WEST CHESTER, PA — United Way of Chester County has purchased and renovated a 5,000-square-foot stand-alone building, located at 150 John Robert Thomas Drive in the Commons at Lincoln Center in Exton, that will serve as the permanent new headquarters for United Way of Chester County staff as well as host a Social Innovation Lab, Leadership Training Center and Financial Independence Hub for the community. The center is expected to be completed and ready to open in late September.
The decision to buy a building was not on the radar for the organization, but with the current office lease entering its final year and an increase in rent, the Board of Directors decided that this strategic move was necessary to set the United Way up for the next generation. United Way of Chester County looked at the new building in February 2022 and closed on the sale on June 1. Demolition and renovation started quickly afterward.
“United Way of Chester County is beyond grateful for our Board of Directors and especially Board Chair, Brian Parsons, who worked tirelessly to help make this permanent home a possibility,” said Christopher Saello, President & CEO. “It was important to raise building funds through a silent capital campaign to make sure it did not affect the annual campaign that supports non-profit grants. In just 57 days, we raised $1.395 million and all donors agreed to give their gifts above any current annual support. Due to their generosity, our rent now goes away returning $80,000 to the community that would have otherwise gone to rent and occupancy costs. That money will now be invested back into the community.”
Once news of the purchase slowly began making its way around the community, United Way of Chester County received a lot of calls from companies looking to support the project with in-kind donations, including:
- CTDI donated project management, CAD work, marketing, fundraising support and overseeing all building inspections
- SL Commercial donated pro bono project management, glass walls and kitchen countertops
- Brandywine Valley Heating & Air donated a new HVAC unit and significant donated labor
- Blackney Hayes donated pro bono architectural work
- Attorney Brian Nagle, Macelree Harvey donated pro bono legal work
- G.A. Vietri donated discounted electric work
- Opt4 Group donated wiring and discounted state of the art AV systems
- Colonial Electric Supply donated 67 LED lights for entire building
- West Chester Mechanical donated discounted plumbing
- Home Depot donated all new kitchen appliances
- Aidan’s Heart Foundation and David’s Drive 831 donated an automated external defibrillator (AED)
- WorkTogether-Downingtown donated pro bono interior design
- 3Spoons Productions donated pro bono photography/videography
“This is a big deal for the UWCC, and it has truly been a community effort to make it happen,” said Brian Parsons, CTDI Chief Operating Officer and United Way of Chester County Board Chairman. “We expect that this new site will provide physical and financial stability so that UWCC can continue to serve for decades to come. We are so thankful for all who supported it.”
An open house and ribbon cutting event is being planned for October 6, 2022, from 4:30-6:30 pm.
United Way of Chester County fights for the health, education and financial stability of every person in Chester County. To learn more about United Way of Chester County, please visit www.LiveUnitedChesterCounty.org.
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