The mission of United Way of Bucks County is to improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of our community.

Description:
More than a fundraiser, United Way of Bucks County is a partner in change, working with a broad range of people and organizations to identify and resolve pressing community issues.

To achieve measurable, lasting change, United Way of Bucks County identifies and builds on community strengths and assets, helps individuals and groups with specific community interests find ways to contribute their time and talents, supports direct-service programs and community-change efforts, and advocates for public policy changes.

All of this is done in collaboration with diverse partners. Depending on the issue and how the community chooses to address it, United Way works with schools, government agencies, businesses, organized labor, financial institutions, community development corporations, voluntary and neighborhood associations, the faith community, and others.

Although there are over 1,350 United Ways Nationally, each organization is autonomous. Because of the unique conditions in diverse communities, the issues United Ways address are determined locally, governed by a local Board of Directors. What holds United Ways together is the brand... a common belief in our approach to solving community problems and our committment to accountability and transparancy.

History:
After World War II, Bucks County experienced a rapid growth in population during the late 1950's and early 1960's. With the massive influx of people, the increased need for social services, health and welfare agencies grew. The only county-wide agencies active in the area at the time were the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and the Red Cross. Because such massive changes in the county were sure to place an increased burden on the existing agencies, a group of leading citizens from all sections of Bucks county, headed by Clyde Waterman, began meeting to discuss the problems of fund raising. On August 25, 1952 Bucks County United Services Federation was founded with a Board of Directors consisting of 36 members.

In 1953, The Bucks County United Services Federation was located on Wood & Mill Streets in Bristol, with a branch office on N. Main Street in Doylestown. There were 11 member agencies with a total allocation of $120,176.

There have been many changes made since its inception in 1952, including name changes and moves. In 1966, the name of the organization changed to United Community Services of Bucks County and moved its headquarters to its present location, 413 Hood Boulevard, Fairless Hills, PA. At that time, the organization had a total of 30 agencies, with total allocations of $590,500.

In 1973, the fund raising goal of $1 million was met.

In 1974, the name of the organizations was changed to United Way of Bucks County.

Contact person: Paulette Gerstemeier, Community Impact Assistant, (phone), (email)
Office fax number: (215) 949-0373

Address:

413 Hood Boulevard Fairless Hills, PA 19030 (See a map)

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

Directions:

The United Way office is located in the lower portion of Bucks County in Fairless Hills. Fairless Hills borders Levittown and Langhorne and is approximately 5 minutes from the Oxford Valley Mall and Sesame Place. Hood Boulevard runs. . . (more) For maps or information, please see http://www.septa.com/

Miscellaneous Information

Are court referrals welcomed?
	Yes