Leading Poverty-Fighting Organization Celebrates 100th Anniversary by Looking to the Future
PHILADELPHIA, P.A. — United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey (UWGPSNJ) is proud to celebrate 100 years of building a better, stronger future to help communities thrive. Founded in 1921, UWGPSNJ has evolved into a leading organization focused on fighting poverty and expanding opportunity by bringing together people and resources to drive measurable and meaningful impact across our region.
For 100 years, UWGPSNJ has provided support and resources when needed most. Today, Philadelphia is the nation’s poorest big city, with more than 705,000 adults and children living in poverty - as well as being home to some of the most impoverished communities in Southern New Jersey and Southeastern Pennsylvania. With a mission focused on poverty alleviation and expanding opportunity, UWGPSNJ works with partners to break the cycle of poverty through four core needs: Early Learning; Opportunity, Entrepreneurship & Employment; Financial Empowerment and Capacity Building.
“From the Great Depression and World War II, to Hurricane Sandy and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, our United Way has evolved to meet the needs of the times.” said Bill Golderer, President & CEO of UWGPSNJ. “As we celebrate 100 years, we’re looking ahead to the next 100 years. Change doesn’t happen overnight, and it’s only through shared commitment and collaboration that we can effect positive impact.”
In celebration of this milestone, UWGPSNJ will offer a year-long series of events and insights to bring together regional leaders, philanthropists and poverty-fighting experts to explore ideas on how to create a world free from poverty. Events will be promoted throughout the year on UWGPSNJ’s website and will be open to donors, partners and the general public. The first event in the series, Inside Camden, will be held April 13 and feature a conversation with author Darnell Moore to discuss his memoir, No Ashes in the Fire, as well as a panel discussion with Camden-based partners.
The year-long celebration will culminate in Spring 2022 with UWGPSNJ’s first annual OpportUNITY Summit held at Girard College. The Summit will feature national and local speakers with a solutions-focused, all day learning exchange. United Way is currently accepting RFP applications for event planning support with a commitment of hiring minority or women owned or led businesses located in the region.
“As we toast a history of building a better future, we’re committing ourselves to make an even greater impact.” said Jessica Berretta, Chief Giving Officer. “It is only through the generosity of donors that we’re able to ensure a better future for every member in your communities. Marking this special occasion wouldn’t be complete without also thanking and celebrating the amazing donors, volunteers and partners who have continued to invest in opportunity and equity through United Way.”
Individuals interested in learning more about United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey’s 100th anniversary events and RFP information, can visit here.
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Celebrating 100 years, United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey (UWGPSNJ) is on a mission to reduce poverty and expand opportunity for all. Serving Pennsylvania’s Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties, and New Jersey’s Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May and Cumberland counties, United Way creates solutions that break the cycle of poverty. As part of a network of independent local nonprofit organizations, United Way provides countless ways to give, advocate and volunteer. To learn more, visit www.unitedforimpact.org.