UNITED WAY OF RENO COUNTY
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — United Way of Reno County (UWRC) is set to announce its upcoming investment of $950,000 in 39 programs across 23 partner agencies serving Reno County residents inthe coming year. Recipients, and the programs receiving support, will be recognized on Wed., June 17, from 9:00 - 11:00 a.m. at the Stringer Fine Arts Center. Media is welcome to attend.
Funded programs receiving support align with UWRC focus areas and support both immediate needs and long-term solutions designed to strengthen efforts focused on early childhood development, financial stability, mental health support, and opportunities that help young people succeed.
Decisions on how community investments are made happen through UWRC's annual community allocations process, which this year engaged a record-breaking 38 volunteers. These volunteers dedicated their time to reviewing funding applications, evaluating community needs, and determining where resources could make the greatest impact.
These investments are particularly important given the financial challenges facing many local households. According to ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) data, 42% of Reno County households are either living in poverty or are ALICE households—a percentage that exceeds the Kansas state average. These families and individuals often work hard to meet the needs of their households but remain vulnerable to financial hardship when faced with unexpected expenses.
Through funded programs, the Reno Connections initiative and ongoing collaboration with community partners, United Way of Reno County aims to help alleviate pressures facing local families and create pathways to greater stability and opportunity.
"This investment reflects the very best of Reno County coming together," said UWRC CEO, Lacey Mills. "We're grateful to the volunteers who dedicated their time to this process, the partner agencies that deliver services to our community every day, and the donors whose generosity makes these investments possible. Each plays a critical role in helping create opportunities for everyone in our community to thrive.”
About ALICE
ALICE is an acronym for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed — households that earn more than the Federal Poverty Level, but less than the basic cost of living for the county. Learn more about ALICE in Kansas by visiting: https://www.unitedforalice.org/county-reports/kansas.
About United Way of Reno County
United Way of Reno County works to improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of the community to advance the common good. Through strategic partnerships, innovative programs, and direct support, UWRC addresses critical needs in youth opportunity, financial stability, health and basic needs.