We at United Way are transforming lives to create stronger, more resilient, and equitable communities where everyone thrives.

Mission Statement

United Way of Kern County leads a movement to uplift our communities through education, health, and economic resilience. We deliver programs and services to enhance the lives of residents we serve within the counties of Kern, Inyo, Mono, and northern San Bernadino. We bring donors, volunteers, advocates, and other stakeholders together to build powerful and sustainable coalitions and partnerships.

Vision Statement

We at United Way are transforming lives to create stronger, more resilient, and equitable communities where everyone thrives.

Core Values

· Accountability

· Integrity

· Collaboration

· Respect

· Commitment

· Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Statement of Principle

• We take the broadest possible view of diversity.
• We value the visible and invisible qualities that make you who you are.
• We welcome that every person brings a unique perspective and experience to advance our mission and progress our fight for the health, education, and financial stability of every person in every community.
• We believe that each community member, donor, volunteer, advocate, and employee must have equal access to solving community problems.
• We strive to include diversity, equity, and inclusion practices at the center of our daily work.
• We commit to using these practices for our business and our communities.

Join us in embracing diversity, equity and inclusion for every person in every community.

LIVE UNITED.

Approved by the United Way U.S.A. Board of Trustees on March 6, 2019

History

United Way of Kern County is situated in a heavy agricultural and oil industry region of California, and has long sought to hold a position of genuine authority in the community – where we are a trusted leader, where we are seen as having the community’s best interests in mind, and where we have the credibility to mobilize partners to collectively address issues.

UWKC was created in 1963 and began as an organization that raises and distributes funding. Our credibility allowed donors a sense of assurance that their money would be put to good use in the Kern County community. The focus has been on determining ways to step into the leadership vacuum and demonstrate that people and groups can come together, make a difference, and then elevate and shed light on the issues that need real attention.

The UWKC board is now focused on the impact the organization is achieving and not simply on raising more money. Staff roles have been transformed. Engaging the community directly, through programs and services, and using that knowledge to guide decision making, partnership development, and other competencies needed to effectively mobilize resources have become core to the mission of UWKC.