Over the months of April and May, the United Way of Ellis County's staff and board members had the privilege of visiting each of our incredible partner agencies to present them with checks for their 2025 awards. These awards, approved by the CARE Council, are distributed in four quarterly payments throughout the year to help our partners continue providing vital services in alignment with United Way’s four key pillars: a healthy community, youth opportunity, financial security, and community resiliency.
Below are highlights of some of the agencies we’ve visited so far:
First Call for Help of Ellis County
Awarded $39,000 to support their mission of reducing the impact of poverty in Ellis County. This funding will help sustain essential programs that directly assist individuals and families in need.
CASA of the High Plains
Received $20,000 to continue advocating for children who are victims of abuse and neglect. CASA volunteers serve as a voice in the courtroom to ensure each child’s best interests are represented.
Western Kansas Child Advocacy Center (WKCAC)
Awarded $12,000 in total for 2025, with the first quarterly payment of $3,000 delivered in April. WKCAC works to heal the trauma of abuse through prevention, care, and support services for both children and adults.
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Parents and Children Together (PACT)
Received $4,380 to continue providing parenting classes that promote healthy family dynamics. In 2024, PACT supported over 15 families and 32 children through these life-changing programs.
Big Brothers Big Sisters
Awarded $40,000 to support mentorship programs that empower young people to realize their full potential. These mentoring relationships have a lasting, positive impact on the youth in our community.
DSNWK – Employment Connections
Received $26,220 to continue offering employment training and support to individuals with disabilities in Northwest Kansas. These services help participants gain meaningful and sustainable employment.
Cancer Council of Ellis County
Awarded $28,000 to provide cancer-related services including financial assistance, equipment loans, nutritional support, and education on prevention and care. The Cancer Council has been serving the community since 1986.
Habitat for Humanity
Received $2,500 to help support their affordable housing projects in Ellis County. Their vision is simple but powerful: a world where everyone has a decent place to live.
High Plains Mental Health Center (HPMHC)
Awarded $7,000 to bolster crisis stabilization services and mental health programs. HPMHC offers a full range of behavioral health services including therapy, psychiatric support, and substance use treatment.
St. Michael’s Episcopal Church – Feeding Hays Project
Received $8,400 to continue their mission of tackling food insecurity through meal services, community resources, and education.
We are still meeting with more of our partner agencies, and this post will be updated as those visits take place. If you’re curious about where your donations to the United Way of Ellis County go, stay tuned right here! These awards and the continued support of these essential community programs wouldn’t be possible without your generosity. Help us make an even greater impact in 2026 by contributing to our annual fundraising campaign.
Thank you for supporting the United Way of Ellis County. Together, we’re building a stronger, healthier, and more resilient community.