Today, I am moving on. After three years working in the Brand department at United Way of King County, I’m saying my farewells.

My first encounter with United Way of King County was in the late ’90s. I was working as a copywriter at Nordstrom, and the fall campaign season was kicking off.  There was an event called “Day of Caring,” and coworkers were signing up. The more I heard, the more I wanted to join in. It sounded like an amazing thing–and it was.

In time, I started making small gifts via biweekly payroll deductions, and began volunteering as well.

The years flew by, and in October 2008, I was freelancing. I noticed a job posting for a copywriter at United Way of King County. The more I read, the more intrigued I became. It seemed as if they had written the description specifically for me.

I landed the job–right when the recession was becoming the “Great Recession.” I joined a small but mighty and very nimble Brand & Advertising team, and wrote about issues that truly mattered.

At United Way of King County, they say that 97 cents out of every dollar goes back to the community to help meet basic needs, end homelessness and give every child a chance to succeed. That’s an incredibly lean operating ratio, and some may wonder if it is really true.

In a word–yes! I have never, ever worked as hard as I have over these past three years. But you know what? I’ve also never been prouder.

From my perspective, it really is the best place to go if you really want to have the most impact and do more.

I may be moving on from this job, but not from United Way. I will continue to support them and volunteer with them–forever. You should, too!