Rebranding Impact: United Way Introduces New Brand Strategy to Enhance Community Engagement and Global Influence

Today, Inland Southern California United Way (ISCUW) joins United Way Worldwide (UWW) to announce a refreshed brand to reflect the organization’s reach and impact in communities as one of the world’s largest and oldest privately funded charities that helps over 48 million people annually,  including 1 million people in the Inland SoCal Region. 

“The global brand refresh is a significant milestone in our organization’s 137-year history and represents our  commitment to evolve and innovate in order to meet the changing needs of our communities worldwide,”  said Angela F. Williams, president and CEO of UWW. “It signifies our organization’s longstanding journey,  while also embodying our transformative approach to remain relevant, sustainable, impactful now and in  the future.” 

United Way’s global brand refresh effort comes at a time when data reveal a decline in the proportion of  Americans who volunteer or contribute to nonprofit organizations. Through this renewed strategy, United  Way aims to spur greater engagement and action among the public and reinforce what United Way stands  for, how it’s different, and why audiences should be engaged with the work of United Way. Underpinning  the revitalized brand are four impact areas – youth opportunity, healthy community, financial security, and  community resiliency – that highlight United Way’s expertise and unwavering commitment. 

“By aligning with the global brand refresh, and further unifying with our global network, our United Way will  be better equipped to tackle the unique needs of our community and drive meaningful change in the lives  of individuals and families here in the Inland SoCal Region,” said Kimberly Starrs, president and CEO of 

ISCUW. “This strategic branding approach helps us to better amplify the impact we are having not just in the Inland SoCal Region, but in all communities where we operate.” 

UWW’s global brand refresh was informed by a comprehensive and robust brand discovery process that  included both qualitative and quantitative research at the local and global level reflecting the needs of  communities. 

Additionally, United Way is rolling out a new branding campaign theme, “United is the Way™.” By activating  the United Way name into a declarative statement of purpose, “United is the Way” invites all people and  communities to take action and make a bigger impact, together. The brand refresh also includes a  revitalized visual identity, in which UWW’s iconic circle of hope logo has been unboxed to signify the  dynamic nature of the 137-year-old organization, which – through its deep roots in tens of thousands of  communities around the world – listens and responds in real-time to changing, pressing needs. 

UWW’s new brand will be rolled out across all communication channels, including a refreshed website. The  organization is confident that the global brand refresh will resonate with its diverse audience and inspire  increased engagement and support of communities around the world.  

Hope Through Housing Foundation Will Use the Funds to Provide Digital Technology to Low-Income Families and Seniors

Spectrum today awarded Hope through Housing Foundation with a $15,000 Spectrum Digital Education grant for their Resident Empowerment Through Digital Access program. In 2023, Spectrum awarded $1.1 million total to 46 nonprofit organizations through Spectrum Digital Education, which supports broadband technology programs, education and training in unserved and underserved communities throughout the company’s service area.

Hope through Housing is dedicated to breaking the generational cycle of poverty by providing an array of quality health and social services programs to low-income residents within National CORE affordable housing communities throughout Southern California. By delivering programs that empower individuals and change communities, Hope impacts the lives and futures of thousands of children, adults and seniors each year.

The grant was presented at Mission Village, a housing community for seniors ages 55 and over in Riverside that holds digital literacy classes for its residents. Jurupa Valley Mayor Guillermo Silva and Spectrum executives participated in the celebration. The organization will use the funding to provide computers with broadband access for their residents to connect with online resources needed to increase their social and economic mobility.

“We are so grateful to Spectrum for this opportunity to enhance our digital connectivity for residents of affordable housing,” said Alyssa Cotter, Hope through Housing Foundation, Vice President. “By providing quality computers in onsite community centers, combined with individual coaching and group workshops, this support will help to increase access for children, parents and seniors to critical resources. Increasing the physical, economic and social well-being of low-income families and seniors will be achieved through this generous grant.”

