United Foundation (Detroit, Mich.)

United Community Services Budget Department Records

drice — Fri, 25 Apr 2014 15:05:48 -0400

The United Community Services of Metropolitan Detroit has its origins in the establishment of the Detroit Community Union in 1917. The Union was reorganized into the Council of Social Agencies of Metropolitan Detroit in 1932, and merged with the Detroit Community Chest in 1951 to become the United Community Services (UCS). UCS operated alongside the United Way for Southeastern Michigan (United Foundation until 1989), which was primarily a fundraising organization. They merged to form the United Way Community Services in 1995, which merged with the United Way for Oakland County to become the United Way for Southeastern Michigan in 2005. UCS was an umbrella organization for a wide range of social welfare agencies in the Metropolitan Detroit area, and sought to promote social services (including child care, family, health, recreation, and community planning) through the centralized planning, coordinating, and budgeting of those agencies. The Budget Department was responsible for reviewing budget requests from agencies, making an annual proposal for funds to the United Foundation, and allocating funds to individual agencies associated with UCS.

The United Community Services Budget Department Records consist mostly of reports from agencies to the UCS Central Budget Committee and reports from UCS to the United Foundation. The collection also contains some minutes from the budget committees of UCS predecessor organizations and statistical information detailing historical allocations to participating agencies.

United Community Services Communications Department Records

drice — Fri, 25 Apr 2014 15:29:47 -0400

The United Community Services of Metropolitan Detroit has its origins in the establishment of the Detroit Community Union in 1917. The Union was reorganized into the Council of Social Agencies of Metropolitan Detroit in 1932, and merged with the Detroit Community Chest in 1951 to become the United Community Services (UCS). UCS operated alongside the United Way for Southeastern Michigan (United Foundation until 1989), which was primarily a fundraising organization. They merged to form the United Way Community Services in 1995, which merged with the United Way for Oakland County to become the United Way for Southeastern Michigan in 2005. UCS was an umbrella organization for a wide range of social welfare agencies in the Metropolitan Detroit area, and sought to promote social services (including child care, family, health, recreation, and community planning) through the centralized planning, coordinating, and budgeting of those agencies. The Communications Department, previously known as the Public Relations Department, was responsible for promoting UCS and member agency activities to the public, through press releases, newspaper, radio, and television advertisements, promotional brochures, and other advertising campaigns. The department also counseled other UCS departments and member agencies on their promotional campaigns.

The United Community Services Communications Department Records consist of correspondence, reports, press releases, promotional brochures, and newspaper clippings related to the publicity efforts of UCS. The collection documents the promotional strategies used by UCS to promote its activities, seek volunteers, solicit funds, and increase public knowledge of UCS and its member agencies. The collection also contains information pertaining to internal UCS administrative functions, including the UCS Assembly nominating committee and the organization’s annual meetings.

United Community Services Executive Office Records

drice — Fri, 25 Apr 2014 15:24:57 -0400

The United Community Services of Metropolitan Detroit has its origins in the establishment of the Detroit Community Union in 1917. The Union was reorganized into the Council of Social Agencies of Metropolitan Detroit in 1932, and merged with the Detroit Community Chest in 1951 to become the United Community Services (UCS). UCS operated alongside the United Way for Southeastern Michigan (United Foundation until 1989), which was primarily a fundraising organization. They merged to form the United Way Community Services in 1995, which merged with the United Way for Oakland County to become the United Way for Southeastern Michigan in 2005. UCS was an umbrella organization for a wide range of social welfare agencies in the Metropolitan Detroit area, and sought to promote social services (including child care, family, health, recreation, and community planning) through the centralized planning, coordinating, and budgeting of those agencies. The Executive Office oversaw the various departments within UCS, and was headed by the Executive Vice President, who was the managing director of the organization.

The United Community Services Executive Office Records consist of materials from the tenure of three Executive Vice Presidents: Richard Huegli, John MacInnes, and Geneva Williams. The collection demonstrates the administrative functions of UCS, including correspondence with the directors of other UCS departments, correspondence concerning social welfare agencies, minutes documenting the proceedings of UCS committees, reports concerning UCS programs and special projects, and budgetary proposals to the United Foundation. The collection also contains some photographs of UCS leadership and of the founders of the Detroit Community Union.

