In 1937 a group of caring citizens in Bremerton created the first cooperative action here for the purpose of addressing the needs of their city. That organization was called Bremerton Community Fund. That year they raised $12,630.63.
During the war the fund was referred to as the Community War Chest. In 1947 the Bremerton Community Fund became the Kitsap County Community Chest. By 1948 more than 1,000 communities nationwide had established Community Chest (United Way) organizations. In 1954 we became know as United Good Neighbors and established the first united federated campaign for Kitsap County and by 1970 United Way name was formally adopted by the majority of Community Chest and United Good Neighbors. While the name as changed over the years the good works has not, it only expanded to encompass more parts of our community for a deeper impact to help us all Live United.
BECAUSE OF YOU, UNITED WAY IS MAKING STEADY PROGRESS BY WORKING WITH OTHER ORGANIZATIONS: COLLABORATING, BUILDING COALITIONS, BRINGING PROBLEM SOLVERS TOGETHER TO FIND ANSWERS, FIGHTING FOR THE HEALTH, EDUCATION AND FINANCIAL STABILITY OF EVERYONE IN KITSAP COUNTY.
Our collective impact is making a difference; your investment makes it possible.
Thank you!
Our Work & Areas of Impact
- Peninsulas’ 2-1-1 referral service receives nearly 2000 calls per month from people simply looking for answers, when they have nowhere else to turn. We have also been assisting with Department of Health calls regarding COVID-19. View video
- Dolly Parton Imagination Library Providing free age appropriate books mailed to children birth up to 5 years old once a month.
- Kitsap Racial Equity and Empowerment Fund support for culturally relevant programs, services, and activities in Kitsap that are aimed at lessening the inequities caused or exacerbated by the COVID-19 crisis in or for communities of color, with an emphasis on the needs of the Black community.
- Kids Market Bucks at Bremerton's Farmer's Market. Children that register at the market get to do fun projects to earn market bucks to be spent on fresh fruits and vegetables while learning where food comes from. Thursdays 3-7pm in Evergreen Park during Market Season.
- Access to Baby & Child Dentistry (ABCD) Prevention Matters - Children, birth to 5 years of age with a Provider One card are eligible to participate.
- Volunteer Kitsap provides a wide variety of ways that you can help others and teach your children the value of volunteering and the importance of Living United.
- Letter Carriers’ Food Drive by providing collection bags to over 220,000 households and marketing.
- Kids & Cops Voucher Program provides officers with $25 vouchers to give to youth as they see a need to help with clothing and school supplies.
- SingleCare prescription discount program is a partnership that whether you're insured or uninsured, you can use the discount card or app to save on your prescriptions at pharmacies nationwide.
