United Way of Oxford-Lafayette County

Since its inception, United Way of Oxford-Lafayette County (UWOLC) has promoted the well-being of the Lafayette-Oxford-University (LOU) community through giving, volunteerism, and advocacy. Originally incorporated as the United Fund of Oxford-Lafayette County in 1970, UWOLC joined the United Way network in 1975 and has served as a unifying force by bringing individuals, organizations, businesses, and public entities together to make a meaningful difference.

UWOLC has raised and invested millions of dollars in the LOU community by supporting dozens of organizations that work hand in hand to meet the needs of Lafayette County residents. UWOLC has also developed and coordinated community coalitions to prevent as well as respond to substantial issues throughout Oxford and Lafayette County. By promoting giving, advocacy, and volunteerism through its many partnerships, UWOLC makes a significant impact in the lives of local residents on a daily basis.

The mission of the United Way of Oxford-Lafayette County (UWOLC) is to improve lives and meet community needs by uniting people and resources. We seek to make a significant impact throughout Oxford and Lafayette County by understanding as well as addressing our community’s most complex challenges. We believe no single organization can do this alone. As a result, UWOLC works hand in hand with its donors, partners, volunteers, and advocates to support worthwhile initiatives that can make a meaningful difference within the Lafayette-Oxford-University (LOU) community. In doing so, the UWOLC focuses on four impact areas:

Youth Opportunity: We create pathways for young people to reach their goals and realize their full potential.

·        Early Childhood Education

·        After-School and Summer Learning

·        College and Career Readiness

·        Literacy Development

·        Family Engagement

Healthy Community: We improve access to quality health care, services, and education as well as nutritious food so people have the resources they need to lead healthy lives and enhance their well-being.

·        Health Care Access

·        Mental Health Support

·        Nutrition and Food Security

·        Health Awareness, Recovery, and Prevention

·        Healthy Environments and Physical Activity

Financial Security: We connect people to education, tools, and resources so they can build a brighter future.

·        Adult Education, Training, and Career Support

·        Financial Guidance, Coaching, and Assistance

·        Housing Access, Stability, and Security

Community Resiliency: We work to build a resilient community that is connected, supportive, and ready to respond to any challenge. 

·        Crisis Assistance and Support

·        Disaster Relief and Recovery

·        Emergency Preparedness

·        Community Sustainability

UWOLC plays a variety of roles in addressing community needs:

Funded Programs: UWOLC invests heavily in programs that promote youth opportunity, healthy community, financial security, and community resiliency throughout Oxford and Lafayette County. Each year, UWOLC awards grants to local nonprofit organizations and other eligible entities through a competitive grant-making process that aims to produce positive outcomes in an efficient, effective manner.

Community Coalitions: UWOLC convenes and supports community coalitions such as the LOU Reads Coalition that bring together diverse groups of stakeholders to design as well as implement collective solutions to issues of health, education, and income.

Resources for Individuals: Finally, UWOLC serves as a resource to individual community members, many of whom turn to the UWOLC for assistance in reaching a variety of local programs, services, and supports.