In 2002, United Way of Forsyth County committed to strengthening its role in the community by adopting a focus on "Community Impact." This term is defined as "creating lasting changes in community conditions."  In other words, United Way wanted to be sure the dollars received from its donors were making the greatest difference possible on the most critical issues facing the residents of Forsyth County.

We know that our dollars have always made a difference in the lives of children, families, and seniors; however, we realized that we could and needed to do more.  Instead of only addressing the needs of individuals, we would seek to address the root causes that produced those needs.  This is the essence of Community Impact.

During the first few years of our move towards greater Community Impact, we aligned our work under the four strategy areas of 1) Strengthening Families and Children, 2) Increasing Self-sufficiency and Independence, 3) Building Safer Communities, and 4) Improving Health and Well-being.  At the same time, we began training and assisting our agencies to measure the outcomes achieved with their clients.  By doing this, United Way moved away from our focus on the number of people served and concentrated on the results being achieved through the services being provided to the clients. 

These actions provided the foundation for our recent steps to focus on specific issues identified as critical in our community. 

We knew that many organizations are working on these priority issues.  Our approach has been to pull together all organizations, groups, and interested parties to create a consistent, coordinated approach in delivering the resources, creating a plan of action, and having the commitment fortitude to produce real, lasting change.  We are appreciative of and inspired by the commitment shown by everyone that has accepted our invitation to be part of this work and explore how we can create greater success.

On our website, you will see detailed information on this work, including a listing of priority issues --- presented as long-term outcomes for our community, not just United Way, to achieve.  These priorities are accompanied by "Theories of Change" or plans of action that will enable us to move the needle on these critical issues.

The work completed to date and the challenging work ahead requires the active involvement of all groups engaged in addressing the issues.  As we take the next steps, the collaboration of individuals and organizations is critical to our collective success.  We look forward to engaging our community more in this work and working in partnership with everyone to do what matters most for Forsyth County.