestic violence, at-risk children, and other people in need.
3. Does United Way provide direct services?
Yes. United Way offers many services such as 2-1-1, The Non Profit Resource Center and The United Way of Passaic County Volunteer Center. However, many of our programs and services are offered through other providers. For example, we fund programs at several child care facilities that benefit hundreds of parents throughout the county.
4. What is UWPC’s connection with UW of America?
A local Board of Directors governs each United Way and they are responsible for ensuring that their United Way is trustworthy and honest. We also belong to United Way of America, who provides us with marketing and training support as needed.
"Funded" agencies are local agencies that receive yearly funding from United Way for specific programs whose work helps accomplish our goals.
6. I have never used any UWPC programs, why should I give?
Statistics show that 1 of 3 people use United Way services in their lifetime, and your support ensures that you, your loved ones, or your neighbors have help when it is needed. Your gifts are an investment in the quality of life in the community where we live, work, raise our families, and retire.
7. Who decides which programs to fund?
Donor volunteers decide. They make sure your dollars are invested in ‘what matters’. Programs that provide positive outcomes in our community. Every two years over 30 local volunteers survey our community and use the information to decide where the money is needed most. Donor volunteers then listen to program proposals, ask tough questions, visit the program sites, and review financial documents before deciding how much each program receives.
8. Why should I give to the Community Fund rather than to a single agency?
United Way of Passaic County strives to make the greatest impact on the critical needs of children, families and seniors in our communities, not from any single issue perspective, but from a holistic perspective designed to produce positive change in the multiple problems underlying these issues. By donating to United Way, you support a network of services that together serve entire families and communities. For example, a homeless family often needs services beyond finding shelter. By supporting the Community Fund, you support a variety of services (rather than a single type of service) that the family needs to make it on their own, such as food, affordable housing, tutoring, mentoring, job training, child care and after-school programs and more. We all have our favorite non-profit organizations, but the problems of the community are much larger than any one agency can handle. Our funded partners offer a broad mix of programs and services that meet the diverse needs of our Passaic County as a whole.
Yes! Simply click on this link to go to our secure on-line giving page, provided by VeriSign.
10. Are UW contributions tax deductible?
Yes. Donations are deductible to the extent of the law, depending on your financial situation. Consult with your financial advisor for details.
11. My company wants to conduct a United Way campaign at our workplace. How can we go about doing this?
Giving through UWPC is the best way to ensure that your contribution helps those who really need help and achieves the results you want. If your company is interested in conducting a workplace fundraising campaign, contact our office at 973-279-8900 for more information.
There's lots more to United Way of Passaic County! We provide a variety of services to the community that enhance the programs offered by our funded agencies. Through UWPC’s Volunteer Center we offer a host of programs such as, food drives, Gifts in kind programs, Holiday Wishes, Bundles for Baby, Take Your Turkey To Work Day, Hunger Hurts and more. In addition, we also offer several workshops for the non profit center that help to further their abilities to provide programs and services to the people of Passaic County. We are also for corporations who are looking to further tier philanthropic goals.
United Way of Passaic County is very fortunate to be part of The Volunteer Solutions Network that connects individuals who want to lend a hand with agencies in the community that need volunteers. These are just a few of the groups served by the United Way of Passaic County's volunteers: Children, youth, elderly, mentally/physically disabled, hungry and homeless. If you are interested in checking out the plethora of volunteering opportunities, click here for more information.
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