Who We Are
Our Mission
To unite the caring power of people to improve lives.
Our Vision
We seek to give all adults, children and families the opportunity to live the happy and healthy lives they deserve across Lucas, Ottawa and Wood County.
United Way of Greater Toledo proudly serves the residents of Lucas, Ottawa and Wood counties in Northwest Ohio. Our human services nonprofit fights to strengthen education, financial stability, health and housing resources for every child, adult and family. By uniting the caring power of people through giving, advocating and volunteering, together, we can tackle our community’s toughest issues.
United Way of Greater Toledo (UWGT) strives to ensure that we are meeting the needs of individuals across Lucas, Ottawa and Wood counties in a meaningful and appropriate manner. We cannot truly “Live United” until we fervently advocate for BIPOC, people with disabilities, LGBTQIA+ people and other marginalized communities. United Way examines and addresses the systems, institutions, and policies that have caused and perpetuated racial and socioeconomic disparities, specifically in the areas of Education, Financial Stability, Health, and Housing. This includes acknowledging the role that philanthropy plays in upholding such structures. When individuals of all ethnic backgrounds, socioeconomic statuses, and gender/sexual identities can live and participate in functions of life without fear, then, and only then, can we “Live United”.
DeVon Overton, M.B.A.
Vice President, Results & Analytics
419-254-4612
devon.overton@unitedwaytoledo.org
Our History
1918
- Toledo War Chest is established to raise money for World War I efforts, funds were distributed to 37 agencies
1920
- Toledo War Chest becomes Community Chest
1940
- Fundraising efforts were expanded to include Lucas County, Rossford and Perrysburg
1950
- First building is purchased at 443 Huron St
1968
- Community Chest renamed to United Crusade of Mercy. Wood County joins.
1969
- Ottawa County joins United Crusade of Mercy
1974
- National United Way name is adopted for campaign
1984
- First Call for Help (211) and Volunteer Action center merged into United Way
1987
- Ottawa County office opened
1990
- Wood County office opened
2005
- First Call for Help rebranded as United Way 2-1-1
2009
- United Way moves to new building located on 424 Jackson Street
2020
- United Way establishes Emergency Response Fund to assist organizations effected by COVID-19 pandemic
2021
- United Way sells building located on 424 Jackson Street and begins sharing office space with SSOE Group on 1001 Madison Ave.
Learn More About Our Work In:
Lucas County
Ottawa County
Wood County
Our Team
Get Involved
Learn how you can get involved and help the community.
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