New moniker more accurately describes agencies
By Leonard Thornton
October 12, 2007
BEDFORD — The United Way of Lawrence County has changed its name to
better reflect the area it serves — still the same organization with
the same goals and commitment.
“This is something the UWLC board of directors had been
considering for several years,” said Lorri Hamer, executive director of
United Way of Lawrence County. “In the end, we felt our name was
holding us back in Orange County.”
The new name, United Way of South Central Indiana, according to
board members, will address the fact that nine of the 15 member
agencies provide services in Orange County as well as Lawrence County.
“We have served agencies in Orange County for a number of
years,” said Brady Mullis, president of United Way of Lawrence County
board. “But we have never really targeted Orange County for fundraising
during our campaigns, even though our agencies support people in Orange
County.
“We felt one way to increase our presence there was to change
our name to be more inclusive of the area we serve,” Mullis said. “We
actually serve Lawrence, Orange and Martin counties. If you’re trying
to raise money in Martin County and your name is United Way of Lawrence
County, people are not going to be as quick to give you money.”
This is not the first name change for the agency, which has
had several name changes over time starting with the Community War and
Chest in 1920. In 1947, it became Better Bedford Community Chest and in
1958 the Lawrence County United Fund. The name was changed again in
1973 when it became an affiliate of United Way of America and became
United Way of Lawrence County.
“The problem with a name change is making sure everyone
understands that you are still the same organization,” Hamer said. “We
are very proud of our 15 member agencies (four of which are original
agencies funded by the Community War and Chest).
“I feel they do a great job of addressing the issues our
citizens face today,” Hamer said. “The United Way of South Central
Indiana will still be serving the needs of your community.”
Times-Mail Staff Writer Leonard Thornton welcomes comments at 277-7263 or by e-mail at leonard@tmnews.com
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