United Community Services Community Information Service Records

drice — Fri, 25 Apr 2014 15:37:43 -0400

The United Community Services of Metropolitan Detroit has its origins in the establishment of the Detroit Community Union in 1917. The Union was reorganized into the Council of Social Agencies of Metropolitan Detroit in 1932, and merged with the Detroit Community Chest in 1951 to become the United Community Services (UCS). UCS operated alongside the United Way for Southeastern Michigan (United Foundation until 1989), which was primarily a fundraising organization. They merged to form the United Way Community Services in 1995, which merged with the United Way for Oakland County to become the United Way for Southeastern Michigan in 2005. UCS was an umbrella organization for a wide range of social welfare agencies in the Metropolitan Detroit area, and sought to promote social services (including child care, family, health, recreation, and community planning) through the centralized planning, coordinating, and budgeting of those agencies. The Community Information Service (CIS) Department, formerly known as the Central Services Department, was established to assist the community in making more effective use of health, welfare, and recreational resources. It served as a central source for authentic information to direct members of the community to relevant social service agencies, by the use of telephone, correspondence, or in person visits. The department also published social service resource directories and oversaw the Central Volunteer Bureau. Funding for the CIS came from the United Foundation’s annual Tribute Fund Campaign.

The United Community Services Community Information Service Records consist of correspondence, minutes, reports and scrapbooks from CIS and its precursor, the Central Services Department. The materials demonstrate the functions of the CIS, including its efforts to connect members of the community with social service resources, its centralized administration of UCS’ volunteer efforts, and its involvement in Tribute Fund campaigning. The collection also contains statistical data about the services provided by participating UCS agencies, mostly in the Social Statistics Project series.

United Community Services Research Department Records

drice — Fri, 25 Apr 2014 15:41:26 -0400

The United Community Services of Metropolitan Detroit has its origins in the establishment of the Detroit Community Union in 1917. The Union was reorganized into the Council of Social Agencies of Metropolitan Detroit in 1932, and merged with the Detroit Community Chest in 1951 to become the United Community Services (UCS). UCS operated alongside the United Way for Southeastern Michigan (United Foundation until 1989), which was primarily a fundraising organization. They merged to form the United Way Community Services in 1995, which merged with the United Way for Oakland County to become the United Way for Southeastern Michigan in 2005. UCS was an umbrella organization for a wide range of social welfare agencies in the Metropolitan Detroit area, and sought to promote social services (including child care, family, health, recreation, and community planning) through the centralized planning, coordinating, and budgeting of those agencies. The Research Department was responsible for analyzing and evaluating information about community conditions to aid other UCS departments in determining their programs and policies. The department collected statistical data regarding population trends, land use, agency services, and other areas related to the overall functions of UCS.

The United Community Services Research Department Records consists of reports and statistical data, mostly related to the services of UCS agencies. The reports contain information regarding agencies that fell under the UCS umbrella, including the names and locations of agencies, the types of services they provided, and the amount of certain services provided to members of the community. The collection also contains reports related to special projects undertaken by UCS, including the Harper-Gratiot Multi-Service Center, and statistics relating to UCS’ participation in the United States Children’s Bureau Social Statistics Project. In addition to reports and statistics, the collection also contains some correspondence, mostly related to Research Department Director James H. Norton, detailing the administrative functions of the Research Department.

United Community Services Special Programs Department Records

drice — Fri, 25 Apr 2014 15:47:16 -0400

The United Community Services of Metropolitan Detroit has its origins in the establishment of the Detroit Community Union in 1917. The Union was reorganized into the Council of Social Agencies of Metropolitan Detroit in 1932, and merged with the Detroit Community Chest in 1951 to become the United Community Services (UCS). UCS operated alongside the United Way for Southeastern Michigan (United Foundation until 1989), which was primarily a fundraising organization. They merged to form the United Way Community Services in 1995, which merged with the United Way for Oakland County to become the United Way for Southeastern Michigan in 2005. UCS was an umbrella organization for a wide range of social welfare agencies in the Metropolitan Detroit area, and sought to promote social services (including child care, family, health, recreation, and community planning) through the centralized planning, coordinating, and budgeting of those agencies. The Special Programs Department oversaw UCS program initiatives and programs that were not necessarily related to other existing UCS departments or which were not permanent additions to UCS programs, such as temporary initiatives and special summer programs. The Special Programs Department consisted of, at various times, the Metropolitan Camp Council, the Volunteer Action Center, the Metropolitan Detroit Coalition for Blood Pressure Control, the Summer Programs department, and unemployment and work experience projects.

The United Community Services Special Programs Department Records consist mostly of correspondence, minutes, and reports related to the Metropolitan Camp Council and general campership initiatives, in addition to information regarding special summer programs. Included in the collection are materials from participating camp agencies, such as the Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, and Camp Fire Girls, as well as materials from UCS administrative committees.

