Out-of-School Time: Investing in the Next Generation
United Way of Central Minnesota works with 17 local out-of-school time sites to provide support where underserved young people live and go to school.
Literacy Success Has a Family Focus
Literacy development is central to United Way of Central Minnesota’s education work, and local families are key to student success.
A Collective Approach: Solving the Central Minnesota Child Care Crisis
Community Child Care Coordinator Sara Hagen says child care affects everyone, so United Way is working with the community to solve the crisis.
Caregiver Crisis: Struggling to Make Ends Meet
United Way of Central Minnesota has been bringing the community together to solve the child care crisis in our region because many child care professionals face challenges that put them in financial peril.
Beyond the Crisis: Safety Net Support Is Just the Start
The Safety Net gives individuals hope for better tomorrows and United Way also works collectively to change systems, helping our whole community thrive.
Listening, Hearing, Creating Change
Dr. Rodriquez, dean at the University of Minnesota, presented his findings about Central Minnesota students at "Sharing Insights, Informing Practice."
Stability with Safety Net Resources
United Way partners offer community members hope for better days ahead through Safety Net investments that address emergency needs.
Partner for Student Success Recognized for Impactful Work
StriveTogether, a network of organizations impacting 14 million+ youth, recognized UWCM Partner for Student Success as a “Systems Change” member.
New 21st Century Community Learning Centers Grant Award
United Way of Central Minnesota will receive $820,088 a year for the next three years, with the possibility for a three-year extension, through a Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21CCLC) Cohort 9 Grant.
United Way Addresses Community Health
The United Way of Central Minnesota Health Committee understands navigating a complex system of providers, insurers and treatments to access help efficiently is often challenging. The group works collectively to identify what solutions best address community needs. Support of a community mental health navigator helps Central Minnesotans get help faster.
The Power of Play: A Born Learning Trail in Waite Park
Born Learning Trails allow kids and caregivers to have interactive fun that promotes learning and encourages engagement, imagination and positive play.
Breaking the Stigma: Why Mental Health Awareness Month Matters
Discover why Mental Health Awareness Month is vital to breaking the stigma in Central Minnesota.
$246,950 ESSER Grant Supports Youth-Serving Organizations
United Way of Central Minnesota begins to address disparities by working with four Black-led, youth-serving organizations as they positively shift outcomes for underserved kids and their caregivers through a $246,950 Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) Summer Enrichment Grant.
United Way Public Notice of Intent to Apply for Grant
United Way Public Notice of Intent to Apply for Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers Grant
The Benefits of Celebrating National Volunteer Week in the Workplace
Reap the benefits of corporate-led volunteering with National Volunteer Week, from April 10th-16th.
Strong Literacy Builds a Strong Community
United Way of Central Minnesota supports access to high-quality books and literacy experiences for all learners, contributing to a thriving community of people with richer lives and the ability to navigate a world where reading, writing, listening and speaking are critical skills.
211: A LIFELINE FOR CENTRAL MINNESOTANS
With one toll-free call, text or online request, 211 connects people to the most comprehensive list of community resources.
United Way of Central Minnesota Appoints Stephen Jones as Chief Executive Officer
United Way of Central Minnesota today announced that Stephen Jones will step into the role of President and CEO in mid-March.
Volunteering Made Easy With Affinity Groups
Volunteer with like-minded individuals that share your passion with United Way of Central Minnesota’s affinity groups.
Solving the Child Care Crisis with a Community Response
United Way of Central Minnesota (UWCM) believes we can solve the child care crisis by addressing the issues that keep families from reliable, affordable, high-quality care in our region.
United We Change the Conversation About Mental Health
You can help United Way of Central Minnesota change the conversation around mental health in our communities.
Celebrating 211 Day by Reflecting on Its Impact
211 Day is February 11th. Read three stories about how 211 exemplified United Way’s fight for health, education, and financial stability.
How the Child Care Crisis Affects Our Entire Community
The child care crisis is critical in Central Minnesota. Here’s how it affects the entire community, including businesses and economic stability.
A Path to Economic Stability
United Way of Central Minnesota believes every person should be on a path to economic stability.
Supporting Food Security in Central Minnesota
Read about how UWCM is partnering with local charities to support food security in central Minnesota.
Confronting the Complex Causes of Financial Instability
ALICE are those above the Federal Poverty Level, one event away from being pushed over the edge. There are complex issues behind financial instability.
Give to the Max Day 2022
Raise your hand for United Way of Central Minnesota at Give to the Max Day 2022, taking place on Thursday, Nov 17th.
4 Stories of ALICE
ALICE represents those above the Federal Poverty Level who are one event away from being pushed over the edge. Read their stories.
SAFETY NET PROGRAMS: PROVIDING BASIC NEEDS FOR CENTRAL MINNESOTA
Learn why United Way of Central Minnesota partners with nonprofits and safety net programs to provide basic needs for those in the community.
Day(s) of Caring 2022
Register for United Way Day(s) of Caring Event, the largest group volunteer effort in Central Minnesota.
5 FAQs About 988: The Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Here are 5 questions and answers about a new nationwide mental health hotline, 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
United Way of Central Minnesota Announces Retirement of Larry Olness
United Way of Central Minnesota today announced that Larry Olness will retire from his position as President and Chief Executive Officer, effective July 29, 2022.
