United Way empowers people to become financially independent so that our entire community can thrive. Those living in financially unstable homes frequently struggle when it comes to other foundational basic needs. Without a stable income, people can find themselves falling behind rather than moving forward. 
Through funded partners, United Way of Mower County has achieved measurable success by putting individuals and families on the road to financial security. 
Examples of Impact in 2025...

250+

individuals face fewer barriers on their path to financial stability

120+

children received financial assistance for child care

success stories:

Cedar Valley Services - Community & Supported Employment
Christopher "Chris" is a 44-year-old gentleman. He has an extensive work history. Prior to 2020, when in lived in the Mankato area, he had been competitively employed at a variety of businesses for short periods of time. Due to various reasons and lack of support, Chris would lose a job, get hired, lose that job which resulted in a lack of success and frustration for Chris with competitive employment. This also took a toll on his mental health. He began getting employment support through MRCI in Mankato where he worked on work crews, did recycling work, worked on a crew at Alumacraft , and stickered markers. Then the pandemic occurred and Chris became unemployed. He had a desire to move to Austin to live closer to some of his family.

This past summer his desire to move to Austin came true. Chris specifically requested to be referred to Cedar Valley Services in the area of community and supported employment. He wanted to work on a janitorial crew in order to gain work skills and have the support of CVS job coaching. His job with CVS is he works with a crew and 6 co-workers who clean local businesses. He will sweep floors, mops floors, vacuums, operates a floor scrubber machine, empties garbage cans, and cleans bathrooms. Chris is very skilled. He desires to improve his work skills and ethics in order to eventually obtain another competitive job with the help and long-term support from Cedar Valley Services.

​Chris has expressed he is very family driven therefore this was his desire to move to Austin. He states he enjoys being "back in the swing of things" to help his family financially. Chris expressed his mental health has really improved since working in the Austin area and with the employment support from Cedar Valley Services.
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- Cedar Valley Services, Inc.
Wee Learning Center - Child Care Scholarships

A family enrolled at Wee Learning during the current year faced multiple challenges upon relocating to the area. The parent was navigating significant financial hardship, limited access to transportation, and delays in county assistance due to their recent move. Basic needs such as consistent childcare, food security, diapers, and access to services were difficult to meet. The child also required additional developmental and educational support, while the family was simultaneously managing a complex medical situation that remains under investigation.
Wee Learning worked closely with the family to ensure stability and access to care. The child was enrolled in the program, and when county assistance was delayed, Wee Learning provided temporary financial support by covering three months of childcare costs until benefits were approved.

Through an in-depth intake interview, the director gained a fuller understanding of the family’s circumstances and were able to coordinate additional supports. Wee Learning collaborated with the county to secure long-term placement assistance, helped connect the child to public school preschool services, and arranged transportation through Palmer busing due to the parent’s inability to drive.

The program also provided tangible support for basic needs, including food and diapers, and offered parent training and ongoing guidance. Staff continued to walk alongside the family during a challenging medical process, offering emotional support and help navigating systems of care.

As a result of these coordinated supports, the family experienced increased stability and access to essential services. The child demonstrated tremendous growth socially, emotionally, and developmentally while consistently attending care. The parent gained a better understanding of available resources, improved confidence in advocating for their child, and strengthened parenting skills through training and ongoing support.
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Overall, the family moved from a state of crisis and uncertainty to one of greater stability, connection, and hope. Wee Learning’s relationship-based approach and wraparound support played a critical role in helping this family overcome barriers and access the services needed for long-term success.
- Wee Learning Center

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