2024 Impact on the Plains Finalists Announced by United Way of the Plains

WICHITA, Kan., Sept. 3, 2024 — United Way of the Plains has announced the four finalists that will compete in this year’s Impact on the Plains. Chosen from dozens of applicants, these selected nonprofits will pitch their new ideas live at a “Shark Tank”-style social innovation competition.

Up to $105,000 will be awarded to help fund bold solutions to complex community issues. The finalists will pitch their entrepreneurial programs to a panel of judges composed of community leaders, with winners being announced at the conclusion of the event. The competition, which is open to the public, will take place on the evening of Thursday, Sept. 12. Tickets are available at unitedwayplains.org/ticketsforimpact through Thursday, Sept. 5.

The finalists address critical health and human service needs across the United Way of the Plains service area. During the event, community leaders, acting as judges, will engage with each presenter through questions to better understand their initiatives and determine funding to be announced at the conclusion of the event.

Abel Frederic, Vice President of Community Impact for United Way of the Plains, emphasized the significance of the event: “This competition highlights the innovative spirit within our nonprofit community. These finalists are demonstrating new ways to tackle persistent challenges, and the impact of their work will resonate throughout south-central Kansas.”

The four finalists are:

• Entrepreneur Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math (STEAM) Academy
  The Center
  INNOVATIVE OUTCOME – Provides no-cost, after-school programming to improve test scores and learning abilities for Spaght Elementary School students who are not currently meeting Kansas grade-level benchmarks
• Hope Medical Forensic Services
  Hope Rising
  INNOVATIVE OUTCOME – Seeks to reduce barriers that prohibit survivors of sexual violence or domestic abuse from seeking care through a comprehensive, trauma-informed support system
• Grow Your Own Food
  ICT Farms
  INNOVATIVE OUTCOME – Provides residents with plants, seeds and materials to produce their own food program to amplify the positive benefits of neighborhood-based food systems
• Domestic Violence Employment Program
  The Women’s Network
  INNOVATIVE OUTCOME – Empowers women who have experienced trauma and abuse to achieve economic self-sufficiency through a comprehensive employment cohort program

Check the social media platforms for United Way of the Plains on the evening of Sept. 12 to learn which nonprofit is awarded the largest investment and which one earns the People’s Choice Award. Visit unitedwayplains.org/impact for more information about the competition.

The event is sponsored by generous corporate partners, including Allen, Gibbs & Houlik, L.C., Hutton, Spirit AeroSystems and Textron Aviation.

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MEDIA CONTACT: Bryan Ramsdale, Manager of Digital Content Creation, (316) 267-1321, ext. 4103, bramsdale@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, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube and TikTok.