Characters, Conflict, and Cause

Find out from our next generation what United Way of Central Minnesota is doing for our community.

Real People. Real Stories. United Way of Central Minnesota thanks our supporters who have helped fund local programs in our community.

Real People. Real Stories. United Way of Central Minnesota thanks Geocomm for the support they have provided to our community.

United Way of Central Minnesota is connecting people and resources to strengthen our community. Watch how our programs have changed the lives of William and Hayden.

United Way of Central Minnesota is connecting people and resources to strengthen our community. Watch how our programs have changed the lives of Gary & Ranji.

United Way of Central Minnesota is connecting people and resources to strengthen our community. Watch how our programs have changed the lives of Luann & Heather.

Gloria is 34. She could be your neighbor, a woman you run into at the grocery store, or someone living in your community. Like so many others who live in poverty, Gloria is fighting against many barriers to simply keep a roof over her family’s head and food on the table. Gloria is Central Minnesota. Gloria is who we’re fighting to bring change to.

Tianna found herself homeless with her 14-month old son, Thorn, after leaving an abusive relationship. She took the first step in changing her life. She called the United Way’s service number 2-1-1 (211) and found The Salvation Army. Securing a safe and stable environment for Thorn was one of the biggest obstacles Tianna wanted to get past. Tianna is Central Minnesota. Tianna is who we’re fighting to bring change to.

Sheena and Charles' children have attended Boys & Girls Club programs for the past 14 years, since their oldest daughter was age five. They have watched their children grow up in Club programs and recognize that the Club has made a significant contribution to the success of their family. Even as working parents, the cost of raising six children (ranging from a 18-months to age 20) can be daunting. The Club has always been a safety net while they’re working.They know that their kids are:

• in a safe, fun place
• receiving healthy snacks and meals
• developing good character
• and gaining valuable experiences.

“The Club is so much more than just child care for my family,” said Sheena. “The Club is a one-stop shop for my kids. I’m incredibly grateful to this community for supporting my kids’ Club!”

Discovery Community School in St. Cloud had a family night connecting parents, teachers and students. They played bingo and chose their own prizes: toys, games, snacks, school apparel and boxes of cereal. One observer at the event noted: “The thing the kids wanted the most was that box of cereal … because they wanted to have food at home. Any place else, the kids would’ve grabbed the games or toys." That observation says a lot about the needs of these kids.

Brandon has uncontrollable aggressive behaviors that get him in trouble with his parents as well as at the schools he attended. He’s been expelled from three separate schools. Brandon is only four years old. It was time for a change to happen for this little boy. He and his family were referred to the Village Family Service Center where they meet weekly with a therapist to help him acquire the tools and support to bring change his behavior. He’s even developing friendships. Everything is better with a friend. Brandon is Central Minnesota.

Brandon is who we’re fighting to bring change to.

George is in his 70s. As a widower and guardian of an autistic grandson, imagine his despair when upon taking over the household bills, he found a letter from the county saying he owed $14,000 in back taxes on his property. He was on the verge of foreclosure and losing both his home and his grandson’s. Through Catholic Charities, a United Way-funded partner, George found resources with a HUD Counselor and applied for reverse mortgage/HECM counseling, obtaining energy assistance to help with daily expenses. George kept his home, providing stable, consistent housing for his grandson.