Recent News & Happenings

One gift. One community. A network of support.

Throughout September, we’ve been connecting with businesses, workplaces, partner agencies, and community members. Now, as October begins, we’re taking our annual campaign community-wide.

See what happens when our community comes together.

United Way brings together people, organizations, resources, and local data to help strengthen a network that responds to the changing needs of Ellis County. Your investment helps make that possible, supporting more than 20 local programs and impact projects while strengthening the connections and partnerships behind them.

Now we’re asking you to take your place in the network.

Make a gift to United Way. Share our campaign posts and help us tell the story. Talk with your friends, neighbors, and coworkers about the work happening across Ellis County. Volunteer. Get your workplace involved. Help someone else understand that one gift to United Way becomes part of something much bigger.

October is our month to come together. Whether you give, share, volunteer, connect, or simply help spread the word, you can help strengthen the network of support for Ellis County.

Let’s see what we can do together.

GIVE TODAY

United Is The Way™

We kicked off Homecoming parade season with an incredible crew of volunteers, friends, partner agencies, and some of our littlest United Way supporters!

And we’re not done yet.

With two more Homecoming parades ahead, we’ll be back on the parade route spreading the word about our campaign and celebrating the community we’re working together to strengthen.

Come see us on the bricks downtown October 3 at 11:00 am for FHSU Homecoming and October 9 at 5:30 pm for TMP Homecoming.

Keep an eye out for the United Way crew, give us a wave, and help us spread the word!

Why This Work Matters

A recent local news story highlighted what families and nonprofit organizations across Ellis County are experiencing firsthand: rising costs are putting greater pressure on working households, while local organizations are seeing more families turn to them for support.

Data helps us understand what’s happening. Stories help us understand why it matters. And a strong network helps us respond.

39% of Ellis County households live below the ALICE Threshold.

This includes households living in poverty and households that are ALICE® (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed), earning above the Federal Poverty Level but still unable to afford the basics.

READ THE FULL STORY

FHSU 310 - Meet the Team

We’re excited to welcome four FHSU Leadership 310 students who will be working alongside United Way of Ellis County on our ALICE Data Walk initiative this semester!

Together, they’ll help bring local ALICE data beyond the numbers, creating opportunities for our community to better understand the realities facing working households and helping us gather community perspectives along the way.

We’re grateful to have Kiera Dealy, Elizabeth Dreiling, Alyssa Marley, and Carsen Riat bringing their time, talents, ideas, and energy to this work.

There’s a place for everyone in strengthening the network, and we’re glad they’ve found theirs!

Reality U VOLUNTEERS Needed November 4 & 5

We are proud to bring back Reality U as part of our financial security initiatives. Reality U is a hands-on money simulation that shows students real-world financial scenarios. They budget for life expenses like housing, childcare, insurance, transportation and utility bills based on a life scenario determined by their goals and GPA.

Volunteers help students think through their financial choices and pay bills at each station.

Events:

November 4: Hays High School

November 5: TMP with Victoria & Ellis

Multiple sessions are available for volunteers.

Details and signup link can be found on our events page: www.liveunited.us/events

United Is The Way to build a stronger financial future for every generation! Your investment in United Way of Ellis County strengthens financial security programs such as Reality U.

Did You Miss a Previous Issue?

If you are looking for past newsletters, you can catch up anytime!

Past United Way of Ellis County newsletters are available on our website. Read previous editions, see what we’ve been up to, and share the latest with someone who wants to stay connected to our work.

VIEW & SHARE OUR NEWSLETTERS

CARE Council Funding Applications Open October 1

Ellis County nonprofit organizations are invited to apply for 2027 community funding beginning October 1.

Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations providing services in Ellis County may apply for funding through the CARE Council process.

The CARE Council is made up of 12 appointed community volunteers who review applications and make funding recommendations for United Way of Ellis County funds, City of Hays social service and alcohol tax funds, and Ellis County alcohol tax funds.

Applications open October 1 and are due November 15.

[LEARN MORE & APPLY]

Give Fest October 7

We’re excited to be part of Heartland Give Fest again this year!

On October 7, you can make a gift to our permanent fund through Heartland Give Fest. Your gift not only helps provide ongoing support for our mission, but it can also receive a match of up to 100%, giving us additional funds we can use right away.

Every gift makes a difference, and we are so grateful for your support!

Donate online at HeartlandGiveFest.org on October 7 or come see us at the Hays Rec Center. The event runs from 9:00 am - 6:00 pm.