At United Way of Reno County, we believe every child and young adult deserves the chance to thrive—academically, emotionally, and socially. We focus on breaking down barriers and creating pathways to opportunity for youth from early childhood through young adulthood.
INVESTING IN OUR YOUNG PEOPLE, STRENGTHENING OUR FUTURE.
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What We're Up Against
Reno County is full of young people with potential—but too many face barriers that limit their ability to thrive.
Barriers to Stability and Early Learning
1 in 4 children in Reno County lives in poverty, and many more fall into the ALICE category—families earning above the poverty line but still unable to afford basic needs. At the same time, early learning access remains inconsistent, particularly for rural families and those facing financial hardship.
Academic, Behavioral, and Mental Health Struggles
Students across the county are experiencing high rates of chronic absenteeism, increasing behavioral health needs, and lingering academic delays from the pandemic. Teen mental health concerns are also rising, with more youth reporting anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation.
Unequal Access to Opportunities and Safe Spaces
Many youth lack reliable afterschool and summer programs, leaving them without safe, enriching environments during critical out-of-school hours. After graduation, access to college, career, and training pathways remains uneven—especially for low-income or first-generation students.
These challenges don’t exist in isolation. They’re shaped by complex systems—education, housing, healthcare, transportation—that must work better for all families. That’s why United Way of Reno County is focused on removing barriers and building supports from cradle to career. Together with our partners, we’re helping youth not just survive, but succeed.
How We Support Youth Opportunity
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Funding Programs That Make a Difference
We invest in trusted nonprofit partners delivering high-impact programs that support youth development, education, and stability. Each partner brings essential expertise and care to youth across Reno County—and we’re proud to support their efforts.
One-to-One Youth Mentoring Program
Kansas Big Brothers Big Sisters matches children and teens ages 5 to 17 with caring adult mentors—“Bigs”—who offer encouragement, guidance, and positive role modeling. Matches can be community-based, with outings and shared activities, or school-based, where Bigs meet weekly with Littles during the school day. Each match is made through a thoughtful “Best-Fit Match” process, and Match Support Specialists regularly check in to keep relationships safe, strong, and meaningful.
Projected Impact in 2025-2026 with United Way Funding Support:
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67 local youth served
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Improved academic performance
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Stronger social-emotional skills
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Reduction in risky behaviors
Why It Matters
When kids feel supported and seen, they’re more likely to succeed—and that’s exactly what this program delivers.
After School and Summer Program
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Hutchinson provides safe, enriching afterschool and summer programs for youth, creating spaces where kids can learn, grow, and build confidence. The Club focuses on academic success, character development, healthy lifestyles, and workforce readiness—equipping young people with the tools they need to thrive socially, emotionally, and academically. No child is turned away due to cost, ensuring families remain supported and youth have access to critical learning and life-skill opportunities.
Projected Impact in 2025-2026 with United Way Funding Support:
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750+ youth served each year
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Access to literacy support, life skills education, and college and career preparation
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Strengthened community impact through partnerships with Horizons, Rise Up Reno, and the YMCA
Why It Matters
Safe, structured environments outside of school help kids stay engaged, supported, and connected to positive role models. The Club plays a vital role in youth development—and United Way of Reno County is proud to support this transformative program for the next generation of leaders.
Community Awareness Program
BrightHouse’s Community Awareness Program works to prevent domestic and sexual violence before it starts. The program reaches youth and adults across Reno County with education and resources that promote safer, healthier relationships. Through partnerships with schools and community organizations, BrightHouse equips people of all ages with the tools they need to recognize abuse, set boundaries, and build respectful, supportive connections.
Projected Impact in 2025-2026 with United Way Funding Support:
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600+ students participated in the nationally recognized Safe Dates curriculum
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300+ community members attended awareness events and presentations
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Early intervention tools provided to youth and adults across Reno County
Why It Matters
With most abuse starting before age 25, prevention and education are critical. By teaching youth and community members how to recognize warning signs, seek help, and foster healthy relationships, BrightHouse strengthens youth opportunity and contributes to a safer, more supportive community.
Scholarship Program
Access to quality childcare is essential for a strong start in life—and that’s exactly what Child Care Links provides through its Scholarship Program. With support from United Way, this initiative helps working families in Reno County afford safe, enriching care for their young children. The program covers 30–70% of childcare costs for families who are working, pursuing education, or facing hardship—especially those who earn too much for state aid but still struggle to make ends meet. Payments go directly to licensed providers, supporting both family stability and the local childcare system.
Projected Impact in 2025-2026 with United Way Funding Support:
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29 families able to afford quality childcare
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30–70% of childcare costs covered for eligible families
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Direct support provided to licensed childcare providers, strengthening business stability
Why It Matters
Reliable childcare allows parents to work, stay in school, and build financial security. For children, it means safe, nurturing environments that support healthy early development. When families can access the childcare they need, the entire community benefits—and together, we build a stronger future for Reno County.
Infant & Toddler Program
The Infant-Toddler Program at the Early Education Center provides early intervention services for Reno County children from birth to age two who have developmental delays or disabilities. Through in-home, family-centered care, a team of therapists, nurses, and educators helps children reach key milestones while empowering parents with tools to support development during everyday routines. All services are provided at no cost to families. In 2024, more than 300 local children received support during this vital stage of growth.
Projected Impact in 2025-2026 with United Way Funding Support:
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Early intervention services for infants and toddlers at a critical stage of development
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Parents equipped to support learning and growth at home
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Children are better prepared for kindergarten and long-term success
Why It Matters
Early intervention works. By identifying delays early and supporting families from the start, this program helps children build a strong foundation for lifelong learning—creating lasting impact for families and a stronger community for us all.
