By BECKY KISER
Hays Post
It's been 70 years since a group of concerned businessmen organized what is now the United Way of Ellis County.
The non-profit organization first began raising money to support needy community members in 1953. Volunteers for the Hays United Fund raised $18,132 in the first annual fundraising campaign.
There've been a lot of changes over 70 years, including the organization's name, the groups that are supported and the communities that participate.
What hasn't changed is the United Way's focus on identifying local needs and building partnerships to improve the lives of Ellis County residents in the areas of education, health and financial stability.
"Creating a brighter tomorrow" is the theme of this year's fundraising campaign, which kicked off during the Hays Chamber luncheon on Aug. 25.
"As we stand on the edge of another era, let us know the future is not predetermined. It is shaped by our actions today," said Erica Berges, United Way executive director.
"The next 70 years hold immense potential for progress, transformation and impact. It is our responsibility to seize this potential."
Haley Rutherford of the Western Kansas Child Advocacy Center told the crowd how United Way funding helped transform the life of a young child who had been abused at the hands of their father.
"A big support for this kid was our mentor," she said. "He provided them with a sense of normalcy and allowed them to be a kid within that appropriate role model relationship.
"He wasn't there to talk about the abuse or what was going on with the court process. He provided them another perspective of what a man is, what they can be and what they can grow to be.
"He taught them healthy relationship skills, all while playing video games going on walks with them, building Legos and so much more.
"As they continued therapy, the child was able to disclose their sexual, physical and emotional abuse in a safe place in whatever place they needed to disclose it," she said.
"They built a blanket fort and there was a feeling of safety, security and comfort. That's how they were finally able to disclose. They finally felt safe to let out what had been held in for so long, allowing the therapist to hold that for them now."
United Way has many ways to donate. You can make a one-time donation or sign up for monthly or roundup options on the United Way website.
The roundup option will round up purchases to the nearest dollar with the change going to United Way. You can set a maximum donation per month.
Payroll deductions are among the most popular giving options.
The United Way awards a Champions Circle Trophy annually to the large and small businesses with the most per capita giving.
Last year Bank of Hays won the small-business trophy, and Midwest Energy won the large-business award.
Other options include dropping off checks or cash in person at the United Way office in the Chestnut Building, 1200 Main St., Suite 1o2, Hays or mailing checks to P.O. Box 367, Hays, KS 67601.
You also can use Venmo at @United-Way-of Ellis-County.
United Way has 15 partner agencies, which will use their funds in specific areas:
EDUCATION
• Big Brothers Big Sisters-Mentoring program
• Court-Appointed Special Advocates-CASA volunteers
• Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas-Infant /toddler early intervention, Tiny K
• Parents and Children Together-Parenting with Conscious Discipline classes
• Western Kansas Child Advocacy Center-Youth advocate
HEALTH
• American Red Cross-Biomedical/disaster Services
• Cancer Council of Ellis County-Financial assistance, nutritional assistance
• Catholic Charities-Counseling services
• Cerebral Palsy Research Foundation-Support services
• Hays Senior Center-Meal site
• Options-Safe shelter
FINANCIAL STABILITY
• Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas-Job Follow Along program
• First Call For Help-Emergency assistance, Backpacks for Kids, Meals on Wheels
• Salvation Army-Financial assistance, Paper Pantry
• Western KS Association on the Concerns of the Disabled-Transportation to Work voucher program
This year's fundraising goal is $370,000.
You can follow the campaign and learn more about partner agencies by following the United Way Facebook page.