United Foundation Office of the Vice President for Administration Records

drice — Mon, 21 Dec 2015 15:03:22 -0500

Walter Laidlaw established the United Foundation in 1948 through the merger of the Detroit Community Chest and other Detroit charitable organizations. The goal of the United Foundation was to centralize fund raising efforts and generate mass fund raising campaigns, such as the Torch Drive, which was first held in 1949. The United Foundation was closely affiliated with the United Community Services of Metropolitan Detroit, and became affiliated with the national United Way organization beginning with the United Way’s conception in 1970. The organization retained the name United Foundation until 1989, at which time it changed its name to the United Way for Southeastern Michigan to better reflect its associated with the national United Way. It was known as such until its merger with the United Community Services in 1995, at which point it became known as the United Way Community Services. The United Foundation’s Office of the Vice President for Administration served as the managing director of the United Foundation, and oversaw all departments within the organization.

The United Foundation Office of the Vice President for Administration Records consists of materials primarily from the tenure of Vice President Warren T. Burt. The collection demonstrates the administrative function of the United Foundation, including correspondence with the directors of other United Foundation departments, minutes and agendas documenting the proceedings of United Foundation committees and Boards of Directors, reports concerning United Foundation programs and special projects, and materials related to the United Foundation’s Long Range and Strategic Planning efforts.

United Foundation Communications Department Records

kschmeling — Wed, 13 Jan 2016 14:39:15 -0500

The United Foundation (UF) has its origins in the establishment of the Detroit Community Union in 1917. The UF, called the United Way for Southeastern Michigan after it’s official name change in 1989, was formed in 1948 through the merger of the Detroit Community Chest and other Detroit charities, and came to be affiliated with the national United Way organization in 1970. UF was an umbrella organization providing funding for a wide range of social welfare agencies in the Metropolitan Detroit area, and worked closely with the United Community Services of Metropolitan Detroit (UCS), which was primarily concerned with streamlining and planning the delivery of social services in the city. The two merged in 1995 to create the UWCS, which existed until 2005, when the UWCS merged with the United Way of Oakland County to create a new body once again called the United Way for Southeastern Michigan. This final incarnation exists to this day.

The United Foundation Communications Department oversaw the creation of campaign materials, press releases, and marketing strategies for the United Foundation and it’s associated agencies. This collection, which is closely related to the United Foundation Campaign Department’s records, consists of the Communication Department’s administrative and strategic files, collateral materials from various advertising campaigns, collateral materials for associated charitable organizations, and extensive photographic and audiovisual materials utilized in UF campaigns from the 1950s to 1992.

United Foundation Office of the President Records

kschmeling — Mon, 11 Jan 2016 16:02:30 -0500

Walter C. Laidlaw established the United Foundation in 1948 through the merger of the Detroit Community Chest and other Detroit charitable organizations. The goal of the United Foundation was to centralize fund raising efforts and generate mass fund raising campaigns, such as the Torch Drive, which was first held in 1949. The United Foundation was closely affiliated with the United Community Services of Metropolitan Detroit, and became affiliated with the national United Way organization beginning with the United Way’s conception in 1970. The organization retained the name United Foundation until 1989, at which time it changed its name to the United Way for Southeastern Michigan to better reflect its association with the national United Way. It was known as such until its merger with the United Community Services in 1995, at which point it became known as the United Way Community Services. The United Foundation’s Office of the President was responsible for overseeing and directing the various departments within the United Foundation. As the founder of the United Foundation, Walter C. Laidlaw served in this office from its inception in 1948 until his retirement in 1968. Upon his exit, H. Clay Howell succeeded Laidlaw as President of the United Foundation.

The United Foundation Office of the President Records consists of materials from the tenures of both President Walter C. Laidlaw and President H. Clay Howell. Records within the collection are mainly derived from the various committees and subcommittees within the United Foundation that were overseen by the Office of the President. The collection includes materials from the United Foundation Special Study Committee, the Priorities Subcommittee, the Capital Fund Division Campaign, the Long Range Planning Committee, New Detroit Inc. committees, and others. Additional materials consist of annual meeting information, Board of Directors materials, United Way branch information, and other various general files pertaining to the Office of the President.

