United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore

United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore (UWLES), now in our 79th year, is a high-performing nonprofit leader of solutions, funding and collaborations for the challenges of our region. We leverage talents, relationships and financial resources to drive community change.  Our direct and partner programs impact over 1 in 3 neighbors annually in our four-county service area of Dorchester, Somerset, Wicomico and Worcester counties on Maryland's Eastern Shore. 

UWLES provides a range of direct programs such as: MD's 2nd largest Imagination Library free book program, Get Connected Volunteer Center, Addiction Awareness Visual Arts Competition, Wellness Made Easy and several programs through our Emerging Leaders, Student United Way and Women United groups.  

UWLES' monthly funding support for about 40 nonprofit partners annually helps build a healthy community, improve financial security, empower youth opportunities and strengthen community resiliency for all neighbors.  

UWLES collaborates with other stakeholders to provide capacity building and training support for local nonprofits and brings together community resources.  The Maryland ALICE Report (https://www.uwles.org/ALICE) is a free resource, in partnership with other MD United Ways and United for ALICE, with data and tools to advance community change.  The Annual Nonprofit Summit is a dynamic professional development conference in partnership with Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore and PACE at Salisbury University.  

All fundraising is local, and all gifts make a local impact, in our four counties. UWLES is an independent, 501(c)3 with a 100% local board, advisory council and staff.  As a member of the United Way Worldwide network we share branding, professional development resources, and the vision for better health, financial security, youth opportunities and community resiliency; however, all funding is raised locally and invested back into our local community.

Please visit www.uwles.org and our socials for additional information about our team, partnerships, fundraising and local impact.

MISSION STATEMENT
United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore harnesses the power of our community to advance health, education, and financial stability.
VISION
United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore envisions a community where everyone is empowered to reach their full potential.
SHARED VALUES
• Compassion - We empathize and treat everyone with dignity and respect.
• Fortitude - We have the courage and tenacity to pursue our vision and stand for the best interest of the local community.
• Inclusion - We strive to empower all members of our local community.
• Integrity - We conduct ourselves in a truthful, trustworthy, unbiased, and transparent manner.
• Stewardship - We are committed to ethical and prudent decision making in the use and care of all resources.