If education, financial stability, and health are the pillars of a good quality of life, then basic needs are the foundation. Without basic needs, kids struggle to focus in school, adults aren't able to be at work consistently, and reaching everyone's full potential is impossible. Together we strive to stabilize lives. 

38%

of households have one or no vehicle

41%

of rented houses within Mower County are considered cost-burdened

SOURCE

United Way of Mower County believes that every individual within Mower County deserves basic needs such as food, shelter, and safety. 

Through 2021 funding...

7,000

individuals received food support

1,500+

community members received advocacy support

success stories.

Immigrant law center of minnesota

"Win Thi Da came to the United States from Burma with her parents and siblings in 2008 because her parents wanted a better future for their family. They first settled in Hartford, Connecticut, but later moved to Mower County, Minnesota because Win’s dad wanted to live somewhere quieter. Win was in her early twenties when they moved.  

After moving to Mower County and having lived in the United States for over 10 years, Win wanted to apply for an N-600 Certificate of Citizenship since her dad naturalized as a U.S. citizen before she turned 18. She heard about the Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota (ILCM) from friends. She contacted our office in 2019, and on the other end of the line was Maylary Apolo. Win said Maylary was very helpful and nice. She appreciated that Maylary regularly checked in with her and let Win know when she received a letter from USCIS confirming Win’s application. 

Funding for N-600 cases is very limited because providing the necessary evidence takes time. However, the grant from UWMC provided us funding for Win’s case. Win received her U.S. citizenship certificate in 2020 with the help of Maylary and Sara Karki, saying they “helped with everything I needed.” Win now has the documents she needs to prove herself a citizen for the rest of her life. Currently, Win Thi Da is a stay-at-home mom. She said her naturalization made her and her family feel secure and safe."

the Salvation army

"Charles was first helped using United Way funds with back rent after losing his job due to COVID 19.   He was working at another job in the meantime but was still unable to get caught up.   The family lost their daycare and were unable to find new daycare for their children. Charles's wife had to stay home instead of working causing the family to lose more income yet.  United Way funds helped the family get current on rent.

Charles had his hours cut at his new job after being there 2 months.  He was still working but the family was getting behind in rent again.  Semcac staff found this out during a case management call which is part of the follow up in our housing program.  Staff referred Charles to our Energy Assistance Program to help with his utility bill and our COVID 19 grant to help with back rent.  Staff  helped him complete the applications for both the grants.  The family was then caught up on their rent again.  During case management, Charles was also referred to another job in town which offered considerably more pay,  steady hours, and good benefits.  His old job had no benefits.  

Thanks to United Way assistance including follow up case management, Charles family was informed of another way to get their rent caught up a second time with COVID 19 funds.  Charles was also encouraged to apply for  better paying, stable employment.  He is now able to keep the rent paid on his own and the family has many new benefits thanks to his new found employment."