Staying healthy both physically and mentally is essential to living a great life. Without good health, people face roadblocks around employment and education and are unable to become their best selves. Healthy communities are strong communities, so we must work to improve health and wellbeing county-wide. 
United Way of Mower County is fighting to improve the health for every individual within our community. UWMC is strengthening Mower County through our funded partners. 
Examples of Impact in 2025...

12,900+

interactions with individuals being served through health care services

1,700+

interactions of children receiving dental treatment at low or no cost

success stories:

Children's Dental Health Services - Happy Healthy Teeth
In early 2025, seven-year-old “Maya,” a first-grade student in Mower County, was seen during a Children’s Dental Health Services (CDHS) school-based dental clinic. What began as a routine screening revealed multiple untreated cavities and ongoing tooth pain. Her teacher noted that Maya often struggled to concentrate, avoided eating at school, and appeared withdrawn due to discomfort.

Maya’s family faced significant barriers to care. They did not have dental insurance, reliable transportation, or an established dental provider. Like many working families in the community, Maya’s mother had delayed dental care, hoping the pain would resolve. Navigating referrals, costs, and time away from work felt overwhelming, and Maya’s anxiety around dental visits continued to grow.
Through CDHS’s school-based program, Maya received immediate preventive care in a familiar, supportive environment. CDHS staff then coordinated her referral for restorative treatment at the CDHS Austin clinic. Appointments were scheduled locally, reminders were provided, and staff supported the family throughout the process—removing many of the obstacles that had previously prevented follow-through.

Within a few months, Maya completed all recommended dental treatment and was no longer in pain. Her teacher noticed improved focus and participation in class, and her family shared that mealtimes and sleep had improved at home. Maya became more confident and comfortable, no longer fearful of dental visits.

Maya’s mother described the experience as a turning point for their family. She expressed gratitude for a program that met them where they were and treated them with compassion and dignity. Maya’s story demonstrates how CDHS’s community-based approach—supported by United Way—helps children overcome barriers to care, restore health, and move forward with confidence.
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 - Children's Dental Health Services
Wagon Wheels HUB - Equine therapeutic riding
Our focus is on how riding a horse can help an individual with a disability maintain their physical flexibility.
Caleb is a young man with a disease that is taking his mobility.
Mom was concerned about how he would mount a horse. Our riding ramp with the mounting block allows us to help him mount with the assistance of four trained volunteers.

This is Caleb's story in his words:
"What Therapeutic Riding does for me by Caleb Middleton.

Keeps my legs going. I have bad legs and every time I ride Poppy my legs feel stronger.
Even though I need assistance to mount and dismount, it gives me a feeling of accomplishment to be able to ride a horse.
Sometimes when I hang out with Poppy and he senses something isn't right with me, he responds in a gentle way.
After riding I have time to brush and talk to Poppy, he is a horse version of me.
Spending time at the farm brings back good memories of my childhood."
Caleb rides once a week. When he first started riding he was done after 15 minutes. When we quite for the year in October he was riding for the full 45 minutes.
His mom is always watching and is impressed by how well he rides and that he can ride for the full 45 minutes.
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- Wagon Wheels HUB

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