United Way of 1000 Lakes

Since 1963,  United Way of 1000 lakes has brought our community together to help individuals and families live healthier, safer, and more prosperous lives. While our strategies have adapted to meet changing needs, our vision has remained steadfast: we aspire to create an Itasca Area where everyone has equitable access to the opportunities and resources they need to reach their full potential.

We focus our work on four key community impact pillars: 

YOUTH OPPORTUNITY / READY KIDS, RESILIENT FAMILIES 
Build resilience by connecting families to early learning, afterschool, and summer programs while supporting parents in fostering healthy child development and stable homes.

1,378+ children were given the support they need to a strong start, while youth were equipped to reach their full potential through United Way-funded programs from January-June 2025.

HEALTHY COMMUNITY / HEALTHY MINDS & BODIES
Improve access to medical and dental care, promote healthy lifestyles, and strengthen social connectedness across all ages.

413+ individuals received health screenings and preventative services through United Way-funded programs from January-June 2025.

FAMILY FINANCIAL STABILITY
Empower households through education, job training, housing support, financial counseling, and essential services that promote long-term independence.

124+ young people and adults participated in financial literacy education, developed economic mobility, and built generational resilience from January-June 2025.

COMMUNITY RESILIENCY / SAFETY NET
Ensuring no one faces hardship alone—connecting people to resources that help them overcome challenges, build brighter futures, and strengthen our community’s ability to respond to any crisis.

2,402 people were connected to resources and support for everyday and unexpected emergencies from January-June 2025.

See how generosity and action are leading change in our community at uwlakes.org/unitedistheway.