United Way of Ellis County
United Way of Ellis County proudly announces its 2025 partner agencies, reinforcing its commitment to fostering positive change and strengthening the local community.
Through strategic collaborations with nonprofit organizations, United Way of Ellis County continues to drive impactful initiatives that address critical needs in the areas of youth opportunity, healthy community, financial security, and community resiliency.
“United Way is honored to partner with these outstanding agencies that share our vision for a stronger, healthier, and more equitable community,” said Erica Berges, executive director of United Way of Ellis County. “Together, we can make a real difference by supporting programs that uplift individuals and families in need.”
The CARE Council, which is made up of 12 community volunteers, reviews the applications to determine funding for the United Way of Ellis County, City of Hays social service funds and alcohol tax funds, Ellis County outside funding, and Ellis County alcohol tax funds.
This year, the CARE Council determined $280,000 worth of United Way funding.
The 2025 United Way of Ellis County partner agencies include:
• Big Brothers Big Sisters – Youth Mentoring Program Big Brothers Big Sisters
• Cancer Council of Ellis County – Financial Assistance Cancer Council of Ellis County, Nutritional Supplements
• CASA of the High Plains – CASA Volunteer Program
• Cerebral Palsy Research Foundation – Support Services Seating Clinic
• Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas – Job Follow Along Program, Early Intervention Services
• First Call For Help – Local Assistance, Meals on Wheels, Backpacks for Kids
• Habitat for Humanity – Affordable Housing Program
• Hays Senior Center – Hays Meal Site
• High Plains Mental Health – Strengthening Crisis Stabilization Services
• Options–Domestic Domestic and Sexual Violence Services – Safe Shelter
• Parents and Children Together – Parenting with Conscious Discipline Classes
• Salvation Army – Financial Assistance, Paper Pantry
• St. Michael’s Episcopal Church – Feeding Hays Project
• Western KS Association on the Concerns of the Disabled – Transportation to Work Program
• Western KS Child Advocacy Center – Project Haven–Building Safe Futures One Child at a Time
These agencies will receive funding and support from United Way of Ellis County to further their mission-driven work, ensuring that essential services reach those who need them most.
The partnership underscores United Way’s commitment to creating lasting, measurable change in the community.
“We are grateful for the support of our donors, volunteers, and corporate partners who make these partnerships possible,” said Jaden Richardson, United Way of Ellis County board president. “By working together, we are not just addressing immediate needs but also building a foundation for long-term success.”
The demand for these services is greater than ever. Your donations help us continue making a difference.
For more information on the United Way of Ellis County’s initiatives and how to support these partner agencies, visit www.liveunited.us or contact the United Way office at 785-628-8281 or [email protected].