$100,000 investment announced on Juneteenth by United Way of the Plains

WICHITA, Kan., June 19, 2023 — United Way of the Plains has announced funding for 15 local nonprofits as part of its ongoing work to help close gaps and disparities experienced by minority nonprofits in the Wichita metropolitan region. The annual Promise on the Plains program was initiated last year to support and strengthen human services agencies operating in the community’s most underserved areas. Grants ranging from $2,500 to $10,000 were awarded to these nonprofits.

• Bridges Over Fences Project
  An educational program empowering Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) individuals aged 12-24 with essential knowledge and skills for financial literacy and career success.
• Common Ground Producers and Growers
  A mobile market food hub serving food deserts and food insecure areas in Sedgwick, Harvey and Butler counties.
• Culture Creations
  An initiative to provide support for youth in foster care through peer group interaction and education.
• Destination Innovation
  A mentorship program that teaches entrepreneurship, civic leadership and advocacy to encourage academic success and financial independence.
• Equity Initiative
  A program that teaches life skills and provides tools to help young people develop confidence, communicate effectively, make healthier choices, develop coping skills and succeed in all aspects of society.
• Heroes Academy
  An educational mentorship and volunteer program for at-risk students.
• Hope Community Development Corporation
  An initiative to provide services to help low-to-moderate income residents break the cycle of poverty through financial assistance for housing.
• ICT Launchpad
  A mentorship program that includes summer camps and after school programs for at-risk youth.
• Pound the Rock Project
  An academic program that provides tutoring for college preparation testing and other empowerment activities and workshops.
• Salud + Bienstar
  A health and wellness initiative that assists Spanish-speaking members of the community as they navigate the health care system.
• The Kansas African American Museum
  Educational programs to support learning and elevate society’s understanding and appreciation of the African and African American culture.
• Untamed Athletes
  An initiative that helps youth who have been involved in the justice system through an after-school program that provides educational resources and career exploration.
• Urban League of Kansas
  Educational programs promoting financial literacy designed to ensure all individuals have access to affordable and safe housing.
• Wichita Birth Justice Society
  A service program dedicated to improving health through programs and services that serve Black/African American, Native American and Chicano/Latino mothers and infants.
• Youth Educational Empowerment Program
  An initiative that teaches financial literacy to those 24 years of age and under through classes and special camps.

Pete Najera, President and CEO of United Way of the Plains, said, “These organizations are addressing some of the greatest needs in our community. Our $100,000 investment reflects our continuing commitment to ensure that everyone, everywhere has a pathway to opportunity and impact.”

Abel Frederic, Vice President for Community Impact at United Way, facilitated the process used by community volunteers to select the 15 recipients. Frederic said, “Each of these nonprofits are led by people who are passionate about their work and the people they serve. Announcing these grants on Juneteenth, a day that we recognize that everyone in our country understood that they are free, is part of our promise to ensure that people from all racial and ethnic backgrounds succeed.”

See our video announcement about these investments.

Financial partners who made the 2023 Promise on the Plains grants possible include the Kansas Health Foundation (KHF), Wichita Habitat for Humanity, Gene and Yolanda Camarena, Meritrust, Boyd Gaming, Credit Union of America, IMA and other private donors.

Last year’s grants helped strengthen the work of 10 local nonprofits. Watch videos about the work done by some of the 2022 Promise on the Plains grant recipients.

• CHD Boxing Club
• Common Ground Producers and Growers
• ICT Launchpad

Learn more about Promise on the Plains and read our statement of principle on diversity and inclusion on our website. Promise on the Plains is one of three funding streams offered annually by United Way of the Plains. The other two community grant opportunities are Opportunity on the Plains and Impact on the Plains. Recipients of 2023 Opportunity on the Plains funding were announced on April 10. Impact on the Plains will take place on Tuesday, Sept. 19. Learn more about all three community investments on the website.

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MEDIA CONTACT: Angie Prather, Vice President of Marketing and Chief Community Engagement Officer, (316) 267‑1321, ext. 4105, aprather@unitedwayplains.org

United Way of the Plains is a nonprofit and for-impact organization that focuses on health, education, financial stability and basic needs – the building blocks for a good quality of life and a strong community. Our mission is to improve lives by harnessing the caring power of our community to advance the common good in south central Kansas. Follow us on these social media channels: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTok.