United Way of North Rock County provides health and human service programs for citizens of north Rock County through annual fund raising and allocation of funds to programs of independent agencies. Our United Way serves the communities of Edgerton, Evansville, Footville, Janesville, Milton and Orfordville. The office is located in downtown Janesville at 205 North Main Street, Suite 101.

The United Way of North Rock County first began in 1944 as the Community Chest and War Fund with 5 agencies; Boys Scouts, Girl Scouts, Salvation Army, YMCA and YWCA. The first Community Chest raised $79,176.93 including $34,000 from the War Fund.

Payroll deduction pledging was introduced in 1956. The first full-time professional staff person was hired, and the Community Chest and War Fund name was changed to North Rock County United Givers Fund. In 1967, North Rock County United Givers Fund merged with Edgerton United Fund. The name was changed to United Way of North Rock County in 1972. First Call for Help Program began in June of 1984.

1988, United Way of North Rock County broke the one million dollar mark of total raised funds of $1,128,435. In 1991, The Alexis de Tocqueville Society of South Central Wisconsin was started with the generous help of Donald & Geraldine Hedberg encouraging giving of $10,000 and above.

United Way held its first Day of Caring bringing over 130 volunteers together to work on 38 projects for 18 United Way agencies. United Way's Volunteer Network, a volunteer recruitment and placement program started in February 1998 and hired a part-time director. Recently, Volunteer Network developed its first ever "Helping Hands" celebration to recognize outstanding community volunteers.

1999, Richard L. McNall and Dr. David Miller were the first recipients of the Geraldine Hedberg Tocqueville Society Award, honoring two of our community's outstanding volunteers.

For more information on United Way of North Rock County Milestones, click here.