United Way of the Ozarks lends a helping hand

The country was in the depths of the Depression and enduring a second world war. Locally, Springfield had its own various charity and welfare organizations, each holding its own separate funding drive.

This prompted the local chamber of commerce to invite other civic clubs to join in establishing a “community chest” that consolidated 10 drives into one.

The “community chest” concept spurred the birth of the United Way of the Ozarks, according to its Executive Director John Rush,

“The legend of United Way began in Denver in 1887, when a priest, two ministers and a rabbi decided they could raise money more effectively together than separately,” Rush said.

That year, $21,700 was raised in Denver, creating a movement that would catch on throughout the United States.

“Traditionally, most changes have been brought about by changes in society or events,” Rush said. “World War I created the ‘war chest.’ ... After the war, the terminology was changed to the ‘community chest.’ At that time is where we pick up the history in Springfield.”

The new corporation, known as Springfield Community Chest Inc., elected 28 people to its board of directors in 1930 and its first campaign benefited 17 organizations.

By 1952, the campaign was known as the Community Chest – Red Cross Campaign. Later campaigns were called United Appeal and United Fund.

In 1962, United Fund was formed with a newly elected board that represented both donors and member agencies.

In 1979, the name changed to United Way of the Ozarks to reflect the organization’s regional outreach.

Today, United Way of the Ozarks has 26 member agencies, including American Red Cross Greater Ozarks Chapter, Ozarks Literacy Council and Salvation Army. United Way serves other nonprofits through grants.

An annual fund-raising campaign is United Way’s primary revenue stream. Last year, the campaign exceeded its $3.37 million goal with a record $3,372,514 collected.

Donors can sign up through a payroll deduction plan, where it is suggested an hour’s pay per month go to the agency. Alternative giving methods are through living trusts, memorial gifts or the Forever Fund program.

Other revenue sources in 2004: $2,174,951 from Community Partnership of the Ozarks, $105,000 from investment properties and $68,721 in miscellaneous revenue.

For organizations that want to receive funding, Rush said there are a couple of options.

“The fastest way is to apply for a grant. It’s a one-year obligation,” Rush said.

“To become a member agency, there is a review of the agency’s entire budget every year, an on-site visit and you have to remain in good standing. We pick up a portion of their budget.”

For member agencies, funding is granted on a needs basis, decided by 160 donor representatives.

“We raise money, and we also manage money,” Rush said. “Accountability is one of the hallmarks of United Way. It’s almost like a Good Housekeeping seal of approval to be a member agency.”

Over the years, community needs and support have changed.

“Even within my career, I remember distinctly when the community wasn’t aware of retardation. Now we see community support of many related agencies, like Developmental Center of the Ozarks, Arc of the Ozarks and others whose population is now being addressed,” Rush said.

“The women’s movement as well has seen The Victim Center and the Family Violence Center become more important. The Child Advocacy Center also is related to women’s issues,” he added.

Barbara Brown, executive director of Child Advocacy Center, said her agency’s three-year involvement with United Way has been a tremendous help. The center will receive $27,225 from United Way this year.

“It was a match made in heaven,” Brown said. “United Way gave us the best gift, which is unrestricted money. We decide how to designate it. We use the money to pay the salary for forensic interviewers.”

Those forensic exams enable prosecutors to go after alleged child sex offenders.

“Another thing United Way gives us is credibility and name recognition,” Brown added.

“It gives us access to lots of resources. There are grants available that we apply for at different times of the year that are designated for children’s causes. It helps us tailor our needs to match their resources,” she added.

Rush sees the future of the organization in addressing prevention programs.

“They’re cheaper in the long run, but it’s a hard sell, because how do you know when you’ve prevented something?” he said.

“United Way is always there. You might be caught up in 9-11 or Katrina, we’re there for that, but also for the everyday occurrences that happen to families like a house fire. Where would we be without the Salvation Army and Red Cross? They are front-line soldiers, and we have supported them for decades.”

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