A STRONGER COMMUNITY BECAUSE OF YOU
United Way of Mower County (UWMC) concludes its annual campaign raising nearly $1.1M for local nonprofit organizations.
Over 2,500 compassionate individuals, 30 community-minded businesses, and 2 caring foundations - have allowed UWMC to strategically allocate critical funds to 24 nonprofit partners coordinating 38 programs in Mower County. Programs provide services in the areas of Health, Education, Financial Stability, and Basic Needs, and engage community members across all demographics in a variety of settings.
UWMC is committed to investing resources where they are needed most, and we hope that you will see that promise come alive as we report on funded partner impact throughout the next several months. From making sure every student graduates to ensuring no senior citizen is vulnerable and beyond: we know we couldn't tackle these bold goals without you.
Over 2,500 compassionate individuals, 30 community-minded businesses, and 2 caring foundations - have allowed UWMC to strategically allocate critical funds to 24 nonprofit partners coordinating 38 programs in Mower County. Programs provide services in the areas of Health, Education, Financial Stability, and Basic Needs, and engage community members across all demographics in a variety of settings.
UWMC is committed to investing resources where they are needed most, and we hope that you will see that promise come alive as we report on funded partner impact throughout the next several months. From making sure every student graduates to ensuring no senior citizen is vulnerable and beyond: we know we couldn't tackle these bold goals without you.
2020 impact reflection
funded partner success stories
LIFE MOWER COUNTY - OUR PLACE RECREATION CENTER
"TW is a 20-year-old young woman who has Down Syndrome. She lives with her mother in Austin. She has been a member since the 10th grade but didn't attend a lot of programming because she was busy with school. After graduating high school last year her mom was having some behavioral issues with her. When TW started participating in our Virtual Programs in May 2020 she has since participated in 50 virtual programs including crafts, bingo, trivia, game night, and more. TW has set reminders on her cell phone for each virtual program so she doesn’t miss anything. TW’s mom has told us that she has seemed much happier since having a purpose to get up each day. Her mother quoted, "If it wasn’t for your virtual programs, TW wouldn’t be able to see her friends and have a social life". "
ADAMS AREA AMBULANCE
"With our continued funding for up to date training, we are able to keep our members fully trained in CPR and First Aid. On July 3rd 2020, My partner and I were providing coverage for the Stock Car Races in Lansing, MN, in case there was a need for First Aid. Towards the end of the night, frantic spectators and employees began running towards our truck crying and screaming for help. As I grabbed our emergency response bag and AED and ran towards the grandstands, I noticed in the darkness an individual lying on the ground with bystanders performing CPR.
When I got to the Patients side, I noticed that the individual was not breathing and did not have a pulse. I advised the bystander to continue with CPR, while my partner placed the AED pads on the patients chest. After the AED completed analyzing for heart rhythm, the AED stated "shock advised". A shock was then administered with the AED. I then took over with chest compressions for 2 minutes. The AED again analyzed the heart rhythm, with another shock advised. A second shock was delivered to the patient, with CPR continued after the shock. My partner then began CPR, after about the fourth compression of the chest the patient reached up and grabbed her arm
When I got to the Patients side, I noticed that the individual was not breathing and did not have a pulse. I advised the bystander to continue with CPR, while my partner placed the AED pads on the patients chest. After the AED completed analyzing for heart rhythm, the AED stated "shock advised". A shock was then administered with the AED. I then took over with chest compressions for 2 minutes. The AED again analyzed the heart rhythm, with another shock advised. A second shock was delivered to the patient, with CPR continued after the shock. My partner then began CPR, after about the fourth compression of the chest the patient reached up and grabbed her arm
CPR was then stopped and the patient was then checked for a pulse, with a faint pulse the patient was starting to breath on his own and was becoming more alert. By the time the ambulance and officers arrived on scene, the patient was alert and trying to speak. The patient was then transported to Mayo Clinic Health Systems in Austin, and flown to Saint Mary's in Rochester. The patient was given an implanted pacemaker and was released from the hospital four days later and was back out at the race track that Friday night."
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.
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."
PARENTING RESOURCE CENTER - CATHERWOOD HOME CHILD CARE
"Our Parent Educator met an incarcerated parent while providing parent education at the Mower County jail. Upon being released, she sought services from the PRC including assistance with our diaper program, Helping Homes, and referrals to other social service agencies for housing and mental health. With an incarcerated boyfriend, she was a single mother with goals of moving her family to a house that was free of bed bugs, with proper furniture, mental health treatment for herself and her children, and stable employment. Once she found stable employment she enrolled her children at Catherwood and has received financial assistance through the United Way Scholarship.
She has stated that she has such pride in being able to provide for her family and pay her bills on time, something that was a struggle for her in the past. She works second shift, so had it not been for Catherwood, she might not have been able to accept the employment, or accepted but placed her children in an unlicensed childcare. We have maintained a relationship with this mother and at times seeks out services from other PRC programs aside from childcare, such as when she tested positive for Covid-19 and we assisted her by delivering groceries to her home. We also helped her furnish her new home by seeking donations from community members, and we truly believe we've played a significant role in providing stability for her and her children.
She has stated that she has such pride in being able to provide for her family and pay her bills on time, something that was a struggle for her in the past. She works second shift, so had it not been for Catherwood, she might not have been able to accept the employment, or accepted but placed her children in an unlicensed childcare. We have maintained a relationship with this mother and at times seeks out services from other PRC programs aside from childcare, such as when she tested positive for Covid-19 and we assisted her by delivering groceries to her home. We also helped her furnish her new home by seeking donations from community members, and we truly believe we've played a significant role in providing stability for her and her children.
For a community to be great, it has to be great for everyone, and your generosity fuels solutions that improve lives and lift the communities we serve. Sometimes you feel like one person standing alone against significant challenges. However, thousands share your vision for the future and are ready to act alongside you – that's the power of collective impact.
When you give to United Way of Mower County, you're not just giving to a good cause, you're causing something good to happen. As a UWMC supporter, the lives you impact may be those of a neighbor, friend, or even a family member. Whether in day-to-day activities or times of crisis, the impact is real. We are proud of the work that we've done and will remain United as we forge ahead. On behalf of the people who and organizations that will be impacted by your support, thank you for creating opportunities and inspiring hope for a brighter future.
When you give to United Way of Mower County, you're not just giving to a good cause, you're causing something good to happen. As a UWMC supporter, the lives you impact may be those of a neighbor, friend, or even a family member. Whether in day-to-day activities or times of crisis, the impact is real. We are proud of the work that we've done and will remain United as we forge ahead. On behalf of the people who and organizations that will be impacted by your support, thank you for creating opportunities and inspiring hope for a brighter future.