United Way of Cass-Clay

United Way of Cass-Clay (United Way) improves lives by activating resources to solve complex community issues and create lasting social change. We seek to make measurable progress toward increasing access and reducing barriers for underserved, at-risk, and vulnerable individuals, and families to achieve our Bold Community Goals:-Preventing Hunger & Homelessness-Preparing Children to Succeed-Strengthening FamiliesUltimately, these goals collectively help to lift families out of poverty. By focusing on our Bold Goals, we look to improve lives and create a better tomorrow for everyone in Cass County, ND, and Clay County, MN. We do this by increasing access and reducing barriers to much needed supports and services including stable housing, living-wage employment, mental health services for students, and providing affordable, quality childcare. Bold Goal 1 - Prevent hunger for families and children through system-wide collaborative initiatives.- Prevent homelessness for families and youth through system-wide collaborative initiatives.Why we invest: A family in poverty cannot be successful without stable housing and access to nutritious food. We collaborate with local experts to address the root causes of homelessness and hunger. Together, we focus on prevention to keep families and children from ever experiencing these challenges. We also invest in short-term strategies, with a focus on all a family needs to try to break the cycle of poverty for good.The Issue:- 1 in 9 people live in poverty- Each night, more than 1,000 of our local neighbors are experiencing homelessness. 200 of those are children.- Every year, almost 16,000 local people experience hunger. 6,400 of those are children.The Results: - 12,981 families received food assistance (over 5.1m pounds) - 2,820 individuals prevented from homelessness (of which 72% maintained housing) - 231,565 meals served to children on weekends and during the summer - $620,000 saved through the Housing Navigation ProgramBold Goal 2 - Prepare children for kindergarten socially, emotionally, and academically.- Prepare students to graduate choice ready to continue their education or to enter the workforce.Why we invest: We believe our community's kids deserve to have the support they need to reach their full potential. Children who have high-quality, early childhood education and enter kindergarten socially, emotionally, and academically ready have a higher chance of being successful in school and life. Together, we help children reach adulthood with support, choices and opportunity.The Issue:- 1 in 7 children under 5 live in poverty - Only 37% of children under 4 are enrolled in early education - Children in poverty are 3x more likely to experience poverty as adultsThe Results: - 1,133 children enrolled in high-quality, early childhood education - 1,302 children received extra support, outside of school, such as mentorship, tutoring, reading support, and after school programs- 98% of children entered kindergarten socially, emotionally, and academically ready- 466 families improved their knowledge of child development and parenting strategiesBold Goal 3- Increase employment and income to improve financial stability.- Increase family and social support to reduce barriers to access social, emotional, and mental health resources.Why we invest: Getting and staying out of poverty is not easy. Not having access to, or the skills to maintain things such as housing, a job, education, stable mental health, food, transportation, basic needs, childcare, a bank account, credit, language, etc., can collectively keep a family from rising above poverty and finding a better life for themselves.The Issue: - 1 in 9 people locally experience poverty, but many more families are working hard and still struggling. - Poverty is a family of 4 living on less than $27,750 a year - Over 2,000 New Americans lack English language proficiency - 46% of people (in North Dakota) live in an area with a shortage of or no access to a mental health professional.The Results: - 547 individuals secured employment - 5,000+ families accessed supportive services, and reported an 87% increase in well-being- 186 individuals attended English Language Learner (ELL) classes- 60% of individuals increased their wages, through securing a new job or upskilling

School Supply Drive:2023 marked the 25th year of the annual School Supply Drive, which provides students in need with a new backpack filled with supplies so they can start the school year confident, ready to learn and prepared to succeed. In 2023, 6,000 local students were equipped with a backpack and set of school supplies thanks to the generosity of our community! Students enrolled in every school district across Cass & Clay Counties received backpacks and more than 700 volunteers helped in collecting supplies, preparing backpacks, and distributing them to students in our community. Imagination Library:United Way has enjoyed supporting Dolly Parton's Imagination Library for over 15 years. Starting in January of 2020 United Way is no longer accepting new registrations for the program but will continue to honor and maintain all prior registrations. Those enrolled in the program receive a free book in the mail each month to help spark a love for reading. In 2023, 18,167 books were distributed to 2,097 local children.Additionally, United Way is proud to sponsor the following community program:-Since 2014, United Way has invested between $5,000 and $10,000 annually to two Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) programs. It's more than providing people with education and resources about financial stability; it's giving them support and encouragement and creating connections in our communityIn 2023, 457 individuals received services and had tax returns completed. Overall, federal and state refunds totaled $970,361 with savings in tax preparation services of $104,940.

35 Under 35 Leadership Program:United Way of Cass-Clay's 35 Under 35 Women's Leadership Program's goal is to inspire local women from all backgrounds to make a difference, help them realize their leadership skills and energize their collective power as women in our community. The program includes sessions, led by local leaders, covering topics such as goal setting, communication, personal growth, board leadership, public speaking, conflict management, and other leadership-focused topics.Mission:Strengthens leadership skills and confidence of female leadersEnhances the impact of women across our workplaces, homes, and communityInspires collaboration and unity Since 2009, 525 local women have participated in the leadership program. Participants meet monthly to focus on various issues pertinent to young leaders. Each session is led and presented by local leaders and includes training and discussion as well as goal setting, communication, personal growth, board leadership, public speaking, conflict management, and several additional leadership topics.Employers of United Way 35 Under 35 Women's Leadership Program participants benefit greatly from the experience. Participants are able to: -Connect with a diverse network of dynamic young women and local leaders-Expand knowledge of the community and opportunities to serve in volunteer leadership positions-Become re-energized, motivated, and equipped to sharpen their skill set-Gain confidence and skills to lead in current and future positions at their companies/organizationsWomen UNITED Leadership Team:The Women UNITED Leadership Team is dedicated to supporting United Way's work through events benefitting local families and children living in our community. This 15-member group of 35 Under 35 Women's Leadership Program alumni strengthen our community through community service, fundraising, and leadership.Their work includes planning, fundraising, and implementing of Women UNITED events; which include the United Fore Kids Golf Scramble and the United Way Luncheon & Silent Auction.In addition to their work on events, members serve as advocates for United Way of Cass-Clay, inspiring others to engage and invest in our work, and raising awareness on community issues impacting local families and children.Lead UNITED (formerly Emerging Leaders Program):Lead UNITED provides unique volunteer and leadership development experiences that activate and elevate your connections, skills, and our community. Giving at the Community Builder level, provides access to all Lead UNITED events and programming.How Lead UNITED makes each of us, and our community, stronger:-Grow professionally and personally with leadership-based programming led by community leaders.-Help our neighbors most in need and see your generosity at work through hands-on volunteer opportunities.-Maximize your time and impact by investing in solutions to our community's biggest challenges while growing your network and connections.-Gain a deeper understanding of critical issues in our local community and how each of us can make a difference.