Who We Are

The heritage of our community is deeply rooted in helping those in need. That's why 80 years ago the leaders of our community decided what this place needed was a Pajaro Valley Community Chest, later named United Way of Santa Cruz County.

Since our inception, we have been working hand-in-hand with the community to solve complex problems and provide a better life for our residents. Through the collective power of the community, we have been providing funds to better our community. Honoring the traditions of our forefathers, and supporting needs as they have changed, evolved, and even grown.

Many families struggle every date, and no single individual, nonprofit, business or government entity working on its own can overcome the struggles...since that is the case we asked, what if we increase our partnerships? Could we multiply our impact and make a bigger difference?

Working with local program partners, United Way is tackling poverty by giving families the support they need to achieve, maintain and improve their employment. We are united in youth success as we meet the immediate needs of our children so they can succeed in school and in life. We are developing a healthy community by leveraging access to necessary health needs for children and adults throughout Santa Cruz County.

We engage over 3,000 volunteers to help us raise and allocate the needed funds to change struggles our families face. We are for the community, and the community drives our impact. The challenges are as varied as the people who live here. To solve these challenges, what this place needs is all of us living united.