Tulsa Area United Way (TAUW) today announced the expansion of its service area to include all of Rogers County, as well as Mayes and Delaware counties.
The expansion ensures uninterrupted United Way support for these communities following the closure of the United Way of Rogers and Mayes Counties on April 1, 2025, prompted by the retirement of its long-serving executive director, Catherine Woldridge. Before closing, the organization allocated two years of funding to its established partners, ensuring their support through 2026.
TAUW, which previously served parts of Rogers County, now provides support across eight counties in northeastern Oklahoma, uniting resources to address the region’s most critical human service needs.
“When you visit Rogers, Mayes, and Delaware counties, you immediately see the strength of their communities, as neighbors who are always there to lend a hand,” said Alison Anthony, President and CEO of Tulsa Area United Way. “We are honored to partner with these neighbors as we begin our work to empower individuals and families with the tools and resources they need to thrive.”
After TAUW’s Board of Directors officially approved expanding its service area, a task force comprising staff and volunteers was formed to begin the official process locally and in conjunction with partners, including United Way Worldwide. Task force members include its Chair, Chelsea Levo Feary, of the Owasso Chamber of Commerce, as well as Elizabeth Hall, of the Sanford & Irene Burnstein Family Foundation, Ross McLaughlin, of QuikTrip Corporation, and Christine Williams, of Williams Construction. Additionally, TAUW will welcome two additional members to the Board of Directors in the fall to ensure local leadership representation for the service area.
Chelsea Levo Feary said, “As someone who has dedicated my life to public service, it has been a deeply personal experience chairing this task force. Our mission is to listen first, learn always, and lead with humility. We are confident that by working together, we can help these communities build an even brighter future.”
TAUW’s funding decisions in the expansion areas will be guided by a rigorous, volunteer-driven review process. Annually, more than 180 trained community volunteers review grant applications, conduct site visits, and evaluate nonprofit partners on governance, financials, and program effectiveness. This process ensures donor investments are directed toward evidence-based solutions that create the greatest possible impact on community needs.