United Way of Monmouth and Ocean Counties mobilizes donors, volunteers and community partners to improve the lives of youth and their families.

After having the board and staff complete the CCAT in addition to assessing the needs of the community, the United Way of Ocean County (UWOC) realized that alone they were strong, but there was a potential to be even stronger.  They started exploring the idea of merging with the United Way of Monmouth County. We met with other United Way leaders who have successfully merged and learned their best practices. After talking with the UWOC board and getting a general consensus to explore the possibility, we hired a consulting group to start the process.

After several months of planning and meetings with the merger task team and leadership, the merger was approved by both boards and the joint United Way of Monmouth and Ocean Counties (UWMOC) was born. This was one of the most efficient mergers the consultants had ever seen.  Everyone worked effectively together, with the best interest of the community in mind.  A new board was formed with members from both Monmouth and Ocean Counties. UWMOC staff and board are making strides in the areas of early grade reading, school readiness, financial stability and youth career pathways.

In November of 2017, UWMOC together with our Foundation, announced a $1 Million Challenge grant to help raise funds for the community over the next four years.  In order to support UWMOC’s new mission to mobilize donors, volunteers and community partners to improve the lives of youth and their families, the Grunin Foundation matched all new or increased donations dollar for dollar up to $1 million.

For more information on the United Way of Monmouth and Ocean Counties, please visit www.uwmoc.org.