In 1940, a group of Tyler leaders came together at the old Blackstone hotel downtown to meet about establishing a Tyler Community Chest. These organizations often popped up in communities around the country during times of crisis and need.
The need for a community chest in Tyler came out of the Great Depression recovery. Their goal that first year was $20,000 and they raised it with the help of the city of Tyler and a few local businesses and individuals.
Fast forward to today, and we have put more than $70 million back into the local community! United Way is the largest non-governmental funder of health and human services in the world. Locally, each United Way is autonomous and governed by a local volunteer board of directors.
Our Mission is simple: We are caring for our community by partnering with you. We believe that empowering EVERYONE to give, advocate, and volunteer is the most effective way to collectively improve Smith County. It’s only by working together that we can start to create lasting change and opportunities for all.
