Programs & Partnerships

The United Way of West Central Minnesota has in-house programming as well as partnering with outside organizations to run programs that work to fill gaps in our local communities:

Many families seek resources for rental assistance, food security, health care, and more. Your support provides access to 2-1-1. Caller’s dial 2-1-1 and receive a free, confidential service, staffed 24/7 by trained Community Resource Specialists who assess the caller’s needs and connect them to essential services within our community.

“The long-term consequences of sending kids to class hungry are substantial. Children who experience food insecurity in kindergarten fall behind and tend to stay behind.”

Through partnerships with local food suppliers, we provide healthy food options discreetly sent home at the end of the week for children in need of supplemental weekend food that they can prepare with little to no assistance. With food for the weekend kids are ready to learn on Monday!

Sign-up a child in needSupport this program here

Thank YOU Program Partners!

“Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world.”
~ Nelson Mandela

United Way is proud to support this endeavor by providing tool kits to children of all local school districts at Early Childhood Screenings. These kits are full of items that engage and develop our youngest learners, before they even step foot in an elementary school. So one day they can change the world.

Support this program here

Thank YOU Program Partners!

The GrowMobile is a program of UWWCM that provides a mobile elementary educational experience and resources to promote learning year-round.The GrowMobile hosts activities at multiple stops during the week throughout the summer. This program is unique to our region and is working to prepare our communities’ children for school.

Support this program here

What if every child in our community received a new book every month from birth to 5yrs?
Thanks to a partnership with the Dolly Parton Foundation this can be a reality! Reading provides a catalyst, not only for development, but also for guardians to spend quality time with their child. You can make it happen for $30/year!

Register a Child TodayUpdate a Child’s InfoSupport this program here

Did you know, on average, 1 in 3 U.S. households struggle with diapers needs?
Little Bums of Willmar was started in 2022 after a spam post on Facebook had falsely advertised a diaper giveaway and disappointed a lot of people who were in need of diapers. A few community members recognized this need and came together to create a diaper drive funded by our community. Generous donations make it possible for us to lend a hand to individuals in our community who need help with diapers without using their financial status as a determining factor.

Support this program here

Each year we collect thousands of supplies to distribute to students
in need throughout West Central Minnesota, so they can start school feeling confident and prepared!
We are so grateful for the numerous, generous businesses, organizations, and individuals that show-up to support this cause throughout our service area.

Support this program here

The United Nations recognizes play as a basic right of every child, due to how it influences child development.

Our children have less time for free play now than ever before.
Children’s museums, like The Village, provide children the freedom to create and explore, learn and grow, in an environment where their imagination is uninhibited and learning comes naturally.

Check out The Village hereSupport this program here