New moniker more accurately describes agencies

By Leonard Thornton

October 12, 2007

BEDFORD — The United Way of Lawrence County has changed its name to better reflect the area it serves — still the same organization with the same goals and commitment.

“This is something the UWLC board of directors had been considering for several years,” said Lorri Hamer, executive director of United Way of Lawrence County. “In the end, we felt our name was holding us back in Orange County.”

The new name, United Way of South Central Indiana, according to board members, will address the fact that nine of the 15 member agencies provide services in Orange County as well as Lawrence County.

“We have served agencies in Orange County for a number of years,” said Brady Mullis, president of United Way of Lawrence County board. “But we have never really targeted Orange County for fundraising during our campaigns, even though our agencies support people in Orange County.

“We felt one way to increase our presence there was to change our name to be more inclusive of the area we serve,” Mullis said. “We actually serve Lawrence, Orange and Martin counties. If you’re trying to raise money in Martin County and your name is United Way of Lawrence County, people are not going to be as quick to give you money.”

This is not the first name change for the agency, which has had several name changes over time starting with the Community War and Chest in 1920. In 1947, it became Better Bedford Community Chest and in 1958 the Lawrence County United Fund. The name was changed again in 1973 when it became an affiliate of United Way of America and became United Way of Lawrence County.

“The problem with a name change is making sure everyone understands that you are still the same organization,” Hamer said. “We are very proud of our 15 member agencies (four of which are original agencies funded by the Community War and Chest).

“I feel they do a great job of addressing the issues our citizens face today,” Hamer said. “The United Way of South Central Indiana will still be serving the needs of your community.”

Times-Mail Staff Writer Leonard Thornton welcomes comments at 277-7263 or by e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

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