Put the power of teamwork into action for our community through your United Way support. Together we improve lives by focusing on the fundamentals – education, financial stability, and health.

Education

United Way helps children and youth reach their full potential. United Way supports quality early learning opportunities, after-school activities, and therapy for children with special needs. Our efforts for kids show real results – with measurable improvements in local child care programs and the best graduation rate of any urban area in Missouri.

Financial Stability

United Way provides basic services to help families in crisis get back on their feet. That help may take the form of disaster relief, food, and rent/utility assistance. Along with emergency aid often comes budget counseling to encourage self-sufficiency. United Way also works with partner agencies to address the community’s homeless problem, offering a range of services from emergency shelter to long-term housing.

Health

United Way promotes health in our community, supporting fitness and wellness activities for the whole family. focus on families includes making sure mental health counseling and substance abuse treatment are available and accessible in our community. We help the elderly maintain their independence through nutrition and in-home services. And we assist with other local needs, such as Backpack Buddies, dental care for children on Medicaid, and test strips for low-income diabetics.

What impact did your donation make last year?

• Education

  • 6,891 children and adults enhanced leadership abilities and learned other important skills to use in the community.

  • 201 children and their families received early intervention services to help them learn about a disability or special need and to help their children work toward important developmental milestones.

  • 60 teen mothers remained in school or an alternative program throughout pregnancy and after delivery.

  • 21 area childcare providers maintained or improved their quality rating in order to provide effective early childhood education experiences for hundreds of local children.

• Financial Stability

  • 961 children received school supplies.

  • 672 people received budget counseling to help them through financial crisis.

  • 113 area families had immediate emergency needs met in response to a disaster.

  • Area individuals saved $287, 722 in prescription costs.

• Health

  • 6,512 people were trained with First Aid and CPR skills.

  • 177 individuals benefitted from rape crisis counseling.

  • 1,682 people received mental health counseling.

  • 1,266 low-income women received annual clinical breast exams or mammograms.