(ELKHART) – Two Northern Indiana organizations will combine resources to serve a four county region.

Earlier this year, Crossroads United Way and Steuben County United Way announced they were exploring steps to operate under a single banner. Following months of discussion, both Boards approved a plan to become one organization.

On July 1, Crossroads United Way started serving Steuben County. Three individuals who have served on the Steuben County Board and engaged in the unification discussions will join the regional Board for Crossroads United Way: Rachel Faulkner, Brent Rupert and Tim Newby.

Bill Purcell, the current President & CEO of Crossroads United Way, will lead the now four-county area of Steuben, LaGrange, Noble and Elkhart Counties.

Purcell says when the Board at Steuben reached out to discuss the possibility of combining efforts and serving an expanded region in Northern Indiana, Crossroads wanted to be sure it would be beneficial to their entire footprint. Purcell says after months of discussion, he is delighted to share that the two organizations have decided to move ahead as one, under the Crossroads United Way name.

Purcell says the effort has received strong support from long-time partners in Steuben County. He says they will be announcing plans soon for a collaborative project in support of early childhood literacy, a priority all counties in their footprint share.