Impact and Programs
Accomplishments
We provided over 2100 children a new, high quality book, selected by early literacy experts, in the mail every month through Imagination Library
We also served as Fiscal Host to feed over 9,000 meals to children who may otherwise go hungry during spring, winter, and summer breaks through Operation Sandwich
Provided nearly 3,000 rides so that home bound senior citizens, many of whom are veterans, can attend adult day service
Provided over 1,000 women and children with improved safety and support after being victims of domestic abuse
And, helped over 700 local families with assistance during a family, financial, mental health, or other crisis.
United Way of Crow Wing and Cass Counties' primary desired outcome is to improve lives in our community.
To accomplish this, we work to increase early literacy, improve access to food for low income families, improve access to housing, and increase financial literacy in our community.
Additionally, in January 2018, our Board of Directors placed priority on mental health.
This resulted in efforts to fund programs that increased access to mental health services and efforts to facilitate community conversations to reduce mental health stigma.
Current Goals
We currently provide funding for 30 local non-profit programs impacting our community in the areas of Income, Education and Health
Our primary desired outcome is to improve lives in our community. To accomplish this, we work to increase early literacy, improve access to food for low income families, improve access to housing, and increase financial literacy in our community.
Each year, our partner programs provide safety services for people resolving domestic violence issues; ensure children are fully prepared for kindergarten or age-appropriate in development; provide youth with quality out-of-school time programs that offer enrichment and academic opportunities. We provide transportation of home bound, many of which are veterans, individuals to medically necessary appointments.
Additionally, in January 2018, our Board of Directors has placed priority on mental health. This has resulted in efforts to fund programs that increase access to mental health services and efforts to facilitate community conversations to reduce mental health stigma.
Community or Constituency Served
Based on MN Compass Geographic Profiles published May 2019 using 2017 estimated data for Crow Wing and Cass Counties.
The total population of Cass County is 29,519 and 64,889 in Crow Wing County.
34% of the population we serve has a household income of less than $35,000.
16% of the population we serve has a household income of between $35,000 & $49,999.
21% of the population we serve has a household income of between $50,000 & $74,999.
In our service area our average high school drop-out rate is 8%
In Crow Wing County 5% of our population is of color.
In Cass County 17% of our population is of color.
In our service area 15% of our population is of disability status.
23% of our service area is over the age of 65.
An average of 32% are over the age of 65 and have disability status.
In Crow Wing County 64% of 3rd graders are proficient in reading.
In Cass County only 47% of 3rd graders are proficient in reading.
On average 6% of individuals living in our service area do not own transportation.
No community transportation system is available in our service area (major bus station, train, light rail, etc.).
Geographic Area Served
We serve Crow Wing and Cass Counties in Minnesota
