Youth Opportunity

At United Way of Reno County, we believe that every child deserves the chance to thrive — from the earliest years of life through graduation and beyond. That’s why we work alongside schools, early childhood providers, youth-serving organizations, and local coalitions to build systems that support children and their families at every stage. Our focus is on creating equitable access to education, care, and developmental support that prepares kids for lifelong success.

Reno County Childcare Task Force

United Way of Reno County is a proud and active member of the Reno County Child Care Task Force (RCCCTF) — a collaborative effort focused on strengthening and expanding the local child care system to better serve families, providers, and businesses in our community.

While the task force works to improve the child care system for everyone, its efforts are especially directed toward addressing the unique needs of these three essential groups:

• Families seeking affordable, accessible, high-quality care

• Child care providers facing staffing, training, and operational challenges

• Businesses impacted by workforce shortages due to lack of child care

As the fiscal agent for $6.2 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding, United Way of Reno County plays a key leadership role in helping the task force invest in sustainable, community-driven solutions — from facility expansions and provider support to workforce development and innovation in early childhood care.

Together, we're working to ensure that every child in Reno County has a strong start in life and every family can access the support they need to succeed.

Early Childhood Block Grant

United Way of Reno County administers and oversees $922,000 in Early Childhood Block Grant (ECBG) funds for Reno County. These funds support 8 partner agencies operating 11 programs that serve over 475 children and 340 families locally.

The ECBG invests in community-driven initiatives that provide essential services to at-risk children ages 0–5 and their families. To ensure the greatest impact, funded programs are designed to maximize resources, encourage innovation, and prevent duplication of services within the community.

At the state level, the Kansas Children’s Cabinet & Trust Fund awards over $21 million annually through the ECBG, benefiting more than 6,700 children and 5,900 families across Kansas.

K-Ready

The K-Ready Group is a collaborative network focused on supporting children ages 0–5 and their families in Reno County. This group serves as a vital forum where local organizations come together to share best practices, coordinate services, and strengthen partnerships that benefit early childhood development.

Through regular meetings and shared events, the K-READY Group promotes collaboration across agencies, helping to align resources and efforts to better serve our youngest community members and their families. By working together, the group ensures that families have access to the support they need to give their children a strong start.

Healthy Communities

Health is a foundation for a strong community — and it takes all of us to improve it. United Way of Reno County is an active partner in efforts that strengthen physical, mental, and behavioral health across our region. We collaborate with healthcare providers, public health agencies, and nonprofits to align strategies, share data, and promote solutions that improve health outcomes and remove barriers to care for everyone in our community.

Reno County Community Health Coalition

The Reno County Community Health Coalition (formerly HEAL) brings together local health organizations, community partners, and stakeholders to improve the overall health and well-being of Reno County residents. The coalition leads the planning and public release of the Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) and Community Health Assessment (CHA), which guide coordinated efforts to address key health and mental health priorities in our community. By fostering collaboration and aligning resources, the coalition works to create lasting, positive health outcomes for all who live in Reno County.

Health Access Team (HAT)

The Health Access Team (HAT) is a collaborative group focused on conducting the Community Health Assessment (CHA) for Reno County every three years. Made up of healthcare providers, public health officials, and community members, the team gathers and analyzes data to identify health needs and challenges in the community. The HAT’s work informs the development of the Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) and supports efforts to improve access to quality health care and services throughout Reno County.

Pathways Grant

The Pathways Grant is a community initiative led by United Way of Reno County that supports the public release and awareness of the Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) and Community Health Assessment (CHA). This grant funds collaborative efforts among local partners to share health data, engage the community, and promote strategies that improve health outcomes across Reno County. By increasing transparency and fostering community involvement, the Pathways Grant helps drive meaningful progress in addressing local health priorities.

Community Health Improvement Grants (CHIG)

The Community Health Improvement Grants (CHIG) provide annual funding to local organizations whose programs align with the priorities identified in Reno County’s Community Health Assessment (CHA). These grants support community-driven projects that address key health challenges, foster collaboration among partners, and contribute to improving health outcomes across the county. United Way of Reno County works alongside local health care and foundation partners to oversee the grant process and ensure resources are directed where they can have the greatest impact.

