Following 18 months of thorough vetting and exploration, and as of today, July 1, United Way of Hampshire County and United Way of Franklin County have now come together as United Way of the Franklin and Hampshire Region.
We will continue to provide the support and services our communities have come to rely on from the United Way, but as a single entity, we are better positioned to meet the changing needs of our communities and have greater resources for ongoing work to create a strong, equitable, and inclusive community for every resident of our region.
Why are we doing this?
United Way of Franklin County and United Way of Hampshire County have worked together for decades, and even more closely in recent years. In that sense, the merger was a natural evolution of mutual opportunities.
More recently, and as evidenced by our experiences through the pandemic, we found that we need to be more responsive to evolving regional needs, we need to be more agile when faced with unexpected challenges, and we need to adapt to changes in donor interests and habits.
A larger, more consistently staffed organization allows for greater flexibility and resources in the areas of programming and fundraising. As a merged organization, we can build our capacity to have a larger collective impact on our greater community, and provide the stability needed to best support service agencies and remain relevant.
Who will lead the new organization?
The United Way of the Franklin and Hampshire Region will be led by John Bidwell (Executive Director) and a Board of Directors that are represented equally by the original entities:
Amanda Abramson
Rosemary Bache, Treasurer
Lindsay Barron LaBonte
Stuart Beckley
Bennett Bishop
Kevin Day
Brianna Drohen
Molly Feinstein, Vice Chair
Max Fripp
Michael Gove
Timberly Grout
Lori Grover
Jeff Harness
Clare Higgins
John Howland
Sheryl Koyama
Jane Lyons
Tony Maroulis
Sam Masinter
Molly Mead, Clerk
Leah Phillips
Melanie Reneris
Irv Rhodes
Andrea Sell, Chair
Nathaniel Tripp
Jessica Wales
Heather Wood
Anthony Worden
Where will the organization be physically based?
Offices in Greenfield and Northampton will continue to operate as they were pre-merger. The United Way Diaper Bank will remain housed in the Greenfield location, and staff will share time between the two offices to maintain open access to the public.
Northampton Office:
71 King Street
Northampton, MA 01061
413-584-3962
Greenfield Office:
51 Davis Street, Suite 2
Greenfield, MA 01301
413-772-2168
Will there be two campaigns?
United Way of the Franklin and Hampshire Region will fundraise as a single organization and will implement a Community Campaign that spans both counties. As has always been the case, donors will have the option and flexibility to designate their giving as they see fit. However, our focus will be securing unrestricted funding to support the needs and programming of all of our partners across Franklin and Hampshire counties, and the North Quabbin region.
Perennial United Way events, such as Ski United and Supper for Six, will go on! With an expanded network of supporters, our hope is that the events will continue to grow and provide increased resources to benefit our community partners and service providers.
UWFH Mission:
United Way of the Franklin and Hampshire Region is dedicated to improving the quality of life throughout Franklin County, Hampshire County, and the North Quabbin region. We engage and inspire people as individuals, employers, and organizations to give, advocate and volunteer to address the greatest challenges facing our community.
UWFH Vision:
Our vision is that all individuals and families have the tools and resources to support their basic needs and future successes with equitable access to education, economic security, and wellness. In doing so, we are building a strong, vibrant, and inclusive community.