United Way for Southeastern Michigan Labor Department Records

kschmeling — Thu, 25 Feb 2016 16:18:20 -0500

The United Way for Southeastern Michigan (UWSM) has its origins in the establishment of the Detroit Community Union in 1917. UWSM, called the United Foundation until it’s official name change in 1989, was formed in 1948 through the merger of the Detroit Community Chest and other Detroit charities, and came to be affiliated with the national United Way organization in 1970. UWSM is an umbrella organization providing funding for a wide range of social welfare
agencies in the Metropolitan Detroit area, and worked closely with the United Community Services of Metropolitan Detroit (UCS), which was primarily concerned with streamlining and planning the delivery of social services in the city. The two merged in 1995 to create the UWCS, which existed until 2005, when the UWCS merged with the United Way of Oakland County to create a new body once again called the United Way for Southeastern Michigan. This final incarnation exists to this day.

The Labor Department of the UWSM consists of local labor leaders who have partnered with the United Way in order to participate in it's charitable works. The bulk of this collection consists of files of the correspondence, photographs and biographies of local labor leaders who have served as members of the Labor Participation Committee (LPC). Also included are photographs of various charitable events, programs and brochures, newspaper clippings, correspondence, annual reports, resolutions and bylaws, and workshop and training information.

Women for the United Foundation Records

kschmeling — Fri, 04 Dec 2015 14:37:26 -0500

In 1949, 17,000 women volunteers helped the United Foundation achieve success with its Torch Drive campaign. In 1954, it was decided that an auxiliary women’s group would be formed to work year-round in support of United Foundation projects. It was called the United Foundation Women’s Organization (UFWO). By 1964, the name was changed to Women for the United Foundation (WUF).

The organization works under a set of by-laws and consists of an Executive Board, Board of Directors, Advisory Board, and various committees. WUF set out to inform the Detroit tri-county community about United Foundation services and soon became instrumental in the success of several United Foundation projects. WUF volunteers participate in activities important to the goals of the United Foundation as a whole, including childcare, elder care, religious activities, community or civic programs, cultural or educational activities, and health related programs. One of these programs, originally called “Inforama” and later called “Health-O-Rama,” offers free health tests to the public and became an annual event in the 1960s with full participation by WUF in cooperation with the United Health Organization. The Heart of Gold Award is annually given to a select group of outstanding volunteers in the metropolitan Detroit area in recognition of their service. The Heart of Gold Council is in charge of determining the recipients of this award, and was established in 1967 by the WUF, the Women’s Advertising Club of Detroit, and the Central Business District Association.

United Way for Southeastern Michigan: 100 Years of Giving

drice — Thu, 18 Oct 2018 09:07:38 -0400

In 2017, United Way for Southeastern Michigan (UWSM) celebrated a major milestone: 100 years of continuous promotion of social services to those in need. In addition, the organization’s 10-year plan Agenda for Change concludes this year. Targeting the greater Detroit region, it focuses on access to education, income, read more »

(35864) QUOTA $1,510,260, EMPLOYEES $1,771,580, PLEDGE % of QUOTA 117.3%, UF PER CAP. $24.35; Report Meeting, 1958.

drice — Fri, 05 Oct 2018 15:49:37 -0400

Benson Ford (center) stands with boy scouts holding five signs depicting Ford automobiles and a tractor announcing current Ford pledge numbers for the United Fund. campaign.

(35868) Hamtramck Likes UF, 1952.

drice — Fri, 05 Oct 2018 15:52:02 -0400

Audrey Hepburn hands a little UF girl (standing on table with support from unidentified man) a trophy as the girl holds a Hamtramck United Fund torch sign.

(35887) You are the heart of Detroit.. GIVE ONCE FOR ALL, 1955 TORCH DRIVE, OCT. 18-NOV. 10; Promotion buses; Miss Torchy, 1955.

drice — Fri, 05 Oct 2018 15:45:52 -0400

Publicity still of four people hanging out the windows of a Torch Drive campaign bus parked on a city street.

(35890) UF; Diana Ross on camera for "It’s Happening" Torch Drive promotional film

drice — Mon, 15 Oct 2018 09:06:10 -0400

Diana Ross, in sunglasses, standing in front of backdrop featuring the United Foundation torch logo.

(35894) Shell - Care enough to share enough, 1958 Torch Drive, give once for all!, 1958.

drice — Mon, 15 Oct 2018 09:03:36 -0400

Shell oil billboard in a parking lot promoting the United Foundation fundraisingcampaign.

(35906) Torch Drive, United Foundation torch lighting, 1953.

drice — Fri, 12 Oct 2018 11:55:21 -0400

Night view of crowd around the lit torch (original wooden).