United Way of Monmouth and Ocean Counties

Overview

The United Way of Monmouth and Ocean Counties (UWMOC) is a nonprofit organization based in New Jersey. It focuses on bridging gaps in education, financial stability, and health across the Monmouth and Ocean County communities. UWMOC is an affiliate of United Way Worldwide, a global network of more than 1,800 local United Way organizations.

History and Formation

The organization was formed through the merger of the United Way of Monmouth County and the United Way of Ocean County. This strategic move aimed to increase the impact of community outreach by combining resources and efforts. The merger was facilitated by assessments and strategic planning, resulting in a cohesive entity committed to serving the needs of both counties.

Mission and Vision

The mission of UWMOC is to bridge gaps in education, financial stability, and health for every person in the community. Its vision is to create a community where everyone achieves their full potential through quality education, stable income, and healthy living.

Programs and Initiatives

UWMOC engages in various initiatives tailored to address local needs:

• Financial Success Center: Offers financial resources and support, collaborating with New Jersey 2-1-1 to provide access to financial assistance.
• Education and Youth Programs: Partners with local schools to support youth development through programs like Project Spear and North Star. These initiatives expose students to alternative career pathways.
• Basic Needs Initiative: Focuses on providing essential hygiene products and support to households facing financial challenges.
• Warmest Wishes Coat Drive: Collects and distributes coats to those in need, promoting community involvement.

Community Engagement and Funding

Community engagement is a core value of UWMOC. The organization promotes local fundraising and involves volunteers, donors, and community partners in its work. Funding is secured primarily through workplace campaigns and community donations.

Governance and Structure

As part of United Way Worldwide, UWMOC operates independently with its own board of directors and management team. The organization adheres to United Way Worldwide's guidelines while focusing on local needs and initiatives.

Impact and Recognition

UWMOC's work has been recognized for its innovative approaches to addressing community challenges. It continues to evolve and adapt to emerging needs in the community, fostering partnerships with various stakeholders to ensure sustainable impact.

Values

UWMOC bases its work on several core values:

• Community-Focused: Identifying needs and collaborating with the community to make a meaningful difference.
• Accountable: Setting goals for measurable impact.
• Trustworthy: Conducting activities with integrity and respect.
• Inclusive: Encouraging diverse perspectives to better understand community needs.