“I am pleased to congratulate Hope through Housing Foundation on being awarded a $15,000 Spectrum Digital Education Grant,” said Jurupa Valley Mayor Guillermo Silva. “Their work connecting seniors and families to digital technology and critical online resources is a tremendous asset to our community, and will improve the quality of life for many people. I appreciate Spectrum for supporting their mission and addressing digital and broadband inequality with this grant.”

Spectrum’s Commitment: $9 Million and Counting

Hope through Housing Foundation is one of 46 nonprofit organizations across 14 states that Spectrum is supporting through the 2023 Spectrum Digital Education grants. Since the program’s 2017 launch, Spectrum has committed more than $9 million total to the initiative and has awarded 261 grants to 143 unique partners. As of September 2023, Spectrum Digital Education has helped to fund more than 30,000 digital education classes, distribute over 13,000 devices including laptops and support the creation of 157 tech labs.

“The importance of expanding access to essential broadband technologies, education and training is profound in our increasingly digital world,” said Rahman Khan, Group Vice President of Community Impact, Charter. “Through the Spectrum Digital Education grant program, Charter is partnering with valued nonprofits that share our commitment to create better opportunities for the communities we serve.”

Empowering Future Generations: IERCC and Chamber of Commerce Hawaii Forge Partnership for Youth Development

In a landmark meeting that signifies the growing collaboration between regional chambers of commerce, the Inland Empire Regional Chamber of Commerce (IERCC) proudly welcomed the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii as an Honorary Global Member. This momentous occasion was marked by a ceremonial presentation led by Eddy Sumar, MBA, CCE, CICE, a distinguished member and Chair of the Education and Youth Skills Development Liaison at IERCC.

Eddy Sumar, renowned for his passionate advocacy for youth education and skill development, met with Sherry Menor-McNamara, CCE, President & CEO, and Tyler Hunt, Associate Vice President of Membership Services, of the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii. The meeting was not just a formal presentation but also an opportunity to share the innovative approaches IERCC is employing to champion youth development.

In a unique and inspiring gesture, the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii representatives were introduced to IERCC’s youth initiatives through a trilogy of educational books authored by Eddy Sumar himself. These books – “A Treasure Hunt With OTIS,” “The Hidden Dreams,” and “The Cutting Edge” – are a testament to Sumar’s dedication to empowering the youth. Each book addresses critical areas of youth development:

• “A Treasure Hunt With OTIS” provides wisdom to guide young lives.
• “The Hidden Dreams” unlocks the potential of identifying and pursuing youthful aspirations.
• “The Cutting Edge” offers vital insights into understanding credit and financial literacy.

Edward Ornelas, Jr., President & CEO of the Inland Empire Regional Chamber of Commerce, expressed his enthusiasm for this new partnership, stating, “This collaboration with the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii represents a significant step in our ongoing commitment to foster the leaders of tomorrow. By combining our resources and expertise, we can more effectively prepare our youth for the dynamic world they will inherit. Our shared vision for youth development and education is the cornerstone of this partnership.”

The Chamber of Commerce Hawaii expressed its enthusiasm for the collaboration, recognizing the value of the resources provided by IERCC. This partnership is a significant step towards a shared goal of fostering a brighter future for youth through education, skill development, and empowerment.

The Inland Empire Regional Chamber of Commerce is enthusiastically developing plans to launch a summer internship program exclusively for students from the Inland Empire, offering them the opportunity to travel to Hawaii for this enriching experience. This initiative, which stems from the IERCC’s recent collaboration with the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii, is focused on providing Inland Empire students with a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the diverse business and cultural environment of Hawaii. The program aims to equip these students with invaluable hands-on experience in various industries, enhancing their skills and broadening their perspectives. This visionary approach underscores the IERCC’s dedication to fostering the professional and personal growth of its youth, preparing them for successful careers in an increasingly interconnected world.

The IERCC is committed to continuing these collaborative efforts and looks forward to a fruitful and impactful partnership with the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii, collectively striving to nurture the leaders of tomorrow.