United Way of Columbia and Montour Counties

The United Way of Columbia and Montour Counties was a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of residents in Columbia and Montour counties in Pennsylvania. As of September 2022, this organization merged with the Greater Susquehanna Valley United Way to form the Susquehanna Valley United Way, expanding its footprint to serve five counties: Columbia, Montour, Northumberland, Snyder, and Union.

History and Mission

The United Way of Columbia and Montour Counties shared a mission with other United Way entities, focusing on advancing the common good by mobilizing community resources. Their efforts were centered on improving health, education, and financial stability for local residents. This mission aligns with United Way's broader goal of creating vibrant, sustainable communities.

Merger and Impact

The decision to merge with the Greater Susquehanna Valley United Way was driven by a desire to enhance community impact by increasing resource availability and reducing operational inefficiencies. The combined organization aims to address regional issues more effectively, including housing, hunger, education, and healthcare, recognizing that these challenges do not respect county boundaries. The merger allows for more coordinated fundraising efforts and a stronger presence when seeking grants.

Programs and Partnerships

Prior to the merger, the United Way of Columbia and Montour Counties collaborated with other local organizations on programs such as the Revolving Car Loan and United in Recovery, which aimed to provide economic and social support to community members. These collaborations, now part of the broader Susquehanna Valley United Way, continue to serve the region, emphasizing community-driven solutions.

Legacy and Future

The legacy of the United Way of Columbia and Montour Counties is now integrated into the larger Susquehanna Valley United Way, which focuses on delivering expanded services and resources across the enlarged five-county footprint. This consolidation reflects the broader trend within the United Way movement towards strategic alliances that enhance community impact and efficiency.

[1] https://svuw.org/news/united-way-announces-merger-of-greater-susquehanna-valley-and-columbia-montour-organizations [2] https://www.unitedway.org/our-history [3] https://www.columbiamontourchamber.com/2022/09/16/introducing-the-newly-merged-five-county-susquehanna-valley-united-way%EF%BF%BC/ [4] https://unitedwsv.org/our-history/ [5] https://agapelovefromabove.org/mission-history/