Leadership Experience
The Girl Scouts of Kansas Heartland provides girls from Pre-K through 12th grade with the confidence, courage, and character to lead—at school, at home, and in their communities. Through hands-on learning in STEM, entrepreneurship, and outdoor exploration, girls develop real-world skills by choosing their own path. Whether coding robots or running cookie businesses, participants don’t just take part—they learn to lead. The program also prioritizes youth mental health by training troop leaders and older girls in Youth Mental Health First Aid. Full financial assistance ensures that cost is never a barrier to participation.
Projected Impact in 2025-2026 with United Way Funding Support:
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125 girls in Reno County engaged in leadership development
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Increased skills in STEM, entrepreneurship, and problem-solving
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Youth and adult leaders trained to support mental health and well-being
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Strong connections built through partnerships with schools and community organizations
Why It Matters
When girls are empowered to lead, communities grow stronger. By investing in leadership, confidence, and mental well-being, this program helps young girls become capable, compassionate leaders—creating lasting impact today and for the future.
Hadley Day Care Center
Hadley Day Care Center provides reliable, high-quality child care for Reno County families with children from two weeks to 12 years old. As a trusted, long-standing provider, Hadley helps ensure children are safe, supported, and ready to learn while parents work and provide for their families. Through full-day early education, before and after-school care, and summer enrichment, children learn and grow in classrooms designed to support social, emotional, and academic development. Hadley is the only child care center in Reno County offering a sliding-scale tuition model—ensuring access for families below the ALICE threshold. No child is turned away due to cost or behavioral needs.
Projected Impact in 2025-2026 with United Way Funding Support:
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High-quality child care and early education for more than 120 local families
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Affordable access through sliding-scale tuition for working families
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Wraparound support through partnerships with mental health, early education, and state agencies
Why It Matters
Affordable, reliable child care allows parents to work while children thrive in safe, nurturing environments. By removing barriers to access and supporting whole-family stability, Hadley Day Care Center strengthens families—and builds a stronger Reno County community for the future.
Healthy Families Home Visiting
Kansas Children's Service League's Healthy Families is a voluntary home visiting program that helps prevent child abuse and neglect by strengthening families from the very beginning. Serving families prenatally and shortly after birth, the program equips parents with the tools they need to raise healthy, thriving children. Through weekly home visits, trained professionals provide guidance on positive parenting, child development, and essential life skills such as goal setting and stress management. Home visitors also connect families to critical resources, including healthcare, education, and housing support. Using the nationally accredited Growing Great Kids curriculum, services are tailored to each family through individualized visits, screenings, and group activities.
Projected Impact in 2025-2026 with United Way Funding Support:
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110 individuals served, including 55 young children in Reno County
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Parents equipped with skills to promote healthy development and family stability
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Early prevention support that reduces risk of abuse and neglect
Why It Matters
Strong families create strong communities. By focusing on prevention and early support, Healthy Families helps parents build safe, nurturing environments—giving children a healthier start and aligning directly with United Way’s Youth Opportunity strategy.
Kitchen Hero Academy
Spark United's Kitchen Hero Academy program empowers middle school students with hands-on, garden-to-table cooking skills while addressing summer food insecurity. Now in its fifth year, this free 10-week summer program helps youth build healthy habits and independence when school-based meals are unavailable. Designed by Dr. Megan Bartley and rooted in occupational therapy, the program is tailored to rural communities with limited access to fresh food. Through cooking lessons, gardening, and experiential field trips, students learn nutrition, food safety, and budgeting—while also building confidence, leadership, and emotional regulation.
Projected Impact in 2025-2026 with United Way Funding Support:
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12 local youth engaged in hands-on nutrition and cooking education
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Increased access to healthy food knowledge during the summer months
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Youth equipped with lifelong skills for health, independence, and food security
Why It Matters
Teaching young people how to grow, prepare, and enjoy healthy food builds more than meals—it builds confidence, resilience, and long-term well-being. Kitchen Hero Academy invests in youth today to create healthier families and a stronger community tomorrow.
Child Care Center
The USD 308 Child Care Center provides high-quality early education for children from infancy through school age in a safe, nurturing environment. A research-based, hands-on curriculum helps young learners build strong foundations for kindergarten and lifelong success.
Projected Impact in 2025-2026 with United Way Funding Support:
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34 children under age five served
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Increased kindergarten readiness through consistent routines and early learning
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Strong social-emotional development in a supportive setting
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Workforce exposure for Hutchinson High School students interested in early childhood education
Why It Matters
Your support helps children get a strong start, gives families peace of mind, and strengthens our community by investing in both today’s learners and tomorrow’s educators.
Saturday Night at the Y
Saturday Night at the Y, a free program open to all middle school students in Reno County provided by the Hutchinson YMCA. This safe, welcoming space gives youth a fun, active place to connect with peers while building healthy habits and positive relationships.
Projected Impact in 2025-2026 with United Way Funding Support:
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Goal of reaching 600 middle school students
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Free access to a safe, supervised space on Saturday nights
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Engagement of youth who may not otherwise participate at the YMCA
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Strong community collaboration with the Boys & Girls Club, local schools, and volunteers
Why It Matters
Safe, structured activities help keep youth engaged, connected, and healthy. Your support opens doors for hundreds of kids to build friendships, stay active, and feel a sense of belonging—one Saturday night at a time.
Driving Community Conversations
We lead and support collaborative conversations on:
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Early childhood care and education
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Youth mental health and emotional wellness
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Juvenile justice reform and equity
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Postsecondary access and career pathways
By showing up in these spaces, we help move our community upstream—building systems that work better for all young people.
Investing in Youth with United Way’s Direct Programs
United Way of Reno County also leads targeted youth initiatives, including:
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Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library – Free books for children birth to age 5
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Reno Connections – Helping families with young children navigate barriers and build stability