In early April, the Board of United Way of Whitewater Valley announced grantees for the 2025-2026 grant cycle. These community grants are fueled by the generosity of our community and directed toward shared community aspirations for Wayne and Union Counties. They are aligned with United Way’s focus on creating youth opportunity, healthy community, and financial stability. A total of $75,000 was awarded to 23 community partners.
These grants complement other United Way investments in mental health this year, including $50K for Stride Center, TBRI training (valued at $27,500), and More Than Words.
childhood and youth success
United is the Way to Youth Opportunity.
Together, United Way and its community partners help young people realize their potential. We recognize that learning begins in the home, and parents are a child’s first teachers. Early reading, science, and math skills are enhanced by a strong parent bond and parental involvement throughout a child’s school years. Throughout school, after school, and during summer programs, youth build skills, get career ready, and get involved in their community. The work of these partners weaves opportunities together and builds upon United Way’s signature initiatives (like More Than Words) and direct programs (like CANstruction).
Childhood Success: $25,000 Awarded
Youth Success: $21,850 Awarded
- Oak Park Early Learning Academy: Oak Park Childcare Fund
- Richmond Family YMCA: Childcare Scholarship Assistance
- Brighter Path, Inc: Scholarship Program for Equine Therapy
- Birth to Five: Parents as Teachers
- Every Child Can Read: K-Ready
- Community Care: Let’s Grow, Let’s Learn
- Communities in Schools: Read, Set, Grow
- Richmond Parks Department: J.U.K.O. Rocks summer camp
- Girls, Inc of Wayne County: Media Literacy
- Boys & Girls Club: Project Learn SEL
- Amigos Latino Center: LatinX Leadership
- Junior Achievement: Pathways to Employability Wayne and Union Counties
- Natco Community Empowerment Center: Biz Kids
access to health
United is the Way to Healthy Community.
Together, United Way and its grantees are improving health and well-being for all. Whether meeting a baby’s most basic need for diapers, empowering kids to speak up when they are in danger, supporting those that face challenges associated with disabilities and substance use, or ensuring access to healthy food and outdoor recreation, these partners come together to weave a network of support that empowers members of our community at every stage of their life. Their work builds upon United Way’s direct programs focused on mental well-being, including Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) education.
Access to Health: $21,150 Awarded
- Community Care: Diaper Bank
- JACY House: Child Safety Matters / Teen Safety Matters
- Achieva Resources: Guardianship Program
- Sunrise, Inc.: EAAT (Equine Assisted Activities & Therapies)
- Bridges for Life: Recover Together
- Gateway Hunger Relief: Food Pantry
- Union County Public Library: Community Food Program
- Junction of College Corner: Play in the Park summer camp
economic mobility
United is the Way to Financial Security.
Together, United Way and its community partners are creating a stronger financial future for every generation. Connecting families with everyday support like utility assistance and transportation assistance enables every member of our community to feel more stable and to connect with work. These partners align with United Way’s focus on struggling families that may not qualify for public assistance, those that are Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed (ALICE).
Economic Mobility: $7,000 Awarded
- Natco Community Empowerment Center: Employment Barrier Reduction Fund
- Open Arms Ministries: Basic Needs Support
