United Way of Mower County, Inc.

The UWMC envisions Mower County as a place where every community is a strong one, with jobs that pay a livable wage, good schools, and a healthy environment. Locally, we engage people and organizations in innovative solutions that are transforming that vision into reality.

Things are not business as usual within the organization as we strive to make further changes that will enhance our work and stretch the limited resources we have. We are implementing processes and procedures that demand accountability and ensure real, lasting progress is made. The 25 agencies we currently support will be challenged to take risks and think outside the box in terms of programming, funding, and operations. All programs receiving United Way funding must establish measurable goals and outcomes, report accurately on goals and outcomes, and execute programs in a way that supports these measures. This allows us to track the effectiveness of our work and address potential needs, issues, or gaps. \n\nWe maximize impact and relevance by sharing community information that is up-to-date and accurate. We operate efficiently by making sure no two agencies are doing the same exact work. We initiate collaborations among like-minded programs that offer support that allows agencies to make the most of their time and resources. We make informed decisions by educating volunteers, engaging content and context experts, and by conducting frequent research and data analysis. Most importantly, we foster relationships that are critical to Mower County by connecting people, agencies, and promise.

There are no similar programs in Mower County. United Way looks at the spectrum of issues and needs that affect individuals, families, and communities in Mower County. Our strategy is to locate and mobilize resources and align them for impact. Instead of having small pockets of money and effort scattered across a broad swath of need, United Way ensures that resources are targeted strategically to achieve the most powerful results in the critical areas of Education, Income, Health, and Basic Needs. United Way occupies a unique philanthropic niche by considering the total picture of what it takes for people to succeed and communities to prosper. We focus on long term solutions while we help highly-effective human service programs meet immediate needs.

Many agency programs would not exist without the help of the United Way. Because we focus on the areas of Education, Income, Health and Basic Needs, we are ensuring that families have what they need to thrive in Mower County. While not every family is currently stabilized, our funded programs provide the essential tools to get them there. Whether it is food support, educational tools, mental health programs, transportation or job skills, help is available. \n \nBy focusing on these four specific areas, United Way support offers a ‘full-circle’ effect for Mower County. A strong economy depends on the good health of its citizens. Healthy people may be better able to work and secure higher levels of education, which contributes to personal wealth and regional prosperity. And when basic needs are met, we all prosper. \n \nIn the past twenty years alone, the UWMC has invested over $15,000,000 in local programs, averaging 26 funded partner organizations per year. This has been accomplished by engaging more than 3,000 volunteers, conducting 20 fundraising campaigns, and mobilizing the caring power of the fourteen communities we serve.