United Way of Central Minnesota Announces Investment Decisions
United Way of Central Minnesota (UWCM) will invest $1.8 million into three focus areas and one that generally addresses local needs: $550,000 for education, $400,000 for health initiatives and $240,000 to financial stability.
See the Llamas and Read About Them Too
United Way helped coordinate Llama Llama Read-A-Rama which featured engaging activities that support speaking, listening, reading and writing.
Support Struggling Students This Summer
Learning gaps affect the entire community. Equip Youth for Success.
To LIVE UNITED Means Securing Trust
Our investment teams make life-changing decisions with our community's dollars. We take this responsibility seriously and stress transparency and accountability.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month
Every May we strive to raise awareness of the mental health epidemic and provide support to those who need our help.
Everything You Should Know About the Imagination Library
United Way of Central Minnesota has partnered with the Imagination Library to reduce barriers to parents struggling with childcare needs.
How Can Small Businesses in Minnesota Help?
In partnership with United Way of Central Minnesota, small businesses are addressing one of the leading causes of homelessness for local families.
Why Call 211?
Did you know 211 connects callers to helpful community information and referral services that can provide anything from legal support to medical care?
How Has Life Changed for Alice a Year Later?
When March of 2020 hit, so did the flood of phone calls, emails, and visits to our United Way of Central Minnesota location, and the same is true today.
Why Company Volunteerism Matters and How to Get Started
The more an employer encourages employees to participate in volunteer opportunities, the more their workplace atmosphere benefits everyone. Get started...
Spreading a Safety Net for Those in Need This Winter
Eviction during the winter? It happened to one young mother. Here is her story.
Winter Homelessness Brings New Challenges For Many in Central MN
Learn what steps you can take to dramatically impact the lives of those experiencing homelessness in our communities.
Back To School ‘Phoenix’ Style— Thriving Through the Ashes
This year's back-to-school routine threatens parents and students with unexpected outcomes as many families are feeling mixed emotions. Here are some ways you can support your child.
Rise Up: It's Your Turn (to create community impact)
The Rise Up Challenge: a unique opportunity, offered by the United Way, that allows individuals to join forces, take action and solve community challenges.
The Win-Win Gift of Volunteering in Central Minnesota
Volunteering allows you to better your community while improving your own health and well-being. Take a closer look at volunteer opportunities near you.
Everyday Power in Education
Education is a core pillar of UWCM. Communities cannot rely on educational institutions alone to provide the necessary resources and support for all.
Lead With Us
Young Leaders United members are civic-minded rising stars, making a palpable, enduring impact in Central Minnesota, enjoy member-only perks and socials, and having fun!
Breaking Barriers for Mental Health Awareness
It’s crucial to understand the problems and gaps around mental health care. UWCM is working to break barriers, and build resources for mental health care.
Have you met ALICE?
ALICE, is a new way of defining and understanding the struggles of households that earn above the Federal Poverty Level, but not enough to afford a bare-bones household budget.
Financial Instability & its Effect on Community
The collective impact of working together can be profound. Here is how you can help United Way of Central Minnesota support for those who need it most.
How the CARES Act Supports your donation
Thanks to the CARES Act your donation may qualify you for tax deductions. Learn how from one of our volunteers.
The Perfect Year-End Gift
One of the most tax-effective ways to make a charitable gift to your favorite organizations during your lifetime is to use appreciated stock.
Giving Back while planning for your future
Learn about two Retirement Accounts that minimize tax consequences while allowing IRA owners to benefit charities during their lifetimes and at death.
Women's Equality Day - A Letter to our Future
Today is Women's Equality Day and we are celebrating by encouraging the youngest Hand Raisers in our lives to create greatness.
National Nonprofit Day
August 17th is National Nonprofit Day and our team is very passionate about giving back!
Five Benefits of Teen Volunteering
Volunteering can have lifelong benefits for your Teenager
Back to School? 4 Ways to help your child prepare
With so much uncertainty this year, there is a need to be mindful and supportive of how we best prepare our children for ‘back to school’ this year
15 Games to Play at Home with Kids, Ages 3-5
United Way of Central Minnesota supports local parents by providing tips, tools & resources to help all kids have a strong start. Check out these 15 ideas.
The Power of Community
We can be United even while we’re apart. Here’s how.
UNITED our Students will Succeed, Thanks to our Community
United Way of Central Minnesota thanks all those who are helping our students succeed during COVID-19
Central Minnesota has a childcare crisis
United Way of Central Minnesota tackles some of the childcare issues in Central Minnesota during COVID-19
COVID-19 Stimulus: What you should do when your check arrives
Not sure what to do when your Economic Impact Payment arrives? UWCM reached out to local financial planners for advice.
#StayHomeMn is hard, especially without a home
United Way of Central Minnesota helps the homeless during COVID-19.
COVID-19 Volunteer & Donation Needs
Raise your hand to help in Central Minnesota during COVID-19. We are looking for donations and volunteers for emergency needs.
United Way Contributes $25,000 to COVID-19 Relief Fund
United Way of Central Minnesota has launched the COVID-19 Relief Fund and contributed $25,000.
COVID-19 Update
As the situation with COVID-19 continues to evolve, we have the safety of our staff, community partners, and the general public as our top priority.