ALICE Conference
United Way of the Yampa Valley continues to advocate for working families through United For ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed), highlighting households that earn above poverty levels yet still struggle to afford basic necessities. Last month, leaders gathered in Miami for the 2026 National ALICE Summit, and we were proud to have our Impact Managers, Erin Walker and Jamie Miller, participate, bringing back new tools, partnerships, and ideas to strengthen household stability across our region.
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Donate to support the valley's workforce
Skilled Trades Scholarships:
Donate to help coal energy transition workers find or develop a new trade.
Free Financial Education Classes:
Donate towards 9-10 hours of financial literacy instruction, a free meal, and childcare.
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Want to get involved?
Explore ways to: volunteer, donate, or partner with the link below:
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Help Our Community Prepare for a Disaster
United Way of the Yampa Valley, in partnership with the American Red Cross, is seeking community members to participate in an Emergency Response Training on March 4th at the Bud Werner Library from 11 am- 5 pm.
One of our goals at United Way is to minimize the impact of disasters and support a swift recovery when emergencies affect the Yampa Valley. To do that, we need trained, prepared volunteers.
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We are looking for one lead/point volunteer and 20 additional volunteers who are willing to:
✔ Complete volunteer applications and online classes
✔ Participate in training on opening and running an emergency shelter
✔ Learn “Stop the Bleed” and hands-only aid (plus additional training options)
✔ Help spread disaster preparedness awareness in your neighborhood
This is a meaningful way to serve your community and be ready when it matters most.
Want to be the Valley's next fully trained Red Cross Volunteer?
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Welcome, Our New Board Member:
Torey Wodnik
Welcome, Torey Wodnik, to the United Way of the Yampa Valley Board of Directors. Torey is the owner of Colorado Event Rentals and CER Linen Service in Steamboat Springs. Her unique skills bring valuable small business leadership and community perspective to UWYV.
Torey understands the workforce and economic challenges facing families and employers in our region. She joins the board with a passion for strengthening connections between businesses, nonprofits, and working households.
Torey will also serve on UWYV’s Donor Engagement Committee, helping grow community support and deepen relationships with our donors.
Learn more about our board of directors, who bring experience and commitment to our Yampa Valley families.
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Financial Confidence Starts Here—WSOP Classes, Meals & Childcare Free!
UWYV’s Western Slope Opportunity Project (WSOP) financial education classes help individuals and families build skills in budgeting, credit, saving, and long-term planning. WSOP classes include free meals and childcare so parents and caregivers can focus on learning without added stress.
Currently, the WSOP program is working alongside the Colorado Office of Just Transition and the State of Colorado to support individuals and families affected by the transition away from coal energy.
WSOP is delivered in partnership with the Community Budget Center, Yampa Valley Bank (Craig), and Love INC.
For questions or to get started, contact:
Angela Modesitt
contractor@unitedwayyv.org
Register for upcoming classes:
https://unitedwayoftheyampavalley.org/wsop
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Spring Financial Literacy
Classes - Sign-up TODAY
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New Grant Alert! CHFA Financial Education Classes Now Available
United Way of the Yampa Valley has been awarded a new grant from the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA) to expand financial education across our region, specifically into Moffat and Rio Blanco Counties.
This initiative will offer Spanish and English budgeting and homebuying education, helping individuals and families strengthen money management skills, prepare for homeownership, build credit, and grow long-term financial confidence.
This program will be delivered in partnership with Yampa Valley Housing Authority and Integrated Community.
Learn more:
https://unitedwayoftheyampavalley.org
For more information, contact:
lindsey@simbeyeconsulting.com
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Turn Skills into Careers! Skilled Trades Scholarships up to $7,500
We are now accepting applications for our Skilled Trades Scholarship Program. We are offering up to $7,500 to support individuals pursuing careers in cosmetology, heavy equipment, carpentry, plumbing, electrical, heavy power equipment, alternative energy, and other high-demand trades.
This program supports youth, coal transition workers, and working adults seeking living wage careers while helping address the region’s shortage of skilled trades professionals. By helping people launch and grow local trades businesses, we increase competition in markets that desperately need more providers, helping drive down construction costs and improve access to essential services across our communities.
This scholarship program is made possible through the generous support of AES Solar and the Corrado Family, whose investments are helping create opportunities for residents across the region.
Apply and learn more:
https://unitedwayoftheyampavalley.org/yampa-valley-skilled-trades-scholarship-program
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Make a difference in your community and Volunteer to be a Financial Literacy Mentor
We are seeking caring community members to serve as mentors for families experiencing financial hardship.
Mentors provide encouragement and accountability as participants complete financial education classes and work toward greater stability. You don’t need to be a financial expert to apply, but you do need to be a caring community member wanting to help.
Learn more about mentoring:
https://unitedwayoftheyampavalley.givepulse.com/event/387166-mentors-needed-financial-literacy-budgeting-class
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Human Resource Coalition Updates:
Routt County HRC
Help us welcome Lindsey Simbeye as facilitator of the Routt County Human Resource Coalition. She will lead the implementation portion of the RC HRC Strategic Plan. The full committee work meeting will take place on Feb. 24 from 2-3:30 pm at the Mountain Valley Bank, Curve location.
For Routt County HRC questions, contact:
Lindsey Simbeye
lindsey@simbeyeconsulting.com
Moffat County HRC
Grant applications for City of Craig and Moffat County funds were due February 1, and results will be announced March 1. Meeting calendar invites will be released soon, with the first meeting being on February 24 at 10:30 am.
Grant details:
https://unitedwayoftheyampavalley.org/grant-applications
For Moffat County HRC questions, contact:
Jamie Miller
mccommunity@unitedwayyv.org
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Turn your side hustle into a small business: Northwest Catalyst Capital Microloan Fund
The Northwest Catalyst Capital Microloan Fund is a regional lending program serving Routt, Moffat, and Rio Blanco counties. This program provides affordable microloans (up to $15,000) to help local entrepreneurs start, expand, or strengthen small businesses.
This program complements United Way’s financial education, mentoring, and Skilled Trades Scholarship efforts by helping residents turn skills into sustainable income. Help us spread the word to grow local businesses to increase wealth for low to moderate-income earners.
Learn more and apply:
https://northwestcolorado.org/business-resources/northwest-catalyst-capital/
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Save the Date: May 20, 2026
Day of Caring brings our community together to support local nonprofits through hands-on service projects across Routt and Moffat counties.
For Routt County Day of Caring questions, contact:
rccommunity@unitedwayyv.org
For Moffat County Day of Caring questions, contact:
mccommunity@unitedwayyv.org
Learn more:
https://unitedwayoftheyampavalley.org/day-of-caring
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