[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 171 (Tuesday, October 16, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1416-E1417]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    IN RECOGNITION OF THE UNITED WAY OF GREATER KANSAS CITY'S 100TH 
                              ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. EMANUEL CLEAVER

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 16, 2018

  Mr. CLEAVER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the United Way 
of Greater Kansas City, a leader and innovator of public health and 
wellness in the Greater Kansas City community, for their one hundred 
years of service. In 1887, the first ``United Way,'' formerly known as 
the ``Charity Organizations Society,'' was founded in Denver to plan, 
coordinate, and fundraise for twenty-two local

[[Page E1417]]

nonprofit agencies. Focused on providing war relief and support for the 
military during World War I, the United Way of Greater Kansas City 
began in 1918 as a nonprofit in Missouri's Fifth Congressional 
District. One hundred years later, it is now one of the largest 
organizations in Kansas City. It has a service area spanning five 
locations, and all are dedicated to providing services that benefit 
disadvantaged families and individuals throughout the Kansas City area.
  For one hundred years, United Way of Greater Kansas City has 
demonstrated a desire to help individuals by uniting companies, local 
business owners, and neighborhood leaders to address the needs of a 
continuously growing population. Currently, United Way is focused on 
raising funds for programs and organizations driven to help individuals 
and families in need. The funds raised by United Way ensure that local 
agencies and organizations can help individuals meet their full 
potential academically, socially, and financially by participating in 
training and classes designed to help them acquire new skills and 
support networks. Community projects funded by the organization helped 
introduce literacy programs such as the Dolly Parton Imagination 
Library, which sends books to children of all ages at no cost. Other 
partnerships and contributions by United Way include Project Rise, 
which offers paid internships to young students, free tax services with 
H&R Block, and support for HIV/AIDS agencies.
  In 1926, United Way of Greater Kansas City raised over one million 
dollars in donations for the first time in the organization's history. 
Since then, they have continued to host donation and volunteer 
campaigns to raise additional funds for an array of causes. These funds 
are distributed to support organizations and agencies providing aid to 
the people of Kansas City in times of hardship. Primary examples 
include assisting local agencies during the Great Depression and after 
the devastating ``Plaza Flood'' of 1977. Moreover, the organization is 
now focused on improving human capital and cultivating economic 
innovation through education and enrichment programs. United Way of 
Greater Kansas City has established themselves as a pillar in our 
community.
  It is my steadfast belief that the philanthropy of this organization 
has benefitted my constituents tremendously. Their noteworthy 
contributions to the city reveal an organization founded on empathy. 
United Way of Greater Kansas City guides individuals to the right 
person, program, or place when assistance is required. The people of 
Kansas City, myself included, are grateful to have such a dedicated 
organization in our neighborhood, focused on addressing community 
needs.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me and all of Missouri's Fifth Congressional 
District in honoring United Way of Greater Kansas City for their 
monumental achievement of 100 years of service in the community and 
their indelible mark on society. I urge all my colleagues and fellow 
citizens across the country to join me in showing our appreciation to 
United Way of Greater Kansas City for their dedication to humanitarian 
service.

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