UWRC Community Impact Work is Addressing Root Causes to Creating Lasting Change
Strong communities are not built by any one organization, program, or individual. They are built when neighbors, businesses, nonprofits, schools, healthcare providers, and local governments work together to address the challenges that affect us all. At United Way of Reno County, community impact work focuses on bringing those partners together to identify root causes, align resources, and create lasting solutions. Whether the issue is housing stability, economic mobility, access to services, or support for vulnerable populations, the goal is not simply to respond to today's challenges but to build systems that create better outcomes for years to come.
Our work at UWRC is guided in part by the ALICE data and framework. ALICE is an acronym that helps identify a group of households that are Asset Limited, Income Constrained, and Employed. These are families and individuals who work hard every day but often live on the edge of being unable to afford necessities such as housing, childcare, transportation, healthcare, and food. United Way is committed to creating pathways to long-term stability and success for ALICE households by bringing partners together to strengthen systems, develop targeted interventions, and remove barriers to opportunity. By focusing on root causes and collaborative solutions, we can build a community where more families have the resources and support they need not only to get by, but to thrive.
As this work continues to evolve and grow in our community, some exciting updates have taken place in areas where community coalitions are actively working to strengthen Reno County. Keep reading to learn more!
Mental Health Taskforce
The Mental Health Taskforce hosted its first Mental Health Awareness Walk and Skate Mind Meetup in mid-April. The Mental Health Awareness Walk was created in response to community members who expressed a desire for greater connection and more open conversations about mental health. Skate Mind is a mental health initiative that engages teenagers and young adults through skateboarding.
The event sparked additional conversations about how we can create a stronger social environment in Hutchinson that encourages connection and makes space for meaningful discussions about mental health. While resources are available, many residents continue to feel disconnected from the idea of mental wellness or unsure of how to engage with available support.
Looking ahead, the Mental Health Taskforce will provide technical assistance to the Reno County Health Department as it develops portions of the upcoming Community Health Improvement Plan.
Unhoused Coalition
The Unhoused Coalition hosted the annual Point-in-Time Count in January. This federally required assessment captures homelessness data on a single night each winter. While the count provides valuable data, this day also allowed community leaders and service providers the opportunity to hear directly from individuals experiencing homelessness.
To do this, community and business leaders were invited to join members of the unhoused community for a small-group breakfast and conversation. The event generated meaningful discussion about how our community could address homelessness beyond donations and short-term support efforts. Homelessness is a complex challenge influenced by both economic and social factors. Our work in the Unhoused Coalition in Reno County is focused on creating sustainable pathways that can adapt to individual needs and circumstances. The coalition continues to research successful models of creating pathways from other communities while identifying solutions that fit the unique needs of Reno County.
Nonprofits Resource Council
The Nonprofits Resource Council is refining its plans for the year, including efforts to address transportation and access-to-care challenges identified in the 2024 Community Health Improvement Plan. To support this work, the Council has formed transportation and healthcare subcommittees.
The first phase of this work is focused on identifying barriers that prevent residents from accessing healthcare services and reliable transportation. Conversations have begun with transportation providers throughout Reno County and plans are developing which will guide this work through the remainder of 2026. The Council will also continue lending its expertise to organizations conducting community surveys, assessments, and other efforts that help inform local decision-making.