Somerset County United Way (SCUW) is an independent nonprofit organization that acts as a catalyst for positive change, helping to create and build the resources necessary to improve the quality of life for those who live and work in Somerset County.

Description:
Somerset County United Way supports health and human services providers through its strength in raising funds and effectively investing them, through the investment of volunteer resources and by building community collaboratives and partnerships. After the government, United Way is the single largest funding stream supporting human services in the county. In 2005, SCUW’s Community Care Fund provided financial support for 94 programs through 55 affiliated agencies.

History:
In 1887, a Denver priest, two ministers and a rabbi recognized the need for cooperative action to address their city’s welfare problems. The Rev. Myron W. Reed, Msgr. William J. O’Ryan, Dean H. Martyn Hart and Rabbi William S. Friedman put their heads together to plan the first united campaign for ten health and welfare agencies. They created an organization to serve as an agent to collect funds for local charities, as well as to coordinate relief services, counsel and refer clients to cooperating agencies, and make emergency assistance grants in cases which could not be referred.
That year, Denver raised $21,700 and created a movement that would spread throughout the county to become the United Way. Over 118 years later, United Way is still focused on mobilizing the caring power of communities and making a difference in people’s lives.

Contact people:

Lisa Galonardo, AVP, Volunteer Services, (phone), (email) Irene Natale, Mgr., Volunteer Services, (phone), (email) Yvette Choma, Manager, Volunteer Services, (phone), (email)

Office fax number: (908) 725-5598

Address:

P.O. Box 6835, 1011 Route 22 West Bridgewater, NJ 08807

Web Site: http://www.SCUW.org

Directions:

From all major highways, Route 22 Westbound in Bridgewater, directly before the North Bridge Street exit, past the Bridgewater Honda dealer. It is the second building after dealer. Building can be access from Route 22 or North Bridge Street. We're on the second floor.   Nearest Bus Stop: Somerville, N/A minute walk

Overall Experience   
felt good to volunteer to help school children go back to school with their own supplies

My son and I met and worked with very nice people who made this first sorting experience pleasant. We also felt good about what we did and would definitely do it again. posted on March 9, 2006