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.
United Way of Mower County believes that every individual within Mower County deserves basic needs such as food, shelter, and safety.
Through 2019 funding...
success stories.
Immigrant law center of minnesota
"Sow came to the United States in March 2018 from a Karenni refugee camp in Thailand. This was after three years of working to be approved through the refugee resettlement program. After completing a very long process, Sow found out that he was approved to come to the United States. “When I left Thailand, I already knew I was coming to Austin,” he said. He came knowing he had relatives, friends, and Karenni community to look forward to there. He first connected with ILCM through his involvement with the Welcome Center.
Currently, Sow and his family are working with an ILCM staff member to adjust their status to that of Lawful Permanent Residents. Sow is very grateful for all the support he’s received so far and is excited for the future in the United States.“We came here to get an education, to have a better future for us and for our kids and grand-kids, and hopefully to use that knowledge to give back to the community both here and back home,” he said. Sow Reh envisions a long future for himself and his family in the United States."
the Salvation army
"Jane and Bob are a couple in their late 20's and were expecting a baby in June 2019. For almost a year they had been homeless, moving from a friend's home to a relative's home. Spending just a few days at each place, not to wear out their welcome. As Jane's pregnancy progressed, they became tired of their situation and desired for a place of their own. Bob had just started employment in February, so paying a deposit, first month's rent and utility deposit just wasn't possible.
In March they found a place to rent and met with our caseworker. At the meeting, they showed that they had paid the deposit and had a plan to pay the utility deposit by the April 1st move in date. The Salvation Army paid the first month's rent and they were able to get moved in and settled before their daughter was born in June. Bob is still employed at his job and they are still living in their place today."
