January news & updates
Campaign Goal - $140,000 Current - $91,268.86
Community Resources
Here is a list of community resources that may be useful for those in need.
Volunteer Opportunities
Age-appropriate books are delivered directly to the homes of children, from birth to age 5.
It is approximately $25 a year per child. Currently, there are 830 children receiving books. With the 50% match from the state of Kansas, that is $10,375 a year for United Way of JCGC to continue the program.
Jim Sands - UWJCGC Board President
Good Day Geary County United Way, Community, and our Valued Supporters,
   As we venture into the New Year, we feel confident with the board we have and the energy our members have we will have a “Live United” year.  We continue to plan ways to support our community and those organizations which support so many community members, This Is What We Do!!! We want to keep doors open that support and encourage our United Way, and open doors that have not been open to us in the past. We are a community strong organization and that is how we want to be received. Our organization is a two-way street, we give and provide, but to do that we must receive; Support your local United Way through Deeds, Support, Volunteer Efforts, and monetary support whenever you can.
  The VITA income tax program is off the ground and we still need volunteers to assist with tax preparations. This work is thankless, but so very important to so many, if you have time and spare a few hours a day, or a week contact Nichole about helping with the VITA tax program.
Make a difference in everyone’s life, Live United!!!

James (Jim) Sands
United Way, President
 
Live United!
Campaign and More....
Nichole Mader - Director
Wendy Luttman - Secretary
Linda Couch - past board member
Jeff Underhill - Campaign Chair
Nichole Mader - Director
February is already here! I'm sure I am not alone in looking for a slow-down or pause button. The office is buzzing with tax clients and preparation for our upcoming Allocations. I am sure the next few months will go by just as fast!
After spending the last 2 years conducting meetings over Zoom, or recording messages, I am so excited to get back out and see people. I started the year with an in-person presentation with one of our supporters. I'm sure I stumbled a bit, being out of practice, but I loved seeing all the faces and being able to answer their questions.
United Way of Junction City/Geary County is about connection, community, and commitment. We find ways to connect people to services, connect supporters to missions, and connect strangers to friends. We look for ways to support our community, either through volunteer efforts, support for our community agencies through grants, or community members through programs. We are committed to making a difference, committed to helping those in need, and committed to being an advocate for our community.
Whenever you support United Way of Junction City/Geary County, you are making a difference.

Nichole Mader
Our Partners
  • Feb 7th - Senior Commodities 10:00 AM -11:00 AM
  • Feb 9th - First Wheels of Hope School Night at the Geary County Food Pantry- we are super excited to be working together
  • Feb 21st - Registration for new and existing families 

We have a new website www.gearycountyfoodpantry.org
Kansas Legal Services is currently in the early planning stages of bringing an Expungement Program to Geary County.  This program would be in collaboration with the local Geary County Bar. We hope to provide more information this upcoming Spring! This program allows individuals with certain convictions on their record, to have them legally expunged so that they can obtain employment, find safe housing, and provide better living for themselves and their family.
5th Annual Pancakes for Pawnee - February 21st
Teen Center - First Friday of each month in Manhattan.
Follow Pawnee on social media
The athletes are taking the court! JC Pacesetters are practicing their basketball skills and preparing for their team and skills competition on February 25th at the JC High School.
They will then have another tournament on March 17th and 18th in Manhattan. Help cheer on our JC Pacesetters
Join CASA on February 18th, for their annual Cheers for CASA. Enjoy wine tasting and fun, all while supporting a great cause!
On May 6th, get your engines revving for the Cruise 4 CASA motorcycle run! Enjoy some wind therapy, and help a child in need.
Incase you missed it, COOKIES ARE HERE! Get your cookie fix before they are all gone! You can find a booth at one of the many locations below:
Wal-Mart
CVS
Dillons
Prairie Family Dental

Every package of Girl Scout Cookies is filled with leadership and life lessons.
With every cookie purchase, you’re supporting Girl Scouts’ ability to learn, grow, and thrive through life’s adventures. Plus, all proceeds stay local to help fund life-changing, girl-led programs, experiences, and learning all year long in your area.
When you buy the delicious cookies you crave directly from a Girl Scout, you’ll enjoy them more, knowing you’re helping her gain the business smarts and confidence to take on the world, one cookie at a time.
Enjoy Girl Scout Cookies yourself, give some to a friend, or donate to a worthy cause—every bite counts!
Here is an easy way to find a booth near you! COOKIES

The Crisis Center has been busy at our Junction City office! We were reviewing our statistics as we wrapped up 2022, and last year we served 220 unduplicated people from Geary County. We recently hired a new case advocate, Jen, and are excited to have her join our team. We have been busy training and getting her ready to provide advocacy services to victims and survivors. We are also getting ready to move to an upstairs office suite in our building. The new space will be more accessible and will give us twice the square footage we have now. We will also have a larger, more comfortable space for support groups and classes. We could use volunteers to help us get the new office ready or to help us move, so if you are interested please contact our Executive Director, Kathy Ray, at 785-539-7935 or [email protected] The sexual assault and domestic violence support groups are still available in Junction City and by Zoom. If you or someone you know could benefit from our support groups, please give us a call to get started. As always, we are here to help 365 days a year, 24 hours a day. If you or someone you know needs help with domestic violence or sexual assault, reach out to us at 1-800-727-2785. More information is also on our website, www.thecrisiscenterinc.org.

Did you know that they offer 4 week training sessions for Middle School Weights for just $40? Mondays and Wednesdays from 6:30PM to 7:30PM.
Group Swim Lessons are $40. They are 4 week sessions on Mondays and Wednesdays from 5:30PM - 6:30pm. They offer lessons for children 3 - 11 years of age.
Homeschool PE is a great way to network and let your homeschoolers burn off some energy. Homeschool PE is on Wednesdays. Kindergarten - 3rd grade is 10am-10:45am. 4th - 6th is 11am-11:45am.
Lifeguard classes start in February - $230
  • Includes CPR mask
  • $50 non-refundable deposit
  • 15 years of age or older
Re-Certification classes - $120
  • $50 non-refundable deposit
  • Pre-registration
UNITED WAY OF JUNCTION CITY/GEARY COUNTY | [www.unitedwayjcgc.org]