Our History

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November 19, 1930 - The Central Charities of Indiana County held a meeting stating their purpose to work out a plan where all the requests  for relief of needy families from all parts of Indiana County. Representatives from local organizations including, Indiana Borough Council, County Commissioners, American Red Cross, Salvation Army, Rotary, Lions, Kiwanis, Chamber of Commerce, Boy Scouts of America, YMCA, Indiana County Medical Society, County Welfare,  and the Ministerial Association were present.

1931 - Indiana County Community Chest Campaign started. Dr. Charles Foster, president of the Normal School,  was chosen to be the campaign chairman.

1958 - At the annual Community Chest meeting, the motion was made to organize a countywide United Fund.

September 29,1958 - The United Appeal had its opening dinner at the Rustic Lodge. The goal was set at $ 121,650 and the guest speaker of the evening was Larman Sherwood.  He spoke on how to overcome handicaps to reach your goals.

May 11, 1959 - Indiana County United Fund that was formally announced and named forty-five members for the board of directors from all sections of Indiana County.

October 20, 1959 - The United Fund Drive opened for the northern districts of Indiana County. Clare C. Steele was named leader of the campaign in that area.

1960 - 1966 - Jim Perine was  the new United Fund Executive Director. On April 7, Jim vacated his duties to assume the position of director of the United Fund in Durham, North Carolina.

1973 - The United Fund changed its name to United Way and  the helping hand symbol was shown across the country.

1975 - 1986 - Bob Derry was assigned the duties of the Executive Director.

1988 - 1996 - Fred Moreau accepts the Executive Director's position.  On June 23, 1994 at the Indiana University of Pennsylvania he helped put together a scrimmage featuring the Steelers and the Redskins. All proceeds benefited the United Way and they raised $ 62,000 for the annual campaign that day.

1997 - 2000 - Melinda Fairman took over as the Executive Director of Indiana County.

1998 - United Way staff and board members participate in "Can Do", an analysis of the fundraising campaign and evaluation of the overall operation of the United Way.  This three-day training sets the groundwork for strategic planning sessions and new ideas for future campaigns.

1999 - United Way completes the strategic planning process.  Staff, volunteers, United Way Board and community members set goals for the next five years and adopt mission statement & belief statements.

2000 - Patricia Simmons named as the Executive Director of the United Way of Indiana County.  She took over the duties May 1, 2000.

2008 - Trish Corle named as the Executive Director of the United Way of Indiana County.  She took over the duties March 31, 2008.