BY: CIARAH KLUESNER
UNITED WAY IN IDAHO FALLS HAS A RICH HISTORY OF COMMUNITY. Its humble beginnings go back to 1942 when it was known as Idaho Falls Community Chest and had a modest goal of $13,505. In 1954—just 12 years later—the organization raised $85,000, and its name was officially changed to United Way of Idaho Falls and Bonneville County (UWIFBC). UWIFBC has proudly served the Idaho Falls area for 80 years and has grown to now bring in over a million dollars annually.
United Way is a name that most people recognize, but very few actually know what we do. We are a nonprofit that connects funds to organizations and programs in our area, a hub designed to connect those in need with those who give. Because we have such a longstanding history in our area and our efforts are recognized globally, people trust that when they donate to United Way these funds will be utilized locally as intended. UWIFBC continually strives to listen and understand what is urgently needed in our community, identifying gaps within projects and services and appropriately directing resources.
I realized quickly after joining the United Way team that I was working for an organization with integrity and the ability to actually make a difference. I have witnessed the outstanding work that has been done in our community through this organization. It never ceases to amaze me just how much this small office can accomplish.
Our team spearheads many different community events focused towards engaging and connecting people with resources they need, including: a yearlong book drive, the SOAR after-school program, community discussions, ALICE presentations and advocacy, feminine hygiene campaigns, kindergarten boot camp, summer feeding programs, summer concert series, cornhole tournaments and collecting and sharing senior activity kits. One recent project we’ve worked on is providing a 14-foot mobile makerspace trailer for our area known as a Think, Make, Create (TMC) Lab, designed to promote S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Art, Engineering, Math).
UWIFBC has the awesome responsibility of working with not only Bonneville County, but also Jefferson, Madison, Teton, Lemhi, Clark, and Fremont counties. We also work with nonprofit organizations and programs in our area to provide crucial grant funding and resources for their clients. We are fortunate to have many generous corporate partners that participate in our annual Workplace Giving Campaign.
Our Mission statement is a simple creed we live by daily: improving people’s lives by mobilizing the caring power of our community. We prioritize our efforts towards early education, food insecurity for seniors and children, access to mental health services and resources and the availability of affordable housing and a living wage. We are leading the charge and inspiring the change.
For more information: www.unitedwayif.org | 208-522-2674