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. 

79.8%

of adults (age 16-64) are working

12.7%

of Mower County residents live below the poverty line

SOURCE

Through funded partners, United Way of Mower County has achieved measurable success by putting individuals and families on the road to financial stability. 

Through 2022 funding...

500+

individuals face fewer barriers on their path to financial stability

96

community members increased their financial literary skills

success stories.

Workforce Development, Inc. - ​Community and Supported Employment

"Rose was referred to Cedar Valley Services through Vocation Rehabilitation Services office in May of 2022. Rose was referred for CVS to assist Rose with finding a competitive job. She was currently working on the CVS community based janitorial crew when she was referred by Vocational Rehabilitation Services. Rose has worked with CVS throughout the years working no various Community and Supported Employment jobs in the areas of dishwashing, prepping and maintaining a dining room in a cafeteria type setting, performing janitorial duties, and working in a laundry setting.

Rose worked with the Designated Employment Specialist to find a job in which she could utilize her skills and would fit her interest. Rose started her employment path by completing an internship at The Hormel Institute University of Minnesota, as a laboratory attendant with the Research Support Department team on June 8, 2022. The internship was made possible through a partnership with the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development  (DEED) program and the MN Vocational and Rehabilitation Services. The Designated Employment Specialist attended orientation with Rose and also did job coaching with Rose on 4 of her work days to teach Rose the skills she needed in order to be successful with learning her new job.

Rose’s job duties include sanitizing and sterilizing components and equipment, cleaning and sanitizing research support areas, setting up components for the department to use, and assisting her fellow coworkers when time permits. Her main duties involve racking/loading used components and equipment into a large washer. When the washer cycle is done, she unloads the components and equipment and stores them for future use. She also sets up autoclave loads to help her fellow coworkers. Rose has assigned support areas that she oversees cleaning each day.

After her internship was completed, Rose, on 8/9/22, was hired as a temporary laboratory attendant position. The Designated Employment Specialist assisted Rose with orientation by attending the orientation day with Rose, The Designated Employment Specialist also assists Rose when she has training she needs to do on the computer. Rose was finally hired in a permanent position at The Hormel Institute.

As stated by Rose’s supervisor, she is a great help to the rest of the team. Rose is, friendly, and a great asset to the team. Rose, when asked why she likes working at The Hormel Institute stated, “I like to meet new people and help the people at the Institute”"

Apple Lane Child care Center

"A child, age 4-years-old, began out program and through staff observations and assessment the child was identified in needing additional services to help support his learning development. Staff referred the child in partnership with Help Me Grow and Austin Public Schools. The child went through additional assessment and evaluation and is now receiving additional services as he was diagnosed with a learning disability.

If this child was not enrolled in our program, his diagnoses may have went unnoticed and the child would  not be in additional programming in partnership with Apple Lane. The child is getting extra support services so he can increase his abilities and successes."

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