Four Core Pillars:

Healthy Community: Improving Health and Well-Being for all.

Youth Opportunity: Helping young people realize their full potential

Financial Security: Creating a stronger financial future for every generation

Community Resiliency: Addressing Urgent needs today for a better tomorrow

A Note from the SAUW Team

Summer has a way of bringing communities together. Whether it's gathering for local events, volunteering, supporting neighbors, or simply checking in on one another, these moments remind us that strong communities are built through connection.

At Salina Area United Way, we're focused on creating opportunities for individuals and families across North Central Kansas to thrive. This month, we're highlighting Juneteenth, celebrating community impact, and sharing ways you can get involved in the work of building a stronger region for everyone.

Thank you for being part of this mission.

Community Snapshot

The Power of Early Childhood Education

Did you know that access to quality childcare affects more than just children?

When families have reliable childcare:

-Parents are better able to work and pursue education

-Employers experience less absenteeism

-Children enter kindergarten better prepared to succeed

That's why investments in childcare strengthen the entire community—not just individual families.

Read KCCTF's Blueprint for early childhood here and learn about the 3 building blocks for strong families!

Senate Bill 82-

Childcare Tax Credits for Employers

Access to quality childcare remains one of the biggest challenges facing Kansas families and employers. Senate Bill 82 is an important step toward strengthening partnerships between businesses and communities by expanding child care tax credits — including up to $100,000 annually for qualifying employers supporting child care solutions across Kansas. We are thankful for the state legislators and collaborative work happening across Kansas to help make these investments in children, families, and communities possible.

Learn more about the bill here!

Early Childcare Initiative Updates:

Beginning in 2026, ECIF expanded its impact to support the broader early childhood ecosystem — both geographically and systemically. Phase 2 brought support to Ellsworth County and expanded eligibility to include in-home childcare providers, recognizing their critical role in meeting community needs.

Through three total grant cycles, ECIF has now granted nearly $900,000, including $350,000 awarded during the current cycle. Phase 2 funding supports 5 nonprofit childcare centers, 18 in-home providers, and has helped 9 providers expand operating hours to better serve working families.

To become a donor, learn more, here!

Feature Story

Juneteenth: Honoring Freedom, Strengthening Community

Each year on June 19, communities across the country celebrate Juneteenth, commemorating the day in 1865 when news of emancipation finally reached enslaved people in Texas—more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation had been issued.

Juneteenth is both a celebration and a reflection. It reminds us of the ongoing work of creating communities where every person has the opportunity to learn, grow, contribute, and thrive.

At Salina Area United Way, our mission is rooted in strengthening the building blocks of a healthy community: education, financial stability, health, and resilience. As we recognize Juneteenth, we are reminded that strong communities are built when opportunity is accessible to all.

This month, we encourage our community to take time to learn, reflect, support local events, and engage in conversations that help us better understand one another and the shared future we are creating together.

Learn More about Salina's vision of Juneteenth here:

Explore the history of Juneteenth
Attend a local celebration
Support local organizations advancing education and opportunity

Meet a Neighbor

Community Champion Spotlight

Lindsey Rojas

Early Learning Enhancement Program Director

Children Advocacy and Parenting Services

Pictured is Lindsey with her children, Kenley, Holland, and Bellamy!

What inspired you to get involved, Lindsey?

She answered: My passion for early learning and education was unknowingly sparked by my oldest daughter, Kenley. As a young, single mother working toward my undergraduate degree in Psychology, I was approached by her childcare center and offered a position teaching preschool while I attended college, allowing me to save on tuition costs. Through my experience teaching and the knowledge, I gained through my coursework, I quickly realized that early childhood education was where I could make the greatest impact.

The first five years of life are foundational in shaping a child’s development and influencing the person they become. Although I never imagined myself working in education, especially with our youngest learners, my experiences in college and the center setting helped me discover my passion for supporting young children and the educators and caregivers who guide them.

What does community mean to you, Lindsey?

She answered: Community is more than just a location; its relationships. To me, community means people coming together to support one another, share resources, and create opportunities for everyone to thrive. In early childhood, community is especially important because supporting children means supporting the families, educators, caregivers, and organizations that surround them.

What's one thing people should know about the work happening in North Central Kansas, Lindsey?

She answered: One thing people should know is that there is a tremendous amount of dedication and collaboration happening behind the scenes to strengthen families, childcare programs, and community resources across North Central Kansas. Many people don’t see the daily work happening to support providers, improve quality, increase access to care, and ensure children have safe and nurturing environments. The commitment of educators, caregivers, organizations, and community partners is what makes lasting change possible.

Click the side pictures to learn more about things Lindsey is passionate about in our community!

Mission in Motion- June

June marks the start of RAWR!

(Raising Active Wild Readers)

Get ready to Read, Explore, and ROAR all summer long!

RAWR was created to help children discover the joy of reading by providing free books at participating summer meal sites. This summer, children at USD 305, USD 327, and Salina Public Library will enjoy the RAWR program during their free lunch programs!

Learn more about our RAWR program here!

Impact Spotlight

A Night of Chance

August 7th at 6pm

When local families face unexpected needs, this fund ensures we can respond quickly and effectively. Because when our neighbors are in crisis, we don’t gamble with their future.

We act.

This event plays a key role in growing our Community Resiliency Pillar, specifically strengthening our Emergency Relief Fund.