Hillsdale County United Way "Serving Citizens of Hillsdale County Since 1943"

Hillsdale County United Way

United Way of America

 

Designed by
Matthew Adamczyk,
Hillsdale College
S.O.A.R. Program

Maintained by Micah Seppanen,
Hillsdale College
S.O.A.R. Program

History

A Glimpse of Local History…

…The Origins of Hillsdale County United Way

The United Way movement in our country is unique in that it has its origin not in one single organization which directed expansion in the form of local chapters around the country from one central location. Rather, all United Ways began as grass roots operations at the community level, spearheaded by concerned citizens in search for an efficient way to take care of their own community. The first local organization of this kind was founded in Denver, Colorado, in 1887.

In Hillsdale County, the efforts to coordinate human service efforts began more than 60 years ago as the Hillsdale Community Chest. This was, in essence, an attempt to lend a helping hand to those community members in need. Some of their catch phrases of the era were "...the 'United Way' of helping...", "Give Once - For All!", and "Please Give To These Civic Organizations 'So They Will Live'". In an article from the Hillsdale Daily News, (October 31st, 1963), a Mrs. Leutheuser is quoted as saying "If you have ever been aided by the Community Chest, you are glad there is one. If you never have been helped, the day may come". As you can see, the spirit of the United Way persisted then as it does now. The Hillsdale Community Chest represented and funded the Boy Scouts of America, Girl Scouts of America, the Hillsdale Recreation Commission, "Y" Teens, Camp Fire Girls, Y.M.C.A., the Salvation Army, the Michigan United Fund, and the Red Cross.

In 1943, the organization became a private, independent, nonprofit, legal corporation, hereafter called Hillsdale County United Way, the name it still bears today. It is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors comprised of community leaders, educators, and local businessmen and –women representing a cross section of the Hillsdale community.

The benefits of local governance are several: Clearly, the citizens of Hillsdale County have a greater knowledge of what is needed and appropriate for this community than any regional or national entity could ever hope to have. In addition, local governance creates a greater sense of ownership on the part of the citizens of Hillsdale County: They are not only the donors but, at the same time, the potential recipients of the services they invest in, as well as the ones who oversee the allocation and spending of the collected funds according to their vision for the Hillsdale community.

The unique concept of local independence within a movement using the same name and trademark at times leads to misconceptions in the eyes of the public when they erroneously assume a connection among local United Ways. This has been the case, for example, in instances where individual United Ways across the nation have made headlines for misappropriation of funds or other criminal misconduct. It is important to keep in mind that there simply are no legal and/or organizational ties between Hillsdale County United Way and any other local United Way.

Likewise, certain criticisms regarding programs funded by Hillsdale County United Way are founded on incorrect information. For example, local individuals who have heard of United Way funding for Planned Parenthood, have expressed deep concerns based on their religious beliefs, and state this as the reason for not supporting their local United Way. The truth of the matter is that since each local United Way is independent and creates its own policies and funding criteria, there are, indeed, local United Ways that do fund that particular organization. However, this has absolutely no bearing on funding decisions made in Hillsdale County, where United Way has never in its history provided funds for Planned Parenthood, or any other organization of this type, according to the funding decisions of local volunteers. Furthermore, the fear that, through our membership dues to United Way of America, we may indirectly fund programs of this sort is equally unfounded. Strictly a resource and support organization for local United Ways (see below for more details), United Way of America is not in the business of funding programs of any kind.

Along the same lines, the frequently heard criticism that Hillsdale County United Way is taking a stance against gun control is equally incorrect. According to our local by-laws, we do not take any position on any political issue. The most straightforward answer to the question why we do not fund the National Rifle Association (NRA) is simply that they have never applied for funding.

Similarly, the scandal around United Way of America in 1989 should in no way reflect negatively upon our local organization. Unlike many other charitable organizations (such as American Red Cross, Salvation Army, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, etc.), we are not structured, governed, or overseen by any national organization, and United Way of America is not involved in setting policies or funding guidelines for local United Ways.

When Hillsdale County United Way joined United Way of America in 2002, it was because we recognized the benefits of such membership to donors and clients alike. It is important to note that United Way of America’s role is simply that of a professional support organization, with membership being strictly voluntary. As such, it offers services and materials to local member United Ways at a much lower rate than they would be able to purchase on their own. Hillsdale County United Way considers the membership dues of less than 1% of its annual campaign a worthwhile investment in the services we provide to this community.

In addition, and in response to the scandals of the last few years, UWA has developed strict financial and operational standards, for the purpose of maximizing transparency and accountability and, in turn, minimizing the risk of any fraudulent activity on the part of its staff or board members. Hillsdale County United Way submits detailed information regarding its operations and finances to UWA on an annual basis in order to demonstrate its adherence to these standards and thus provide its donors and community stakeholders with an added sense of confidence in the high ethical and legal standards they have come to expect from their local United Way.

United Way Staff History

Over the years, there have been many Executive Directors and staff persons that have helped to carry the organization through to the present day. Our current Executive Director is Mrs. Pia Seebach-York. She took on the office in 2001 shortly after Julia Hindenbaugh left.

Also in late 2001, we acquired Matthew Adamczyk as a S.O.A.R. student from Hillsdale College. Matthew has designed our website, designs graphical layouts, performs photo touch-ups, produces brochure designs, and manages the office when we are out at presentations. He is yet another of our many available volunteers, and puts in his time wherever necessary. Though he only works part time, he has been essential to our shift into the 21st century.

In 2002, we merged with the Hillsdale County Volunteer Resource Center, thus allowing us to coordinate volunteer opportunities in-house. Kelly LoPresto was selected as our Volunteer Services Coordinator.

In the spring of 2003, we moved from our offices on Beck Road. Today, we are located in downtown Hillsdale, on Broad Street, above Nash Drugs, right across from the Court House. This location allows us to better serve the community, in a variety of ways, the least of which is increased advertising!

In the fall of 2004, two new SOAR students joined us. Micah Sepparen will be replacing Matt Adamczyk after Matt's graduation in 2005 from Hillsdale College. Micah excels in layout and design. Kristina Berger is our other new SOAR student. She is in charge of the Youth Board, founded in 2004. All three students help around the office, and assist with all aspects of the campaign.