United Way News You Can Use: May 2022
Helping victims of the April 29 tornados recover, rebuild and regain stability
United Way is harnessing the caring power of the community to assist those directly impacted by the April 29 tornados that struck Andover and surrounding areas. We have set up a fund to assist with long-term recovery efforts. Financial resources are currently the greatest need and the best way that you can help the community recover. Click the button below to give online now.
Checks, payable to United Way of the Plains with “Disaster Relief Fund” in the memo, can be mailed to 245 N. Water St., Wichita, KS 67202. Corporate donations can be arranged with Anne Chandler, United Way Vice President of Philanthropy. Contact her at achandler@unitedwayplains.org or (316) 267-1321 ext. 4213.
FIND HELP: Residential Disaster Assistance Center
United Way opened a multi-agency resource center (M.A.R.C.) at the Andover Community Center (1008 E. 13th St.). The center offers a variety of services to help those impacted, including water, snacks, supplies and more. Those impacted have been asked to registered at the center for future possible financial assistance. The center is open 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. through Sunday, May 15.
Visit our tornado relief efforts webpage for ongoing updates.
Honor, celebrate and remember veterans this Memorial Day
Pay tribute to a veteran you know while also helping to raise money for United Way programs that assist veterans in obtaining free transportation, shelter, mental health care and other wrap around services. Support the more than 20,000 veterans who reside in our community and the 5,000 active airmen at McConnell Airforce Base by purchasing a dedication, visiting the Flags of Freedom and attending the Memorial weekend program.
Purchase a dedication for just $30 in honor of an active service member or in memory of a veteran. Dedications, including the veteran’s name, branch of service, rank and a short, personal tribute will be published at unitedwayplains.org/freedom through Veterans Day, Nov. 11, 2022.
Visit the Flags of Freedom. Flags of Freedom is a grand, two-week display of 600 American flags, hosted by United Way of the Plains and IAM District Lodge #70. Flags will be displayed in the field at IAM District Lodge #70, located at 3830 S. Meridian Ave. (I-235 and S. Meridian Ave.), from Monday, May 16, through Memorial Day, Monday, May 30.
Attend the Memorial weekend program to commemorate and celebrate the service of veterans on Sunday, May 29, at 2 p.m., at the IAM District Lodge #70.
Learn more and view dedications at unitedwayplains.org/freedom.
Wichita Collective Impact grants focused on early education awarded to four programs
Four area programs focused on early education have been awarded grants through the Wichita Collective Impact (WCI) initiative. WCI is a collaboration created to bring together the community, nonprofits, businesses and government entities to strengthen equity through educational success and workforce readiness, beginning in the 67214 ZIP code. The WCI initiative was announced earlier this year.
All four funded programs address kindergarten readiness for three-, four- and five-year-olds within the 67214 ZIP code, which has been identified as an area where residents are significantly underserved in education and career guidance. The grants help fund summer programs focused on improving the skills of children and engaging their parents in their development. The recipients include:
- Achievement and Success for Early Learners, TOP Early Learning Centers
- Imagine, Learn, Grow Initiative, Storytime Village
- Midtown Summer Book Series, St. Paul’s United Methodist Church
- Pre-Kindergarten Boot Camp, The Center, Inc.
Learn more about the four recipients and their programs in our press release.
Pictured above, left to right: Ebony Dancy-Guilford, The Center; Rodney Auston, The Center; Cornelia Stevens, TOP Early Learning Centers; Pete Najera, President and CEO, United Way of the Plains; Abel Frederic, Vice President of Community Impact, United Way of the Plains; Jennifer Vaughn, St. Paul’s United Methodist Church; Prisca Barnes, Storytime Village; and Nicolette Ellison, The Center.
We’re looking for community-minded #GameChangers to join the team!
Working at United Way means making a difference. Everyday. We bring together companies, nonprofits, schools, churches, government agencies, labor unions and individuals to tackle specific community issues in the areas of health, education, financial stability and basic needs. The work you do here doesn’t just do good in the community, it’ll leave a lasting impact on your heart. Apply for one of our open positions today:
CONNECT WITH US
245 N. Water St., Wichita, KS 67202
(316) 267-1321
Looking for help? Dial 2-1-1.
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.
