Reflecting on a Year of Impact and Growth in South Central Kansas
By Walt Berry
2024 Chair, United Way of the Plains Board of Directors
Executive Chairman, Berry Companies
As we close out 2024, it’s inspiring to reflect on the ways our community has united to strengthen south central Kansas. Serving as Chair of the Board of Directors for United Way of the Plains this year has been both an honor and a privilege. Together, we’ve taken meaningful steps to help individuals and families thrive, while fostering a stronger, more resilient region for future generations.
I come from a family deeply rooted in both business and community service. My father, Fred, served as a past board chair for United Way of the Plains and believes that a strong community builds a strong economy. He instilled in me the belief that a healthy, thriving local ecosystem doesn’t happen by accident. It happens when businesses, nonprofits, and individuals step up together.
This resonates with me not just as a second-generation business owner, but as someone preparing to hand over leadership to the next generation. For family businesses like ours, economic growth and community investment go hand in hand. United Way of the Plains embodies this philosophy by driving initiatives that stabilize households, support education, and connect people with critical resources – all essential elements creating a stronger, more vibrant community.
2024 United Way Highlights
This year, United Way’s efforts demonstrated measurable impact in our community:
❯ Strengthening Nonprofits
The award-winning Give Items of Value (GIV) program provided $3 million in free goods to area nonprofits, enabling them to focus resources where they’re needed most. This means more resources for direct services that uplift families, reduce financial strain and keep our nonprofit ecosystem strong and effective.
❯ Boosting Families’ Financial Security
Through the free tax services program, 145 volunteers helped secure $7 million in refunds for 5,658 households. That’s $7 million back into the local economy, helping families pay bills, make purchases, and support local businesses.
❯ Promoting Literacy and Education
In partnership with Wichita State University Athletics, 5,800 books were distributed to local students, helping foster a love for reading and combat the summer learning gap. Supporting childhood literacy builds a stronger future workforce and helps students reach their full potential.
❯ Mobilizing Volunteers
The first Day of Action brought 121 volunteers together to complete nine projects, providing $16,000 worth of valuable labor to local charities. This volunteer-powered investment helped charities operate more efficiently, freeing up resources to serve even more people.
❯ Recognized for Impact
The Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce honored United Way with the Spirit of Wichita Award, recognizing its decades of service and leadership in our community. This recognition highlights United Way’s role as a trusted partner in building a resilient community where all can thrive.
These achievements remind us that when we invest in our community, we invest in its future. The ripple effects – more stable families, better educational outcomes, healthier neighbors – create a stronger region where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.
Looking Forward
As I prepare to pass the Board Chair baton to my friend, Jennifer Szambecki, Chief of Staff for Hutton, I’m proud of the work we’ve accomplished this year. But there’s more to do. Building a better tomorrow requires all of us – business leaders, families, individuals – coming together to be a FORCE FOR GOOD.
I encourage you to consider how you can make an impact. Whether it’s volunteering your time, sharing your talents, or giving a financial gift, your investment in United Way of the Plains drives real change for our neighbors and for our economy.
Let’s finish the year strong. Together, we can transform lives and build a thriving south central Kansas for generations to come.
Make your donation today to double your impact through the year-end match: unitedwayplains.org/holidaymatch
Wishing you a happy new year,
Walt Berry
OUR FOCUS
Our focus is on health, education, financial stability and basic needs—the building blocks for a good quality of life and a strong community. Click below to learn more about what we’re doing, the programs we invest in and our lasting impact in each area.
