MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The United Way of Reno County is working to close gaps for working families through its Reno Connections program, an initiative designed to help residents navigate financial challenges and build long-term stability.
J.K. Vann from the United Way of Reno County explains that Reno Connections takes a different approach than traditional assistance programs by removing eligibility barriers and focusing on individualized support.
“We operate a no barrier type of program, so you don't have to qualify for our services,” Vann said. “We partner with individuals… to understand their goals and also to understand their barriers, and then we can systematically create a pathway for them to achieve and accomplish their goals.”
The program is particularly geared toward ALICE households—an acronym for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. These are individuals and families who are working but still struggle to make ends meet.
“These are individuals that are working, and they make enough to where they don't qualify for state assistance, but it's not quite enough to where they can remain independent,” Vann said.
For many of these households, even a minor unexpected expense can create significant hardship. Vann said crises often come in everyday forms.
“It could be a popped tire… a hot water heater… a sick kid that needs a surgery,” he said. “Crisis… is any type of emergent situation that you cannot readily resolve.”
Unlike one-time assistance programs, Reno Connections emphasizes long-term engagement. Staff work alongside clients for at least six months, helping them identify underlying challenges and build sustainable solutions.
“We don’t just drop you. We partner with you… we’re going to stand with you through the long haul,” Vann said.
The process begins with a conversation to better understand each client’s circumstances, followed by a structured plan with measurable goals. Those goals may include reducing debt, managing monthly expenses, or connecting with additional community resources.
Vann said the program’s philosophy centers on building stability first.
“Sustainability before success… Once you're stable, then you can thrive,” he said.
Reno Connections operates at multiple locations across Hutchinson:
- Hutchinson Public Library – 2nd Floor, Monday–Friday, 10 AM–5 PM
- Hutchinson Clinic. Monday & Wednesday, 8 AM–12 PM
- ESSDAK, Tuesday & Thursday, 8 AM–12 PM
- Boys & Girls Club, Tuesday & Thursday, 3 PM- 6 PM
Beyond Reno Connections, United Way of Reno County supports several initiatives, including early childhood literacy through the Dolly Parton Imagination Library and collaboration with local coalitions focused on mental health, homelessness, and nonprofit coordination.
Vann said those partnerships are critical to strengthening the overall support system in Reno County.
“Nonprofits have a superpower… we can build capacity,” he said, noting that collaboration helps ensure fewer residents fall through the cracks.
As economic pressures continue to impact working families, programs like Reno Connections aim to provide not just immediate relief, but a pathway toward long-term financial independence.