Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
The United Way of Kosciusko County Inc. began with a special meeting of the Warsaw Chamber of Commerce in January 1958.
Emulating a movement begun in Denver, Colo., in 1887, the small group of local businessmen met to form a united fund to eliminate multiple fund drives by organizations which seemed to involve a duplication of leaders each time.
An election of officers was held the following month with Robert Ellison president, Blaine Mikesell vice president, John Widaman Jr. Secretary and Fred Stephens treasurer.
That first year the fund raising goal was set at $74,661, and, although, the goal was not met each agency involved was given 100 percent of its request. James W. McCleary of Warsaw was the first campaign chairman.
For the last 43 years community leaders have participated in United Way.
Los Angeles, Calif., actually became the first community to formally adopt the name "United Way" in 1963. At that time more than 30 Community Chest and United Fund organizations in Los Angeles merged to become United Way Inc.
In Kosciusko County Larry Castaldi served as president and chairman of the board. During the late 1970s Castaldi organized and became the first president of United Way of Indiana.
The Castaldi Award for the states most outstanding volunteer is given each year by the United Way of Indiana.
In 1972, United Way of Kosciusko County received a boon when it was named the largest beneficiary of the Ross McNamara will. The money was held in a trust fund for five years with interest only available to United Way. The funds grew from $383,154 to $680,056.
A committee formed by UW board members recommend the investment of McNamara funds. More than $400,000 in interest income has been used for non-UW community projects and UW agency capital expenditures. The body of the fund is close to $1 million.
Beginning in 1978 the campaigns were organized and conducted locally by a UW staff and volunteers. Three directors, Jim Benzenberg, Suzanne Ware and Vicki Curtis-Harrold, served on a part time basis along with a full time- secretary.
In July 1981 Shirley Sadler was hired as the first full-time director along with a full-time secretary.
In 1983 the U.S. Congress made a first-of-its kind $50 million emergency food and shelter grant to the voluntary sector. Untied Way of America was selected as the grant's fiscal agent. A national board, chaired by a Federal Emergency Management Agency representative and representatives from United Way of America and five other national non profit organizations coordinated distributions of the grant to civil jurisdictions through local boards. The grant provided more than 51 million meals and 6.9 nights' shelter.
Later that year Congress allocated an additional $50 million emergency food and shelter grant to FEMA. The supplemental grant was estimated to affect 59 percent of the nation's unemployed people.
In 1986 the county UW funded 21 member agencies and gave special grants for community projects. The 1986 goal was set at $510,0-- with $575,681 received in pledges and contributions by march 1987.
Since 1976 more than $1 million had been disbursed for community projects.
Agency requests, due to expanding programs and agency operations were at an all time high of $823,000 in 1989. A $670,000 goal was set and surpassed by $32,000.
When after 12 years executive director Shirley Sadler retired, Sandra Mafera was hired in January 1993.
That year the goal of $849,000 was surpassed and Venture Grants were awarded from the overage of the campaign.
In 1994 another successful campaign topped $900,000.
This year the $1.1 million goal will serve 26 member agencies which include: American Red Cross, Baker Youth Clubs, The Beaman Home, Boy Scouts of America, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Boys and Girls Club of Kosciusko County, Cardinal Center, Inc., Combined Community Services Inc. Kosciusko Community Senior Services and Kosciusko Home Care and Hospice.
Also Indiana lakeland Girl Scouts, Lakeland Community Services Daycare, Lakeland Youth Center Inc., Mental Health Association, Mentone Youth League, and North Webster Daycare, and
Packerton Community Assoc., The Salvation Army, Kosciusko Community YMCA, Youth for Christ, Court Appointed Special Advocate, North Central Indiana Food Bank, Kosciusko Literacy Volunteers, Mary & Jerry's Helping Hands, New Beginnings Child Care and Heartline Pregnancy.
