Impact Created by Your United Way: First Quarter 2022

We are the problem-solvers, hand-raisers, game-changers. Here’s a summary of the impact your United Way created this quarter because of your support.

HEALTH

United Way is proud to financially support The Salvation Army’s new Mobile Food Pantry to help food desert neighborhoods gain access to healthy options.

EDUCATION

Wichita State University Men’s Basketball teamed up with Coaching for Literacy to host the #Fight4Literacy game on Feb. 12. Over $30,000 was raised for United Way’s childhood literacy efforts in Shocker neighborhood.

FINANCIAL STABILITY

United Way has formed Bank On ICT, a coalition working to protect the unbanked from predatory lending services by offering safe, affordable banking products and resources to use them successfully.

BASIC NEEDS

• The annual Point-in-Time Homeless Count was held Feb. 24 to survey those experiencing homelessness. Results help identify needed resources, guide funding decisions and study trends. The event was organized by the Impact ICT – Continuum of Care Coalition, led by United Way.
• The Wichita City Council approved $50,000 in federal CARES Act funding to offer incentives and host COVID vaccination clinics for individuals who are homeless. United Way will oversee the program.

NEWSWORTHY

• As part of Black History Month, United Way announced Promise on the Plains, a new community investment. This initiative invests financial resources to help close gaps and disparities in health, education, financial stability and basic needs experienced by Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC). United Way aims to invest $100,000 in nonprofit organizations that benefit the BIPOC community. The grant application will open in April. Recipients will be announced at a Juneteenth celebration.
• Jodi Noah, United Way board chair and Vice President for Textron Aviation, was named one of Wichita Business Journal’s Women Who Lead on Boards of Directors. She is also a member of Leadership Kansas.
• Wichita Business Journal named United Way a 2022 Innovation Award recipient. Moji Rosson, United Way board member and Director of Growth Strategies for Meritrust, and Kindra Goertzen, United Way Creative Manager, were named 40 Under 40.