United Way of Cullman County: A Legacy of Local Impact with Global Roots
United Way of Cullman County has long been a trusted partner in strengthening our community. What began as a cooperative effort to meet the growing human service needs of Cullman County has grown into a regional network of support serving both Cullman and Winston Counties. Through partnerships, generosity, and a shared commitment to helping neighbors in need, United Way continues to connect people with the resources that change lives.
United Way of Cullman County was officially incorporated on May 23, 1979, as The Cullman County United Fund. The organization was created to bring community members together to address local challenges and support the vital work of nonprofit agencies serving families across the area.
Over the decades, the organization evolved into what we know today as United Way of Cullman County. Through volunteerism, community partnerships, and local giving, United Way has helped strengthen programs that improve health, expand opportunity, and provide stability for families throughout our region.
Today, United Way continues to unite individuals, businesses, and organizations around a shared goal: building a stronger, healthier, and more resilient community. From childhood literacy initiatives to emergency assistance programs, every effort reflects a simple truth — when we LIVE UNITED, we all thrive.
This work began with the vision and dedication of our founding board members, whose commitment to service helped plant the roots for the organization we know today.
Founding Board Members
Carol Stiefelmeyer, Jr. (President)
Fred Robertson (Vice President)
June F. Hearin (Secretary)
Lowell Hamilton (Treasurer)
Fred W. Abt
Ted Alverson
Ronald H. Apel
Edmund D. Campbell
Melba Dunn
Estus Durham
Harmon Eller
Wayne Fuller
Peggy Harris
Davidson Henry
Wallace D. Krout
Sue Lorenz
Ernest L. Reddick
W. H. Whitting, Jr.
Their leadership laid the foundation for decades of collaboration, compassion, and community impact.
The History of the Logo
The History of United Way Worldwide
On October 16, 1887, in Denver, Colorado, a woman, a priest, two ministers, and a rabbi came together with a simple goal: to make their community a better place for everyone through cooperative action. Calling themselves the “Charity Organization Society,” they planned and coordinated local services and conducted a single fundraising campaign to support more than 20 local health and welfare agencies. That first fundraising campaign raised $21,700 (over $700,000 in today’s dollars) and ignited a movement that would become known as “Community Chest,” “United Fund,” and, by 1970, United Way.
More than 135 years later – true to our founding spirit – whenever there is a need in our communities, United Way is there. Like our founders, we take a cooperative approach to tackling the toughest challenges, actively listening and responding to local needs through the power of partnerships and collective action. And today, our reach across tens of thousands of communities means we can share innovations and scale impact to improve lives around the world.
From strengthening local resilience to advancing health, youth opportunity, and financial security, we’re working towards a future where every person in every community can thrive. Join us!