$4.7M in expenses

At United Way of Cass-Clay, our expertise is cultivating solutions to end poverty. By connecting experts and data, we invest in programs and innovative solutions best positioned to lift families out of poverty.We know poverty isn't just one thing. Today in our community, families struggle with hunger, housing, childcare, family-sustaining jobs, and more - often all at the same time. (Continued on Schedule O)To address these challenges, we focus on these Bold Goals:-Preventing Hunger & Homelessness-Preparing Children to Succeed-Strengthening FamiliesBold Goal 1 - Prevent hunger for families and children through system-wide collaborative initiatives.- Prevent homelessness for families and youth through system-wide collaborative initiatives.Why we invest: We believe every family deserves a place to call home and nutritious food to keep them healthy. We collaborate with local experts to address the root causes of homelessness and hunger, striving to prevent families and children from facing these hardships. Additionally, we invest in shelters and food pantries, ensuring comprehensive support for families as they work toward breaking the cycle of poverty. The Issue:-1,050 individuals are homeless; of which 200 are children-16,000 individuals experience hunger; of which 6,400 are childrenThe Results: - 35,990 families received food assistance (over 3.8M pounds) - 2,763 individuals prevented from homelessness (of which 85% maintained housing) - 10,000+ children screened for hunger at a health care visit - $1.3M saved through the Housing Navigation Program (7-year cost savings of $4,250,179)Bold Goal 2 - Prepare children for kindergarten socially, emotionally, and academically.- Prepare students to graduate choice ready to continue their education or to enter the workforce.Why we invest: We believe kids deserve the opportunity to reach their full potential. We know that children who receive high-quality, early childhood education and start kindergarten prepared are more likely to succeed in school and graduate. This critical milestone sets the foundation for a future filled with opportunities and choices as kids grow into adulthood. The Issue:- Only 37% of children under 4 years old are enrolled in early education - Kids are 3x more likely to experience poverty as adults when in poverty as kidsThe Results: - 739 children enrolled in high-quality, early childhood education - 1,633 students were connected to a positive adult mentor- 96% of children entered kindergarten socially, emotionally, and academically readyBold Goal 3- Increase employment and income to improve financial stability.- Increase family and social support to reduce barriers to access social, emotional, and mental health resources.Why we invest: We believe every family deserves the opportunity to thrive. Breaking the cycle of poverty is not easy. By improving the health, well-being, and stability of families we help provide the foundation to strengthen and stabilize families creating generational change. The Issue: - 75% of children who need mental health support don't have access- 1 in 9 individuals live in poverty; many who are unemployed or underemployedThe Results: - 612 individuals secured employment - 2,500+ families accessed supportive services, and reported an 80.7% increase in well-being- 99 individuals improved their employability by gaining new credentials, certificates, or degrees

$28K in expenses

35 Under 35 Leadership Program:United Way of Cass-Clay's 35 Under 35 Women's Leadership Program's goal is to inspire local women from all backgrounds to make a difference, help them realize their leadership skills and energize their collective power as women in our community. The program includes sessions, led by local leaders, covering topics such as goal setting, communication, personal growth, board leadership, public speaking, conflict management, and other leadership-focused topics.(Continued on Schedule O)Mission:-Strengthens leadership skills and confidence of female leaders-Enhances the impact of women across our workplaces, homes, and community-Inspires collaboration and unity Since 2009, 560 local women have participated in the leadership program.Participants enhance their skills to: -Connect with a diverse network of dynamic young women and local leaders-Expand knowledge of the community and opportunities to serve in volunteer leadership positions-Become re-energized, motivated, and equipped to sharpen their skill set-Gain confidence and skills to lead in current and future positions at their companies/organizationsWomen UNITED Leadership Team:The Women UNITED Leadership Team is dedicated to supporting United Way's work through events benefitting local families and children living in our community. This 15-member group of 35 Under 35 Women's Leadership Program alumni strengthen our community through community service, fundraising, and leadership.Their work includes planning, fundraising, and implementing of Women UNITED events, which include the United Fore Kids Golf Scramble and the United Way Luncheon & Silent Auction.In addition to their work on events, members serve as advocates for United Way of Cass-Clay, inspiring others to engage and invest in our work, and raising awareness on community issues impacting local families and children.Lead UNITED (formerly Emerging Leaders Program):Lead UNITED provides unique volunteer and leadership development experiences that activate and elevate your connections, skills, and our community. Giving at the Community Builder level, provides access to all Lead UNITED events and programming.How Lead UNITED makes each of us - and our community - stronger:-Grow professionally and personally with leadership-based programming led by community leaders.-Help our neighbors most in need and see your generosity at work through hands-on volunteer opportunities.-Maximize your time and impact by investing in solutions to our community's biggest challenges while growing your network and connections.-Gain a deeper understanding of critical issues in our local community and how each of us can make a difference.

$52K in expenses

School Supply Drive:2024 marked the 26th year of the annual School Supply Drive, which provides students in need with a new backpack filled with supplies so they can start the school year confident, ready to learn, and prepared to succeed. In 2024, 6,000 local students were equipped with a backpack and set of school supplies thanks to the generosity of our community! Students enrolled in every school district across Cass & Clay Counties received backpacks and more than 700 volunteers helped in collecting supplies, (Continued on Schedule O)preparing backpacks, and distributing them to students in our community. Imagination Library:United Way has enjoyed supporting Dolly Parton's Imagination Library for over 15 years. Starting in January of 2020 United Way is no longer accepting new registrations for the program but will continue to honor and maintain all prior registrations. Those enrolled in the program receive a free book in the mail each month to help spark a love for reading. In 2024, 5,104 books were distributed to 868 local children.Additionally, United Way is proud to sponsor the following community program:-Since 2014, as part of our work to lift families out of poverty, United Way of Cass-Clay has been investing in local Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) programs. Services include preparation of state and federal tax forms, quality screening by a reviewer, electronic filing, and availability of low or no-fee reloadable debit card accounts for those without a bank for direct deposit. In addition, screening for eligibility in other programs such as Energy Assistance and Free and Reduced Lunch. In 2024, 482 individuals received services and had tax returns completed. Overall, federal and state refunds totaled $945,377 with savings in tax preparation services of $126,766.