ABOUT US
History
On December 5, 1930, fourteen community leaders filed the Articles of Incorporation for the "Greater Johnstown Community Chest". As stated in the document, the corporation was formed
"to afford the people of Johnstown, Pennsylvania, and vacinity, an opportunity, through a common fund, to contribute to, and have expended for, the well being of their fellows, to strengthen the spirit of human helpfulness, to endeavor to eliminate and prevent disease, pauperism, delinquency and other social disorders; and to finance the maintenance requirements of, and otherwise assist in, and harmonize the work of the civic, charitable, humane, benevolent and philanthropic organizations of the community, and to be the center of communication between such organizations; and for these purposes to have, possess and enjoy all the rights, benefits and privileges of the said Act of Assembly and its supplements".
Today, the UWLH has evolved and expanded into an independent community organization, governed by a board of volunteer directors. The functional areas of UWLH are:
- Serves as the lead annual community wide fundraising campaign in Cambria and Somerset Counties. Funds are distributed to programs and services targeted to make positive impact on health and human service needs. The UWLH currently utilizes 25 member agencies to make targeted impact in the community.
- Serves Cambria County as the lead agency for the Emergency Food and Shelter Program and Department of Agriculture grants that are used for food, housing, and utility needs of low income families;
- Serves as the State Employees Combined Appeal (SECA) manager for Cambria and Somerset Counties;
- Serves as the Principle Combined Fund Appeal Organization (PCFO) for the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) in Cambria, Somerset, Indiana and Bedford Counties.
- Serves the public in Cambria and Somerset Counties as an Information and Referral Services directing people to proper agencies/organizations for service and advocate as needed.
- Mobilizer for volunteer efforts throughout the communities in Cambria and Somerset Counties, i.e. Day of Action and Day of Caring.
- By advocating for people in need and the non-profit community the UWLH helps make positive change happen. UWLH can be the voice in helping to advance the common good.
- Engages the community in a neutral collaborative manner to create positive community impact.
The UWLH Mission is:
To improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of our community.
The UWLH five Community Priorities are:
1. Helping Children & Youth Succeed
2. Strengthening & Supporting Family
3. Promoting Self-Sufficiency
4. Supporting Vulnerable & Aging Popluations
5. Promoting Health & Wellness
|
|
