Two decades ago, Ann and I graduated from Leadership Fort Collins and three years ago we both started as CEOs in our respective roles at the Chamber and United Way (UWLC). Twenty years of our intertwining paths mirror the growing connectedness between the social and economic sectors in our community as we strive for thriving residents, families, businesses and economy.
UWLC is working diligently to address the greatest barriers to economic development across the region. There is a symbiotic relationship between businesses who support these efforts through workplace giving campaigns and the high impact programs they fund that alleviate burdens on our workforce. Programs like WomenGive and the Larimer Childcare Fund provide childcare scholarships to families not able to afford the high cost of care for their children while they attend school or work. UWLC has invested over $500,000 annually to these programs with aspirations to increase contributions to meet growing demands.
UWLC is working with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Larimer County, Teaching Tree Early Childhood Learning Center, and the Early Childhood Council of Larimer County on the first comprehensive youth and family campus in Larimer County, the Loveland Youth Campus. Opening in 2024, this campus will quadruple care for children ages 0 to 5, serving 200 children per day in our most rapidly growing area near I-25 and US 34. All contributions to childcare efforts qualify for the Colorado Childcare Contribution Tax Credit allowing donors to deduct 50% of their donation from their taxable income.
A diverse and inclusive community with a thriving economy requires homes where all jobs can go to sleep at night (or day). UWLC is honored to serve as the fiscal agent for One Voice for Housing, a coalition of housing providers, local governments, UWLC and the Chamber working collectively to advocate for safe, affordable housing for all who call Fort Collins home.
And beyond housing and childcare, we are collaborating to ensure that workplace efforts around diversity and inclusion extend to the broader community and say to all who live, work, learn, and play here: you belong. With celebrations like Juneteenth, the DEI Networking series, and initiatives like NOCO Works, we are leveraging our dual roles as catalysts and conveners for economic prosperity for all, across northern Colorado. And the community building that is a part of this shared work is beautiful and inspiring. We hope you will join us.
Joy Sullivan, President & CEO
United Way of Larimer County
December 12, 2023
For comments and questions about this blog, please email Joy at [email protected]
