United Way is dedicated to building financial stability in our community. By connecting families with job training, housing support, and financial tools, we're fostering independence. Through partnerships with businesses, community organizations, and local government, we're empowering more families to thrive economically.
Building Financial Stability, Creating Lasting Change.
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What We're Up Against
Many Reno County working families earn too much to qualify for aid and struggle with essentials.
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We know that financial stability plays a vital part in people's lives. With the help of our community-funded partners, we are dedicated to fostering financial stability in our community through networking and connecting individuals to essential resources. Our programs empower people with job training, housing assistance, and financial education, creating opportunities for economic independence. Together, we're building a stronger, more resilient community where everyone has the chance to thrive.
How We Support Financial Well-being
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Funding Programs That Make a Difference
We invest in trusted nonprofit partners delivering high-impact programs that support financial stability. Each partner brings essential expertise and care across Reno County—and we’re proud to support their efforts.
Circles Reno County
Circles Reno County is a relationship-driven program dedicated to helping individuals and families break free from poverty for good. Circles provides ongoing, community-based support through weekly gatherings that build financial literacy, employment readiness, and life skills. Participants, called Circle Leaders, are paired with volunteer Allies who offer mentorship, encouragement, and accountability. The program also supports children with developmentally appropriate activities that foster resilience and hope, helping entire families move toward financial stability together.
Projected Impact in 2025-2026 with United Way Funding Support:
- Serve 113 local participants, providing mentorship and life skills
- Help families achieve wage increases and greater financial stability
- Strengthen support networks and community engagement for lasting impact
Why It Matters
Circles help families break the cycle of poverty, build stronger futures, and create a thriving, empowered community where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.
Homeowner Repair & Rehabilitation Program
Interfaith Housing & Community Services, Inc’s Homeowner Repair and Rehabilitation Program helps seniors and other vulnerable homeowners maintain safe, comfortable homes. By covering costs for essential repairs—like roofs, plumbing, and accessibility features—this program enables seniors to age in place with dignity. The program’s community-focused approach leverages volunteers and licensed contractors to maximize impact.
Projected Impact in 2025-2026 with United Way Funding Support:
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Over 60 homes rehabilitated
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10,000+ volunteer hours contributed
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60 homes improved through the Brush-Up Reno project
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Safer, more accessible, and more comfortable living environments for seniors and vulnerable homeowners
Why It Matters
Safe, well-maintained homes allow seniors and vulnerable homeowners to remain independent, secure, and supported by a caring community.
Jean’s House
Jean’s House is a program provided by Brighthouse that helps survivors of abuse move from crisis to independence. Participants receive safe housing, one-on-one coaching, financial education, and job skills training for up to 18 months.
Projected Impact in 2025-2026 with United Way Funding Support:
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10 survivors supported with housing and coaching
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Job readiness and financial skills gained
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Increased safety, confidence, and long-term independence
Why It Matters
Your support helps survivors reclaim their lives, break cycles of instability, and build a future of safety and self-sufficiency.
Kansas Individual Development Account (IDA) Program
Kansas IDA Program through Interfaith Housing, helping individuals and families save for key goals like buying a home, making repairs, continuing education, or starting a small business. Participants receive financial education, personalized coaching, and a 2-to-1 match on their savings—turning small contributions into meaningful investments.
Projected Impact in 2025-2026 with United Way Funding Support:
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25 households supported across Kansas
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Savings matched 2-to-1 to reach important financial goals
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Lasting skills in budgeting, credit management, and financial planning
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Increased stability and progress toward long-term independence
Why It Matters
The IDA program empowers families to achieve financial security, build stability, and create brighter futures—one step at a time.
The LightHouse Program
The LightHouse Program by Interfaith Housing provides housing and hope for young adults ages 18–24 experiencing homelessness. Participants receive safe housing plus a dedicated resource partner to access mental health care, job training, and financial literacy education.
Projected Impact in 2025-2026 with United Way Funding Support:
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10 young adults served
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8 housing units are fully occupied
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Skills in employment, money management, and independent living
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Stable foundation for long-term success
Why It Matters
The Lighthouse Program gives young adults experiencing homelessness a safe place to live, critical life skills, and the confidence to build independent, financially secure futures.
Take Control Financial Wellness
Interfaith Housing’s Take Control Financial Wellness program helps community members of all ages build money management skills and financial confidence. Participants receive one-on-one coaching and group seminars to set goals, manage debt, create budgets, and make smart financial decisions.
Projected Impact in 2025-2026 with United Way Funding Support:
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25 individuals receive long-term coaching in Reno County
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Financial wellness seminars delivered across Kansas
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Participants gain budgeting, debt management, and asset protection skills
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Stronger financial confidence and long-term stability for participants
Why It Matters
The Take Control Financial Wellness program equips people with the knowledge and tools to take control of their finances, build lasting stability, and strengthen our community for the future.
General Legal Services
Kansas Legal Services, the state’s only poverty law firm, provides critical legal assistance to families facing civil challenges like domestic violence, child support disputes, housing issues, and bankruptcy.
Projected Impact in 2025-2026 with United Way Funding Support:
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52 families in Reno County assisted with civil legal matters
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Community outreach events, including expungement and driver’s license restoration clinics
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Access to legal guidance that protects safety, income, and housing
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Empowered families are able to overcome barriers and regain stability
Why It Matters
Vulnerable families can resolve legal challenges, protect their financial security, and reclaim control over their futures.
VITA Tax Assistance Program
The VITA Tax Assistance Program, run by The Volunteer Center, provides free, accurate tax preparation to low- and moderate-income households. IRS-certified volunteers help ensure families claim all eligible credits and refunds at no cost.
Projected Impact in 2025-2026 with United Way Funding Support:
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3,800+ federal, state, and Homestead returns prepared
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Over $1 million returned to local residents
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Estimated $225,000 saved in tax preparation fees
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Increased financial equity and empowerment for working families
Why It Matters
The VITA Tax Assistance program keeps vital resources in the hands of those who need them most, helping families achieve financial security and access opportunities for a stronger future.
Driving Community Conversations
We lead and support collaborative conversations on:
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Emergency financial assistance
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Job Readiness
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Affordable rent, healthcare, and childcare
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Tax Preparation
By showing up in these spaces, we help our community in restoring confidence—offering pathways to stability for families.
Investing in Financial Security with United Way’s Direct Programs
United Way of Reno County also leads financial initiatives, including:
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Reno Connections – provides comprehensive case management and referrals to help families achieve stability and thrive.
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United Way 211 – A free, confidential service that connects you to a wide range of community resources across Kansas.
