Local United Way chapter rolls out new name

United Way of the Ozarks, the Springfield chapter of the Alexandria, Virginia-based global United Way organization, is rolling out a new name.

The Springfield nonprofit, which operates at 320 N. Jefferson Ave., is now United Way Ozarks Region, effective immediately, according to a news release issued this morning.

“We’re proud to unveil a name that better reflects who we are and where we serve,” President and CEO Brandi VanAntwerp said in the release. “United Way Ozarks Region honors the deep connections across our 14-county footprint and reinforces our unwavering commitment to championing children and creating pathways out of poverty throughout the Ozarks."

The name transition, which includes changes to all of the nonprofit's communications and platforms, is slated to be completed by mid-September.

VanAntwerp previously told Springfield Business Journal that a rebrand was planned this year as part of its affiliation with United Way Worldwide. 

United Way Ozarks Region has an operating budget of roughly $2 million, according to past reporting. Originally established in 1930 as the Community Chest, the local United Way chapter focuses on poverty reduction efforts through fundraising and volunteering at a network of nonprofits, the release notes.