Mental Health Task Force

The Mental Health Task Force is a collaborative group focused on strengthening mental health support and services throughout Reno County. By building relationships and fostering trust among community members, service providers, and advocacy organizations, the task force works to improve access to mental health care and promote a supportive environment for those affected by mental health challenges. United Way of Reno County actively participates in this group to help coordinate efforts and advance community well-being.

Reno County Collaborative – Harm Reduction Work Group

The Reno County Collaborative’s Harm Reduction Work Group brings together healthcare providers, community organizations, and public health agencies to develop and implement strategies that reduce harm related to substance use. This group focuses on supporting recovery, preventing overdoses, and connecting individuals to vital resources. United Way of Reno County plays a leadership role in coordinating these efforts, including overseeing a subcommittee dedicated to recovery and recovery supports, to promote healthier outcomes across our community.

Stepping Up Initiative

The Stepping Up Initiative is a collaborative effort aimed at reducing the number of individuals with severe mental illness who enter the jail system in Reno County. By bringing together judges, law enforcement, mental health providers, and community organizations, the initiative promotes coordinated responses that prioritize treatment and support over incarceration. United Way of Reno County actively participates in this work to help create a more compassionate and effective approach to mental health and public safety.

Overdose Fatality Review Team

The Overdose Fatality Review Team is a multidisciplinary group that conducts confidential reviews of overdose deaths in Reno County to identify gaps in prevention, intervention, and support systems. By examining the circumstances surrounding each case, the team aims to improve community responses and develop strategies to reduce overdose fatalities. United Way of Reno County partners closely with the health department and other local agencies to support this critical work and help save lives.

Financial Security

We envision a Reno County where every person has the opportunity to earn a living wage, build stability, and plan for the future. Through our financial security work, United Way of Reno County partners with local agencies, advocates, and community members to support those facing housing instability, economic hardship, or food insecurity. We also champion the needs of ALICE families — those who are working but still struggling — to create a more inclusive and resilient local economy.

Unhoused Conversation

United Way of Reno County convenes the Unhoused Conversation, a cross-sector group committed to addressing the complex challenges faced by individuals experiencing homelessness in our community. This group includes law enforcement, service providers, local government, and nonprofit partners who meet regularly to share insights, identify gaps, and create actionable solutions that move people toward stable housing and long-term support.

Housing Commission

United Way of Reno County serves as a member of the City of Hutchinson’s Housing Commission, which brings together a broad range of community partners to address housing challenges in Reno County. The commission works to guide planning, policy, and resource development to expand affordable housing options. Insights and updates from this group are also shared back with the Unhoused Conversation to keep both efforts aligned.

United for ALICE

Through United for ALICE, United Way of Reno County advocates for families and individuals who are working but still struggling to afford basic needs — Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed (ALICE). We engage with state and local partners to raise awareness, promote policy change, and encourage organizations to use ALICE data to better support this often-overlooked population. This work is already influencing local practices, including adjustments to income-based assistance programs.

Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP)

United Way of Reno County leads the local Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) board, which reviews applications and distributes federal funding to help meet urgent needs in our community. This funding supports local organizations providing shelter, food, and emergency assistance, ensuring that resources reach those most in need. The board includes a diverse group of community partners working together to maximize the impact of each grant cycle.

Applications for the EFSP program are currently closed.

Community Resiliency

When crisis strikes, our community shows up — and so does United Way of Reno County. Through strong partnerships and coordinated disaster response efforts, we help ensure that individuals and families receive the support they need during emergencies. Whether it's a natural disaster or a community-wide crisis, we’re working to build a network of organizations ready to respond, recover, and rebuild — together.

Community Resiliency – Reno County VOAD

United Way of Reno County leads the Reno County VOAD (Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster), a collaborative network activated in response to natural disasters affecting our community. Bringing together partners like The Volunteer Center, Interfaith Housing, the Red Cross, Health Department, and Salvation Army, VOAD ensures a coordinated, compassionate response to meet the immediate and long-term needs of individuals and families during times of crisis.