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. 

1 in 9

Mower County residents have a disability

1 in 10

Mower County residents are food insecure
 SOURCE                                                                                                                                      SOURCE  
United Way of Mower County believes that every individual within Mower County deserves basic needs such as food, shelter, and safety. 
Examples of Impact in 2024...

13,000+

individuals received food support

1,700+

community members received advocacy support

success stories.

YMCA - Teen Center
Since becoming a regular at the Teen Center, Trapper has experienced a significant transformation. He has formed meaningful connections with other participants and staff members, making him feel valued and appreciated. Trapper’s favorite activities, such as playing ping pong, playing Uno, and going to the gym, have brought him joy and helped him become more active. He has said that spending time with the staff and fellow ‘uno-ers’ make him feels like he matters.
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Before joining the Teen Center, Trapper’s after-school routine consisted mainly of going home and feeling unmotivated. However, everything changed when he discovered the Teen Center through his school friends. Trapper was intrigued and decided to give it a try.
Through his involvement at the Teen Center, Trapper has developed the courage to make friends and build lasting relationships. He credits the program for helping him grow personally and fostering a sense of belonging. The staff, who genuinely care for the well-being of the participants, have had a profound impact on Trapper’s life.

The Teen Center has positively affected the community by bringing people together and encouraging friendships. As Trapper shares, "I think [the Teen Center] made an impact by people coming here and making friends." Trapper’s experience is a testament to the Teen Center's importance in nurturing connections and supporting youth development.

Trapper’s time at the Teen Center has inspired him to set a future goal of working here, as he strongly believes in its mission to help kids connect and make friends. He confidently recommends the Teen Center to other youth in the community, emphasizing that it provides a safe and welcoming environment for those who struggle to make friends.

Trapper’s journey from feeling lonely and unmotivated to developing courage, making friends, and finding purpose demonstrates the transformative power of the Teen Center and its positive influence on the community's youth.
SEmcac - Housing Payment Assisntance
Lisa left an abusive relationship and became homeless - she and her daughter would live in their vehicle during warmer months and in the colder months Lisa would have her daughter spend time with her parents or friends. Her parents live an hour away from Austin so most of her money went to gas for the vehicle, driving back and forth to get her daughter to school here in Mower County. She could never manage to save enough money for a deposit and first month's rent. Being homeless for over a year worsened her anxiety to the point she was not able to move forward with her life.

Semcac was contacted by a local mental health agency assisting Lisa and her daughter in a housing search. The case manager explained what was needed to assist with deposit and first month's rent. Once housing was secured, they could set up an appointment with Semcac. The case manager gave the mental health worker the names of a few landlords to call to see if there were openings. Housing was found within a week, and an appointment was scheduled to meet with the client and her worker. We paid the deposit and first month's rent using the local United Way grant.

Lisa and her daughter were able to move into the two- bedroom house the day after meeting with Semcac staff. They now have stable housing for the first time in over a year.
Lisa no longer has to drive more than an hour to take her daughter to school daily.

Client quote: "We have a home thanks to Semcac. We'd still be in my vehicle and couch hopping if not for the grant money used to help house us.​"

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