Meet Our New Executive Director Daphne Mertens |
I am thrilled to embark on this new journey as Executive Director with United Way of the Flint Hills this month. My passion for enhancing our communities for everyone aligns perfectly with the incredible work already underway by the UWFH team. As I dive into this role, I am keenly aware that there is much for me to learn. I ask for your patience and support as I familiarize myself with the responsibilities and strive to fill the big shoes left behind by Mickey.
For the past decade, I've had the honor of serving with Healthier Lyon County, where I played a pivotal role in enhancing community well-being through the acquisition and management of grants from esteemed organizations such as the Kansas Department of Health & Environment, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas, KU MED, Wichita State Center for Engagement and Inclusion, and the Kansas Health Foundation. We've already begun exploring potential grants that could benefit United Way, as well as developing a timeline for transitioning existing grants.
As a native of Emporia, I am deeply rooted in this community. I graduated from Emporia High School and earned both my bachelor's and master's degrees from Emporia State University. My husband Mike and I have raised our four children in Greenwood and Lyon County, where we've witnessed exciting changes over the years.
I am eager to connect with our community partners and witness firsthand the impactful work of United Way of the Flint Hills. Together, with Hannah, the Healthier Lyon County team, and the UWFH Board, I am confident that we will expand our reach and create lasting change in the lives of those we serve.
Thank you for embracing me in this role. I am excited to collaborate with each of you to achieve our shared goals.
Warmly,
Daphne Reed Mertens
Executive Director
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Our 2024 KVOE Live Morning Drive Auction is coming up and we have some amazing items that are up for grabs. How can you get them? Listen to KVOE on 1400 AM between 6:30 AM and 9:00 AM Monday February 26 to March 1st. To bid, text 620-342-5863 with your item number and bid amount.
- Round of Ball Golf for 4 at Champions Landing and $100 gift card to 1801 Restaurant
- Dynamic Discs Open Spectator Package
- Staycation Package including a 2 night stay at a Main Street Apartments, 1.5 hours of Axe Throwing at the Axe Shedd and a Do-B's fundraiser special 20 inch Philly Cheesesteak and full order of fries
- P3 Meat Bundle of 4 Ribeyes, 4 T-bones, 4 lbs of Roasts, 20 lbs of Ground Beef
- A pair of shoes from Brown's Shoe Fit everyday
- A skincare basket from Skin Studio
- Treat Your Self Package with a facial from Be*You*tiful Aesthetics
- and much more!
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February 11 is 211 Day were we celebrate 2-1-1, United Way's local resource referral hotline. Whether it’s a natural or human-caused disaster, a mental health issue, searching for job training or a food pantry, 211 connects people to help, with a caring human on the other end of the phone.
It’s a go-to, 24/7 free resource that can connect you with a wide range of social services and resources, including food, housing, utilities payment assistance, health care, transportation, child care, employment opportunities, mental health crises, disaster information and assistance, and more. Every year, hundreds use 211 to find the resources they need.
It’s all confidential, with highly trained 211 specialists providing expert, caring help that addresses not only the presenting issue, but underlying challenges people are facing as well. Collectively, 211s curate databases of 1.5M programs and services nationwide.
More than a helpline, it also helps us stay informed about what our communities need.
In our community, top asks for help are housing (including rent, foreclosure help), utilities, food, and other basic needs.
Call 2-1-1, text zip code to 898211 or go to www.211Kansas.org to get connected to resources. |
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It’s tax time, use MyFreeTaxes |
We are excited to announce the launch of this tax season’s MyFreeTaxes service. Once again, United Way is providing free online tax filing software to help taxpayers easily and accurately file their taxes from their computer or smartphone.
The secure software walks you through the filing process and screens for common tax deductions and credits you may be eligible for, like the Earned Income Tax Credit or the Child Tax Credit. You can also use MyFreeTaxes to claim missed stimulus payments. That’s part of our effort to make sure you get back every penny possible. If you need help, Use the Helpline to talk to a real person trained by the IRS.
Other tax situations covered in MyFreeTaxes include:
● W-2 income
● Schedule C Self Employment
● Limited interest and dividend income reported on a 1099-INT or 1099-DIV
● Student education expenses, credits or student loan interest
● Unemployment income
● Claiming the standard deduction
● Earned Income Tax Credit
● Child tax credits
● Child and dependent care expenses.
MyFreeTaxes is a free and easy way to file federal return and state tax returns for free.
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