Frequently Asked Questions
Why are the Woodland United Way and United Way California
Capital Region merging?
Both organizations have much in common including shared goals and
are collaborating in many ways to improve outcomes for children
in the region. The Woodland United Way approached UWCCR about the
possibility of a merger in April 2018. Both groups’ boards of
directors approved the merger in November 2018 after months of
exploration and community meetings.
What is the new name of the merged organization?
The merged organization will operate under the name United Way
California Capital Region.
When does the merger take into effect?
The merger will take into effect on July 8, 2019.
Will the Woodland United Way office close?
No. The merged United Way California Capital Region will maintain
offices in Woodland and Sacramento.
How would a merger affect Lori Ross, executive director
of the Woodland United Way?
Woodland United Way Executive Director Lori Ross will join the
staff at UWCCR and continue to serve the community as Area
Director for Yolo County directing programs and partnerships for
that area.
What are the community benefits to this
merger?
One merged organization serving the California Capital Region
will result in increased investment in community needs, yield
greater impact and outcomes, increase brand recognition, attract
new donors, and make United Way more operationally
efficient.
Have the Woodland United Way and UWCCR worked together in
the past?
Yes, they have a history of supporting each other. Both
organizations share common goals for improving the education,
financial well-being and health of its residents. Already, they
are collaborating to improve outcomes throughout the region
including non-profit certification, AmeriCorps programs, etc.
Will the local needs of Woodland still be
met?
Yes. The merger will continue the former Woodland United Way’s
work to make lasting change in Yolo County through education. We
will not be eliminating programs with this merger, but rather
strengthening existing programs with additional resources.
Which geographic area does United Way California Capital
Region support?
United Way California Capital Region serves Amador, El
Dorado, Placer, Sacramento and Yolo counties.
What was the process to move forward with this
merger?
A joint committee comprised of board members and senior staff
from both organizations was created to explore the potential
merger in the spring of 2018. Both groups’ boards of directors
approved the merger in late November after a unanimous
recommendation from the committee that included current and
former board members, community leaders and staff from both
organizations.
Each United Way currently has their own board of
directors. What will happen following the
merger?
A joint committee comprised of board members and senior staff
from both organizations are working to integrate Woodland
leadership into the UWCCR board and a newly created Woodland
Advisory Committee comprised of local community members and
stakeholders.
What is United Way California Capital Region’s
vision?
United Way California Capital Region believes that ending poverty
starts in school and is working to ensure kids meet important
milestones and their families receive support and resources to be
successful.
What is the Square One Project?
The Square One Project is United Way California Capital Region’s
20-year promise to significantly increase the number of students
in our region who graduate from high school ready for success in
college and beyond. United Way believes ending generational
poverty starts in school and is working to ensure kids meet
important milestones and their families receive support and
resources.