United Way of Greater New Bedford works to bring together individuals, businesses and organizations to address our community’s most urgent needs. We believe that to truly improve lives in our region, we must act collectively to impact the critical issues affecting our neighborhoods – building a better community for us all.
Through an annual campaign, we provide funding to more than 60 programs at local health and human service agencies serving residents of New Bedford, Acushnet, Dartmouth, Fairhaven, Freetown, Marion, Mattapoisett, Rochester and Wareham. In addition, we administer a number of programs to address specific needs in our community. Through the Hunger Commission of Southeastern Massachusetts we supply food to emergency soup kitchens and food pantries in Bristol County, while our Community Building Mini-Grants Program provides funding and skill-building opportunities to all-volunteer groups. In addition, our Volunteer Solutions database provides the only local online volunteer tool to match willing volunteers with nonprofits in need of support.
It takes our whole community working together to reach our goals. Whether it requires fundraising, planning, or just getting people to work together, that’s what we do.
We need your support! Visit www.unitedwayofgnb.org to learn more about the different ways that you can help.
“In an age where the Internet and email are quickly replacing face-to-face communication, we realized we needed to create a website that will engage people of all ages,” said Michelle N. Hantman, United Way President.
The new site reflects the LIVE UNITED message, a social movement led by United Way that calls on individuals to become involved in their community through giving, advocating or volunteering. The site is unique in that instead of simply providing information about United Way’s funded programs, it serves as a portal, connecting visitors with information on volunteerism, ways to get involved, alternative means of contributing – like through planned or corporate giving – and more.
“We’re facing some extremely challenging times across the nation and locally,” stated Ms. Hantman. “LIVE UNITED provides an opportunity for everyone, regardless of their background or means, to contribute to the greater good. Now more than ever, it’s critical that we use our collective power to build a healthier community.”
To help illustrate the LIVE UNITED message, United Way – with the assistance of local photographer Andrew Gallagher, who donated his time – took photographs of over 70 local business people, volunteers, youth and families who are making a difference. Many of them are featured on the website.
The site also houses Volunteer Solutions, United Way’s online volunteer matching database, which currently lists nearly 150 opportunities at local nonprofits.
“This website gives people the tools they need to start making a difference right away,” said Caroline Cuccia, United Way’s Director of Marketing and Public Relations. “Many times people are ready and willing to get involved in their community, but they don’t know how to begin – that’s where we come in.”
United Way of Greater New Bedford is a non-profit organization that was established in 1953. United Way enables every member of the community to play an active role in local philanthropy by bringing together volunteers, donors, community leaders, and corporate partners to provide quality programs and initiatives that achieve positive results. Its service area has a population in excess of 200,000.