United Way of Olmsted County’s board of directors recently approved grants to improve local individuals’ and families’ quality of life. United Way will invest $1,070,000 from July 2023 – June 2024, with $70,000 of the grants going directly to programs and agencies in Dodge County.
These grants will support 15 local nonprofit programs and agencies that provide essential services to residents of Dodge County. Some of the services that will be funded include hot meals, rent assistance, early learning scholarships, senior independence services, disability support services, peer support for addiction recovery and youth programming.
“These investments in local programs are critical for supporting education, health and financial stability, which are the building blocks of a good quality of life,” said Emily Johnston, Vice President of Impact and Engagement at United Way of Olmsted County. “We understand that many families are feeling the pinch of inflation right now, and our community is also facing a lack of affordable child care and eldercare options. So, we must invest in these essential support systems to ensure that all people in Dodge County can access the resources they need to thrive.”
United Way strives to be a stable income source so nonprofit partners can focus on people and services. These investments in local programs are made possible by donors, volunteers and advocates throughout Olmsted and Dodge counties. Last year, more than 7,000 individuals donated to United Way. “As a community, we have a long history of caring for one another, and that’s part of what makes Dodge and Olmsted counties a great place to live and raise a family,” said United Way President Jerome Ferson. “People in Olmsted and Dodge counties share the value of coming together to support their neighbors. We all want to live in communities where individuals and families have what they need to reach their potential. That’s what living United is all about.”
As of Jan. 1, 2023, United Way of Olmsted County now serves communities across both Olmsted and Dodge counties. United Way will continue to honor donors’ intentions by directing donations to local communities. Campaign pledges from workplaces in Dodge County and individual contributions solicited by mail from Dodge County households will be directed to programs and operations supporting Dodge County residents; the same is true for Olmsted County.
Dodge County Partners Receiving Funds
- Ability Building Community
- The Arc Minnesota Southeast Region
- Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southern Minnesota
- Catholic Charities of Southern MN
- Dodge County D.A.R.E.
- Faith in Action
- Family Service
- Healthy Smiles
- Infants Remembered in Silence
- Ironwood Springs
- National Alliance on Mental Illness – Southeast Minnesota
- Recovery is Happening
- RideAbility
- SEMCAC
- The Women’s Shelter & Support Center
To see a full list of Olmsted County grant recipients, visit www.uwolmsted.org.