About Us

 

UNITED WAY IS YOUR TRUSTED, APPROACHABLE, AND RELIABLE RESOURCE IN THE COMMUNITY.

 

For more than 80 years, United Way of Reno County has played a unique role by bringing together people from every part of our community – donors, volunteers, advocates, nonprofit organizations, community leaders, elected officials, and people with lived experience. 

Together, we look at the big picture when it comes to the future of our community to identify gaps and best leverage points to create sustainable impact. 

We are UNITED in taking on some of our community's critical challenges, addressing them at their roots through investments and strong partnerships. In addition, we identify specific barriers limiting our community's ability to provide equitable opportunities to EVERY person in Reno County.

As we look to the future, the way we work in the community is evolving to reflect and respond to the changing needs of Reno County. 

 

Mission

To advance the education, economic mobility, and health of our community by mobilizing resources, people, and organizations.

Vision

Our vision is to create a community where everyone can thrive, with access to good schools, family-sustaining jobs, and a healthy environment.


 

Building a Thriving Community Together.

 

At United Way of Reno County, we are dedicated to fostering a thriving community through targeted grants and impactful programs. Our focus areas—health, education, financial stability, and basic needs—guide our funding decisions, ensuring that resources are directed where they are most needed. In addition to providing vital grants, we run programs like Reno Connections and the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, which directly support our residents. We also advocate for systemic change at both local and national levels, ensuring that the voices of ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) families are heard. By actively participating in conversations and initiatives aimed at creating meaningful change, we work tirelessly to build a community where everyone can thrive.

 

 

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Grants

Empowering Our Community Through Grants and Funding

At United Way of Reno County, we empower our community by providing essential grants through our funded partner opportunities each spring. This process involves local community members serving on a panel to determine how funds are allocated, ensuring that the distribution reflects the needs of our residents. In addition, we offer community impact grants of up to $10,000 throughout the year for programs aligned with our key focus areas: health, education, income stability, and basic needs. We also administer ARPA funds and the Early Childhood Block Grant, which support childcare providers, further enhancing the well-being of families in our community.

 

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Programs

Essential Programs for Community Well-Being

At United Way of Reno County, our programs are designed to address vital community needs. Our largest initiative, Reno Connections, operates out of the Hutchinson Public Library, offering free community navigation services to help individuals access essential resources. We also proudly support the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, providing free books to children ages 0-5 to foster early literacy. Our Delta Dental Savings Program delivered over $140,000 in free dental care last year, while our Single Care Prescription Savings Program helps residents save on medications. Additionally, we offer 7 Cups, a free online mental health support program, ensuring that emotional well-being is prioritized in our community.

 

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Advocating

Advocating for Change in Our Community

At United Way of Reno County, we lead vital conversations on local issues such as mental health, the unhoused population, and childcare challenges, identifying gaps in care systems and exploring ways to better support ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) families. We actively engage with community and business leaders to raise awareness about the specific needs of ALICE families, advocating for policy changes at the local and state level that directly impact our residents. By joining forces with our state and national United Way partners, we amplify our collective voice, ensuring that the concerns of our community are heard and addressed. Through collaboration and advocacy, we strive to create a more supportive and inclusive environment for all.

 


 

Commitment to Accountability and Transparency

 

We believe in transparency and accountability to our community and stakeholders. Our commitment to responsible stewardship is reflected in our tax and financial statements, which provide a clear overview of how funds are allocated and utilized. We invite you to review these documents to understand our financial health and the impact of your contributions, ensuring that we remain accountable to those we serve.

If you require further information, please contact our office, at 620-669-9329 or info@unitedwayofrenocounty.org.