United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania and Greater Philadelphia Cares Merge to Form Community Action Center

Two Organizations Unite to Strengthen Volunteer Service and Community Engagement in Greater Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA, Jan. 3, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania and Greater Philadelphia Cares have signed an agreement to merge, effective January 1, 2012. This merger of missions will provide meaningful volunteer and community engagement opportunities for individuals, community groups and corporations alike throughout the region.

As a result of the merger, United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania will form the Community Action Center, which will engage and mobilize individuals in support of service, as well as promote community involvement, throughout Greater Philadelphia. The Center will also provide a seamless connection through which the nonprofit sector can provide volunteer opportunities and volunteers can connect to important issues and needs in their communities.

"We know this partnership will only serve to strengthen the culture of volunteerism that is ingrained in our region," said Jill Michal, president and CEO, United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania. "Together, we'll be better equipped to connect the 'want' of volunteers to the real needs of the region, mobilizing this powerful force to drive real impact in our community."  

Martin Molloy, CEO of Greater Philadelphia Cares, will become Director of the Community Action Center at United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania. All members of Greater Philadelphia Cares' Board of Directors have been invited to serve on United Way's Civic Engagement Vision Council, which oversees the organization's civic engagement work, and will help the organization determine the expansion of existing programs, and the development of new programs, moving forward. GPC Board Chair Erica Atwood will also serve as member of UWSEPA's Community Impact Strategy Committee, which oversees all of UWSEPA's community investments.

"For close to 20 years, Greater Philadelphia Cares has played an important role in connecting volunteers to opportunities throughout the Philadelphia region," said Erica Atwood, Specialist, External Affairs & Community Engagement, Office of the Mayor; Chair, Board of Directors, Greater Philadelphia Cares. "We know that this role will only be enhanced and strengthened by partnering with an organization as community-minded as United Way."

For more information on the Community Action Center, or to find a volunteer opportunity, visit www.LIVEUNITEDsepa.org/volunteer.

About United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania

United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania is part of a national network of more than 1,300 locally governed organizations that work to create lasting positive changes in communities and in people's lives. United Way engages the community to identify the underlying causes of the most significant local issues, develops strategies and pulls together financial and human resources to address them, and measure the results. United Way is advancing the common good in southeastern Pennsylvania by focusing on education for children, income for families and health for seniors. For more information about United Way, please visit: www.LIVEUNITEDsepa.org.

About Greater Philadelphia Cares

Greater Philadelphia Cares supports the creation of vibrant communities by motivating people to volunteer their time, talents, and resources. We provide a clear path to service for all, enhancing the impact of non-profit agencies throughout the Greater Philadelphia region.

SOURCE United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania