United Way of Junction City/Geary County

Goal: $15,000.00

Specific Need

United Way of Junction City-Geary County mobilizes local resources to address our community's most pressing needs through education, financial stability, health, and emergency assistance initiatives. Match Day funding helps us support critical programs, strengthen nonprofit partnerships, respond to emerging community needs, and provide direct assistance to individuals and families facing hardship. Every dollar invested stays local, creating measurable impact for residents throughout Geary County while helping build a stronger, more resilient community for all.

Mission

We are the heart of volunteerism and engagement in support of our communities. We are changing lives by providing support through the united engagement of our communities.

Profile

PARTNER AGENCIES

CASA 8^th Judicial – Provides advocates for children who have been removed from their homes due to abuse, neglect, or trafficking. They average about 75-100 cases, some of which require multiple years of the child/ren being in the court system.

Geary County Historical Society STEAM – Monthly program that provides hands-on learning for children in the community. Children get to explore Kansas history and have fun science activities.

Girl Scouts – Girls develop strong values, social conscience, and conviction about their self-worth. They empower girls to be tomorrow’s leaders. Currently, our community has over 125 girls in Girl Scouts.

JC Family YMCA – 4^th Grade Water Safety – 4^th graders in our community can participate in the 4^th Grade Water Safety program. This program teaches the students about the importance of water safety.

Geary County Food Pantry – Provides emergency food for low-income individuals and families. Averages 1,100 individuals each month.

Kansas Legal Services – Provides equal access to justice for persons not able to pay for legal services. Advocacy is provided primarily for victims of domestic violence, children, the homeless, the elderly, farmers, and individuals with disabling conditions.

JC Pacesetters/Special Olympics – Provides year-round sports training and athletic competition for all individuals with mental limitations. We have 30-35 athletes who participate.

Pawnee Mental Health Services – Provides professional and caring mental health services to those in need.

Fresh Start Emergency Shelter – Provides safe shelter for the homeless as well as daytime services – shower, laundry, food, etc.

4:10 Irish Den - A safe, fun place for the youth to hang out together after school. Employment training opportunities for student interns. Internet services to complete homework; tutors after school. Also offers a small Food Pantry for those in need.

Crisis Center - Free confidential services to victims of domestic violence, abuse, and sexual assault. 24-hour crisis hotline, crisis intervention, counseling, advocacy, referral, and safe shelter.

DIRECT SERVICES

Day of Caring – 93 volunteers, 372 volunteer hours, 18 houses. Volunteers provide basic yard work and maintenance for the elderly and disabled in our community.

Stuff the Bus - 1-month-long fundraiser and collection for school supplies for children in USD 475, St. Xavier, and USD 473. We collected over 7,000 items distributed to the schools for the students. Over 30 volunteers provided over 500 hours of collecting, counting, sorting, and distributing the supplies.

Adopt-A-Backpack – income-based program. Approved students will receive a full backpack with all their specific school needs. (3^rd grade boy, attending Washington Elementary, favorite color/character).

VITA – Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program. Trained professional volunteers provide tax services to those in our community at no cost. This program saves approximately $75,000 a year in filing fees.

Dolly Parton Imagination Library – Children from birth to age 5 can receive monthly books directly to their home at no cost to the family. $25 can pay for an entire year for one child.

Information Referral – Each week, we provide guidance and information for those in need of services. We average over 25 calls a week and help connect them to the needed resources.

Financial Support - Community Actions provides funding for rent and utility assistance, and United Way of Junction City-Geary County serves as the local partner helping residents navigate the application process and access support. Together, we have helped secure more than $25,000 in assistance for local households experiencing financial hardship.