About Us

The United Way of Oxford & Lafayette County advances the common good; serves as a resource in identifying and assessing community needs; provides information about community services; and promotes volunteerism by supporting programs in areas of Education, Health and Income.

Our Mission:  To improve lives and meet community needs by uniting people and resources.

Values & Guiding Principles of the United Way

Values

  • Be agents of change.  Energize people to make a difference in the community by giving, advocating, and volunteering.
  • Be responsive.  Commit to focusing on the educational, financial, and health concerns of the community.
  • Practice accountability.  Demonstrate responsibility for our actions and expenditures; likewise, promote accountability on the part of our agencies.
  • Be fiscally responsible.  Maintain integrity in all financial matters; manage and spend funds wisely.
  • Be volunteer driven.  Empower community members to serve one another through the United Way, and to provide direction to the United Way.
  • Maintain the highest integrity.  Conduct ourselves with honesty, respect, and openness.
  • Inspire contributions.  Raise funds in a creative, effective, professional manner.
  • Be a leader in the community.  Work collaboratively to prioritize and address current and emerging needs to help make the community more successful.

Principles
Those who contribute, expect the United Way to make a difference in the community with their contributions.  They expect the United Way to be responsive to community needs, accountable for funds contributed and to achieve impact with those funds.

History
November 17, 2010 marked the anniversary of the incorporation of the United Fund, the precursor of the United Way of Oxford & Lafayette County.  During its 40 years in the Oxford-Lafayette County community, United Way has raised over $7 million that was invested in the community!  United Way has contributed to providing needed services in the community by supporting over 41 different non-profit agencies during these years.  It has channeled the enthusiasm, talent and caring of countless volunteers throughout the community in Advancing the Common Good in Oxford and Lafayette County.  The following lists significant events during these years:

  • 1970 - United Fund of Oxford-Lafayette County incorporation approved. Incorporators:  B.B. Bowen, Jr., Douglas McDonald, Omar Craig.
  • 1971 - First Drive, Chair - Robert Khayat.
  • 1985 - First Paid Director, Donna Long, hired part-time.
  • 1980's - Saw the inclusion of Domestic Violence Project, Epilepsy Foundation, Foster Grandparents Program, Humane Society, LeBonheur Children's Hospital, Lafayette County Literacy Council, Meals on Wheels, North MS Kidney Foundation, Pantry, United Methodist Senior Services, and Very Special Arts in the United Way Campaigns.
  • 1991 - Director, Donna Long, becomes full-time employee.
  • 1995 - Second staff position, Community Service Director, hired part-time.
  • 1996 - First community needs assessment conducted in conjunction with ProMatura Group.
  • 2000 - Community Service Director hired full time.
  • 2009 - Donna Long, Executive Director for 25 years, retires.
  • 2010 - UW Transition Committee convened to involve the community in the creation of community agenda for Education, Health and Income issues.

Standards of Excellence
The United Way of Oxford & Lafayette County completes a self-assessment every three years.  Using the Standards of Excellence adopted by United Way Worldwise as a guide, UWOLC assesses its progress in meeting benchmarks in these areas:

  • Community Engagement and Vision
  • Impact Strategies, Resources and Results
  • Relationship Building and Brand Management
  • Organizational Leadership and Governance
  • Operations

Financial Accountability
As a way to demonstrate responsibility for our actions and in our expenditures, our latest Audit Report and Form 990 are available for your review.