History

McHenry County's United Way movement began with the Crystal Lake United Fund in 1965 and the United Way of Southeast McHenry County in 1967. United Way of McHenry County emerged in 1978 from a reorganized United Way of Crystal Lake. In 1981, it merged with the United Way of Cary Grove-Oakwood Hills.

Reorganization and merger were prompted by the realization that member agencies were serving residents of the entire county and that a single organization could more effectively and efficiently conduct charitable activities throughout the county.

From 1981 through 1984, Our United Way participated in a regional fund-raising and allocations effort with the Chicago-based United Way/Crusade of Mercy and United Way of Suburban Chicago.  United Way of McHenry County eventually concluded that the longer term charitable support needs of McHenry County would be best served by independent status, and it withdrew from the regional organization at the end of December 1984.

Since 1984 the United Way of McHenry County has concentrated on the health and human service needs of our residents. Our campaign has grown from $310,000 raised in 1984 to a record $2,133,043 raised in 2001. We raised $1.848 million in the 2005 campaign.

Now, as our community continues to grow, the demand for services is greater than ever. We are committed to being more than a fund-raiser for our member agencies, as we work toward building a stronger community by mobilizing resources to create positive solutions to McHenry County's most pressing needs.

4508 Prime Parkway, McHenry, Illinois 60050

Phone: 815-363-1377 • Fax: 815-363-1878 • Click here to e-mail us.

Office Hours: Monday-Thursday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., Friday 8 a.m. - Noon CST