In 1957, St. Landry-Evangeline United Way was established as the United Givers Fund of Greater Opelousas in 1957 through the vision and leadership of the Opelousas Womans Club members, Mrs. Lorena Christian and Mrs. Edna Kurtz. In 1981, the name changed to United Way of St. Landry, and finally in 1996, to indicate our jurisdiction in two parishes, The St. Landry-Evangeline United Way.
In 2003, the United Community Health Center was established by St. Landry-Evangeline United Way in Eunice, Louisiana to provide critical medical services and prescription medication to the working uninsured and under insured. The Center was held up the nation as the standard for free community clinics, and received recognition from United Way of America. Today, the clinic, now called the Eunice Community Health Center is independent of United Way, and continues to provide the community with much needed medical services.
In 2005, St. Landry-Evangeline United Way played a major role in assisting the Hurricane Katrina evacuees by establishing a regional distribution center for goods and services, helping thousands of Katrina victims.
In 2007, St. Landry-Evangeline United Way celebrated 50 years of giving and doing what matters!
In 2008, St. Landry-Evangeline United Way piloted The Dolly Parton Imagination Library, a program that provides free, age-appropriate books to children age 0-5. Once again, setting the standard, the program is now replicated by several Louisiana United Ways in the state, and continues to grow throughout the state.
In 2010, a ten-month strategic planning process resulted in the St. Landry-Evangeline United Way's New Horizon Plan, a Roadmap to Success. The plan sets our course toward new partnerships and collaborations that will improve and strengthen our community and increase United Way's value as a community partner and leader.
In 2011, St. Landry-Evangeline United Way joined a Long Term Recovery Coalition was formed with area United Ways to create a special fund for disaster relief.
In 2013, St. Landry-Evangeline United Way established the Women's Leadership Council, an affinity group for women with the desire to support and advocate for women, children and families, making a stronger community.
In 2016, St. Landry-Evangeline United Way, in response to the Great Flood of 2016, established and operated a regional disaster center, collecting and distributing needed supplies for families facing the devastation of the flood.
In 2018, St. Landry-Evangeline United Way relocated to the St. Landry Economic Development facility on I-49, a place at the center of economic, business and community development, leadership and planning.
In 2019, St. Landry-Evangeline United Way established the Community Resource Sharing program by partnering with Walmart Distribution Center. Tons of in-kind donations are collected, sorted and distributed to local non-profits.
In 2020, St. Landry-Evangeline United Way answered the call to action during the Covid-19 pandemic by establishing Covid Relief Grants for local non-profits. Approximately 20 local nonprofit agencies and faith based programs received grants to assist citizens and businesses during the shut-down.
In 2021, St. Landry-Evangeline United Way brought together local contributors to aid the hurricane disaster victims and evacuees of both Hurricane Laura and Ida by collecting and distributing in-kind goods and financial support.
In 2022, St. Landry-Evangeline United Way partnered with St. Landry Parish Early Learning Network, contributing to marketing and development strategies for this 43-member coalition of early learning centers, Head Starts and public/private early childhood development programs.