Read our latest stories of impact, stay current on what’s going on at United Way of the Plains and learn how you can make a difference.
Donna Tran Joins United Way of the Plains
United Way of the Plains is excited to welcome Donna Tran as our new crisis housing navigator. In this role, Tran will be part of the housing navigation team, building relationships with individuals experiencing homelessness to understand their unique needs and connect them to housing and other resources to aid . . . [Read More]
How a United Way grant helps students realize their potential
JAG-K, a United Way-funded partner, helps students connect their passions to a career.
Children in south-central Kansas have an ally with United Way of the Plains. This year we invested $850,000 into education-focused nonprofit programs through our Opportunity on the Plains grant. One of those recipients was Jobs for America’s . . . [Read More]
Get to know…Kristie Costa, VITA Program Manager
Describe your role with United Way of the Plains.
I am the VITA Program Manager, overseeing 19 Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites across south-central Kansas as part of United Way’s Free Tax Filing Services. I work with 145 volunteers and 20 site coordinators. These are some of the best . . . [Read More]
Get to know…Jessie Gorges-Sawhill, Director of Philanthropy
Tell us about your role at United Way, and how it’s evolved over the past few years.
Earlier this year, I was promoted to Director of Philanthropy at United Way of the Plains. With that came the opportunity to lead two incredible Associate Directors, Caitlin Craig and Brooklyn Black. I like . . . [Read More]
Get to know…Cecilia Wood, 211 Resource Navigator
Describe your role with United Way of the Plains.
I am a 211 Resource Navigator. Our team answers 211 calls from individuals across Kansas who are seeking financial assistance, community resources, and programs to help them with their needs.
Tell us more about 211.
Our 211 resource center connects people in Kansas . . . [Read More]
Wichita-Sedgwick County 2025 Point-in-Time Count Results Released
Local PIT Count reflects a smaller increase in homelessness compared to national trends.
The Point-in-Time (PIT) Count is an annual effort that gives our community a snapshot of how many people are experiencing homelessness in Sedgwick County on a single night. On January 23, 2025, more than 130 trained volunteers canvassed . . . [Read More]
OUR IMPACT
Every day, our neighbors are working hard to overcome barriers and get ahead. Together, we connect people to the opportunities they need to reach their potential and make our community a place where everyone can thrive. United is the way we build a stronger future for all.
