Mission: United Way of DeKalb County brings people and resources together to build a healthier community, expand opportunities for youth, strengthen financial security, and foster a resilient, connected DeKalb County.
Vision: We envision a DeKalb County where every person has the opportunity to reach their full potential, supported by a united community working together to create lasting change.
Values Statement: At United Way of DeKalb County, our work is grounded in these core values:
- Collaboration: We believe lasting change happens when we bring the community together around shared goals.
- Community Impact: We are focused on measurable results that strengthen the foundations of a healthy, secure, and resilient DeKalb County.
- Compassion: We approach our work with empathy, always striving to uplift individuals and families with dignity and respect.
- Integrity: We are transparent, accountable, and driven by a deep sense of responsibility to our community and partners.
Four Impact Areas:
Healthy Community: We expand access to nutritious food, behavioral and physical health services, and wellness supports so every neighbor has the foundation they need to live a healthy, stable life.
Together, we are building a community where health is accessible for all.
Youth Opportunity: We open doors for children and young adults to learn, grow, and succeed-from early learning and literacy to college and career pathways.
Together, we are helping young people discover their strengths and achieve their full potential.
Financial Security: We equip individuals and families with the tools, education, and resources they need to build stability, confidence, and long-term financial independence.
Together, we are strengthening financial foundations for every household and every generation.
Community Resiliency: We strengthen our community by ensuring neighbors have the support, resources, and connections-not only in moments of crisis, but in the seasons of rebuilding and growth that follow.
Together, we help create a community where everyone can rely on one another in times of need.
United Way of DeKalb County's History
The United Way of DeKalb County, Inc. was originally organized by a small group of community visionaries on October 5, 1960. The "DeKalb United Fund for You" raised $49,195 during their first campaign and with those dollars, they were able to help support nine agencies.
One founder of the United Way of DeKalb County was Ms. Barbara S. Oren. It was through her spirit and determination that we have grown to the successful organization that we are today.
Today, the United Way of DeKalb County is able to help fund multiple programs within DeKalb County through our ALICE & Community Impact grants.
The United Way of DeKalb County is also a United Way Worldwide and Indiana United Ways member.
United Way of DeKalb County is an accredited charity by the Better Business Bureau. We meet 20 standards of charity accountability. Review our profile here.
United Way of DeKalb County does not share donor information with third parties, regardless of how it was collected (pledge form, phone call, online submission, etc.). Donor information is used solely by United Way of DeKalb County to thank donors, request contributions and inform donors of the results obtained through the use of their gift. Donor information is confidential and can only be accessed by United Way of DeKalb County employees in the course of their duties with the organization.
United Way of DeKalb County uses its best efforts to respect the privacy of its online visitors. At our site, we do not collect personally identifiable information from individuals unless they provide it to us voluntarily and knowingly. This means we do not require you to register or provide information to us in order to view our site. United Way of DeKalb County only gathers personally identifiable data, such as names, addresses, zip/postal codes, e-mail addresses, etc., when voluntarily submitted by a visitor. For example, personally identifiable information may be collected in order to respond to a stated desire to volunteer time to United Way of DeKalb County or to make a donation online. This information is used solely by United Way of DeKalb County or other entities who are involved in the operation of this site for internal purposes. United Way of DeKalb County lists are never sold to third parties.
Effective July 15, 2024, this Privacy Policy explains how United Way of DeKalb County, Inc. collects, uses, and discloses personal information about our volunteers and visitors to our website (unitedwaydekalb.org).
We collect your phone numbers through our volunteer waivers, and with your consent we will send you text messages as needed if you've opted in. Reply STOP at any time to unsubscribe from text messages. We will never share your data with third parties for marketing or promotional purposes.
If you wish to request corrections or review your personal information, please contact us at 260.927.0995.