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OUR STORY
OUR STORY
HISTORY OF UNITED WAY
In 1887, a Denver priest, two ministers and a rabbi recognized the need for cooperative action to address their city's welfare problems. This like-minded group served their community by creating the first united campaign for 10 health and welfare agencies. They created an organization to serve as an agent to collect funds for local charities, as well as to coordinate relief services, counsel and refer clients to cooperating agencies, and make emergency assistance grants in cases which could not be referred. That year, Denver raised $21,700 and created a movement that would spread throughout the county to become the United Way. More than 130 years later, United Way is still focused on mobilizing the caring power of communities and making a difference in people's lives.
HISTORY OF UNITED WAY OF NATRONA COUNTY
HISTORY OF UNITED WAY OF NATRONA COUNTY
In 1955, Natrona County joined more than 1500 communities in the fight to affect change. The local organization started as The United Fund of Casper, Inc. and served as a Community Chest, gathering and distributing $96,000 in private funds in its first year.
In 1974, the organization evolved into United Way of Natrona County expanding its philanthropic arm county-wide. With focus areas on basic needs, health and wellness and youth development, we fight to improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of our community, giving everyone an opportunity to participate in the outcome. Today we raise more than $900,000 every year in support of 35 partner agencies and two community programs. The Workplace Campaign continues to be central to our efforts by encouraging giving through employer payroll deductions - creating both economic and social value to the community. Community volunteers still provide governance, serve as our directors, conduct the annual grant process and make all funding decisions.
VISION
VISION
UNITED WAY OF NATRONA COUNTY IS DEDICATED TO MOBILIZING THE CARING POWER OF OUR COMMUNITY TO IMPROVE LIVES. WE BRING TOGETHER PEOPLE, RESOURCES, AND ORGANIZATIONS TO ADDRESS OUR COUNTY'S MOST PRESSING CHALLENGES AND CREATE LASTING CHANGE.
GOALS
GOALS
•IMPROVE HEALTH, EDUCATION, AND FINANCIAL STABILITY ACROSS NATRONA COUNTY.
•FOSTER PARTNERSHIPS THAT CREATE SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS.
•EMPOWER INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES TO ACHIEVE THEIR POTENTIAL.
Our work to advance the common good depends on authentic interaction and collaboration with the entire community. Understanding the diversity of the individuals and groups that make up Natrona County is critical to achieving meaningful progress.
We remain committed to taking an even deeper look-and listening closely-to what makes our community unique.
After more than 68 years of service, and in light of the ever-changing landscape of globalization, migration, and digital technology, it is more important than ever to assess our strategies, communication methods, and overall business model.
Following best practices from United Ways across the nation, we are embarking on a two-year process to analyze our internal history and operations as well as the needs of the community we serve. Through research and conversations with board members, staff, and community stakeholders, we aim to identify the most pressing issues facing Natrona County. We will evaluate whether shifting to an issue-focused model (Community Impact) will help us create more meaningful change and deliver measurable results.
Nikki Strickland
Executive Director
Nikki Strickland brings over 25 years of corporate experience and a master's degree to her role as CEO of United Way of Natrona County. With more than a decade of leadership in marketing and sales in Casper, Nikki infuses the nonprofit sector with fresh energy and a results-driven approach.
As CEO, Nikki is responsible for executing the strategic direction set by a 12-member Board of Directors composed of local leaders and volunteers. She oversees all aspects of the organization's daily operations, including marketing, events, donor and corporate relations, community outreach, and the implementation of local impact initiatives.
"Casper is my home, and I am deeply passionate about making a lasting difference in our community. I believe there is no better way to do that than through United Way, working alongside our dedicated staff, Board of Directors, and volunteers." - Nikki Strickland
Gayle Wieser
Finance Coordinator
Gayle is a Wyoming Native and has been with United Way of Natrona County since 2007. Gayle has successfully worked with a multitude of supporters in a vast array of activities, including the Annual Campaign, Day of Caring, and Eat, Drink and Be Caring. "I am blessed to be living in a generous community that supports its non-profits and I look forward to collaborating with businesses, agencies, and individuals who are true leaders of our mission statement. I have had the opportunity to see firsthand, the incredible impact that United Way of Natrona County has had on the community in which we "LIVE UNITED".
Charlize Fritsinger
Administrative Assistant
"I am so excited for the opportunity to work for the community that I have called home my entire life. Having grown up here, I have gotten to know the businesses and non-profits that also call Natrona County home. I am honored that I get to help our community in a way that only United Way can do. To be able to see the impact in our community and know that I will have had a part in that positivity is more than I could ask for." - Charlize
Board Members
Board Members
- Ali Gilbert - Western Sign & Design
- Ashley True VanDeest - True companies
- Cole Montgomery - Stifel MHM Wealth Management
- Carrie Donovan - Banner Health
- David Carpenter - Kokanee Energy, LLC
- Jason Speiser - Casper Fire EMS
- Kendra Ziler - Ford Wyoming Center
- Lukas Munsell - Wyoming Machinery Company
- Scott Veatch - University of Wyoming Center on Aging
- Stacy Nelson - Children's Advocacy Project
- Tanya Southerland - Natrona County School District
- Taylor Webb - Hilltop Bank