United Way of Lancaster County is turning 100 in 2025, and it wants to hear the community’s views on what its next century should look like.
To that end, it is inviting local residents to take part in this online survey. It consists of open-ended questions about local social services and community needs, focusing on four topics: Economic mobility, education, health and volunteer mobility.
Respondents are encouraged to share their “unique perspectives,” to focus on opportunities for positive change and to be constructive.
The survey will remain open into next year, through February or later, said Joel Janisewski, United Way’s director of volunteer engagement.
Meanwhile, last month United Way began convening local stakeholders for a series of “legacy listening sessions,” Janisewski told attendees at this week’s “United in Impact” event. They will continue for about a year, with each session covering one of the four topics included in the survey.
Through the survey and listening sessions, he said United Way will learn about the community’s most pressing needs and what currently is and isn’t working. That in turn will drive discussion of a plan for “meaningful and lasting change in our community.”
United Way is planning a 100th anniversary gala next fall. It is planning to release a report on its findings and next steps around that time, Janisewski said.
“We’re excited to see where we’re going to go together,” he said.
