Photo Credit - Katie Weidenborner, Dubois Courier Express
Give From the Heart
ST. MARYS AREA UNITED WAY
The St. Marys Area United Way has served the citizens of the City of St. Marys, Fox, Jay and Benezette Townships since 1925. Making a contribution allows you to support 16 local agencies with just one donation. Our focus areas are education, income, and health - the building blocks for a good quality of life. We all win when a child succeeds in school, when families are financially stable, and when people are healthy.
Because of you, in the past 10 years, we have distributed over $1.5M to local nonprofits. Your support allows us to continue supporting agencies that provide vital services for children, special needs individuals, libraries, families and individuals in crisis, students, women, senior citizens, and veterans.
The funds raised by the United Way stay here and go directly toward supporting our families, friends, and neighbors. Change starts with you. Take action today to make a difference in your community.
Our Story
A Century of Service
St. Marys has a very unique situation in that there has been an organization similar to the Saint Marys Area United Way since 1925.
Though the United Way has had various names, the concept has always been the same - People Helping People. The United Way model started in 1925 as the Community Chest, then in 1958 the Community Chest merged with the United Fund, and then in the 1970’s it became the St. Marys Area United Way. Since then, the United Way has enjoyed a stellar reputation as an organization that year in and year out, provides vital resources to service organizations in the area.
The United Way provides funds for agencies that touch everyone’s life in the St. Marys Area from toddlers, children, families, special needs citizens, individual citizens and veterans.
What Are People Saying About Us?
“While my involvement was in the past, I have remained close to United Way activities; and I have observed just how critical the United Way remains as a vital funder of those organizations that are on the cutting edge of a higher quality of life for the citizens of our area.”
Dr. William Conrad, Chairman Leadership Committee
"The theme of the first campaign in 1925 was “A Heart for All and All for the Heart.” A community is only as strong as it citizens and I know the St. Marys area has a heart. It may be a theme from 89 years ago, but it is still relevant today.”
Kris Kronenwetter, Former St. Marys Area United Way Executive Director
United Way advances the common good by creating opportunities for everyone
Our Focus Areas
Living United means being a part of change. It takes everyone in the community working together to create a brighter future.
Education
The United Way makes sure children and youth can start school ready to succeed, become proficient readers at a young age, stay on track in middle school, earn their high school diplomas, and pursue higher education or meaningful careers.
Education is a cornerstone for success in school, work and life. It also benefits the whole community: high school graduates have higher earning potential, contribute more to their local economies, are more engaged in their communities, and are more likely to raise kids who also graduate on time.
The United Way supports a comprehensive approach to education that spans all the way from cradle to career.
Income
United Way empowers people to get on stable financial ground with proven methods like job training, financial wellness classes and more. The result is thriving communities where everyone has more opportunity to succeed.
When people are able to find decent jobs, provide for their families and save for the future, they and their children are more likely to enjoy healthy lives and succeed in school. Everyone benefits, because financially stable individuals and families lead to a more competitive workforce and a stronger community. We work with partners from all sectors of society to connect people to the resources they need to get on more solid financial ground.
Health
The United Way is building healthier, more resilient communities by promoting healthy eating and physical activity, expanding access to quality health care and integrating health into early childhood development.
Good health is both a community responsibility and a community benefit: It goes beyond personal diet, exercise and the many other individual choices we make. The foundation for a healthy life is in the neighborhoods we build and environments we inhabit. When people have access to parks, bike paths, safe playgrounds, healthy foods, and good medical care, they are more likely to succeed in school, work and life.
The United Way is creating solutions that help everyone thrive, creating healthier communities that improve our collective quality of life. We’re focused on expanding access to healthy foods, opportunities for physical activity and quality health care. To do this, we partner with local schools, governments, health agencies and other community-based nonprofits
Your Donation Allows Us to Offer Continued Support to 16 Area Agencies
Our Partnering Organizations
If You or Someone You Know Has:
Enjoyed a Library Reading Program or Services Offered at the St. Marys Public Library
Spent a Hot Afternoon at the St. Marys Community Pool
Taken Advantage of Programming at the Boys & Girls Club
Needed Help Affording Newborn Supplies, Shoes, Jackets, or Back to School Clothing For Their Child(ren)
Sought Help to Escape Domestic Abuse
Admired the Veteran's Memorial or The Eternal Flame and Dedicated Veterans of the St. Marys Burial Detail
Needed Help With Addiction
Participated in the Boy or Girl Scouts
Taken Advantage of Programming for Individuals With Intellectual Disabilities
You Have Seen Your Donation Dollars At Work
Get in Touch
44 South St. Marys St.
St. Marys, PA 15857
(814) 834-1845
