Everyone deserves the opportunity to thrive. That's why United Way mobilizes the caring power of neighbors, businesses, and community partners to lead transformational change here in Kenosha County.
From strengthening local resilience to advancing health, youth opportunity, and financial security, we're working towards a future where everyone can reach their full potential. Join us in Leading the Way to a better future for all.
Your gift makes an impact right here in Kenosha County. In the last year, your donations helped us to:
- Grant over $153,250 to local nonprofits
- Send 640 children free books monthly through the Imagination Library
- Provide 799 hours of literacy support to 99 students in kindergarten through third grade
- Connect 2,170 Kenosha County residents with local resources through IMPACT 211
- Mobilize VITA (Volunteer Tax Assistance Program) volunteers who processed 1,807 tax returns and brought over $1.19 million in refunds to Kenosha County residents
Your donations made all this happen. Imagine what we can do this year! You can change lives right here in Kenosha County through the Kenosha County United Way Campaign. Make your online pledge today.
Health
Kenosha Area Family and Aging Services, Inc. - Meals on Wheels
Kenosha YMCA - Abilities in Motion Adaptive Sports
LGBT Center of SE Wisconsin – Kenosha Youth Program
Shalom Center - Homeless Shelter Program
Sharing Center - Nutrition Program
Catholic Charities - Behavioral Health and Counseling Services
Hope Council – Parenting Time/Supervised Visit
Financial Stability
Asset Builders of America – Kenosha Youth POWER Academy of Finance
Kenosha Human Development Services – Homeless Rapid Rehousing Services
Kenosha Vocational Ministry - Vocational Ministry
Women and Children's Horizons - Legal Advocacy
Women and Children's Horizons - Children’s Services
Education
BeLEAF Survivors - S.C.A.N. Stop Child Abuse and Neglect
Boys and Girls Club of Kenosha - Youth Empowerment
ELCA Outreach Center - Summer Camp
Kenosha Literacy Council - Literacy for Life
Overview:
The Meals on Wheels Program enables the elderly, the sick, and the disabled to remain in their own homes with help from people who care. Through Meals on Wheels, home-delivered meals are provided to persons who are unable to prepare their own meals and are at risk of going to a nursing home. Meals are nutritionally balanced, created for good taste, healthy portions and specific health needs in mind.
Outcomes:
There is a MOW client who calls in about once a month to tell us that she just loves the Meals on Wheels meals. Her name is Evelyn Beranek. She is 92 years old, and She lives alone. Her MOW driver/delivery folks are some of the only people she sees on a regular basis. She’s always so grateful for her meals and the services she gets from KAFASI. Evelyn has told us: “I just want you to know that the meal today was especially delicious! It was pasta and the sauce was so good! It really hit the spot. I’m so thankful for you all. You’re all so nice to me when I call you too.” Evelyn is exactly the kind of person this program matters too most. Not only do we provide daily nutrition, but we are a touchstone for her in the community. She is a precious reminder of why this program is so important.
Overview:
Funds are needed to provide LGBTQ+ Youth Programs that are desperately needed for the residents of the City and County of Kenosha. There is a strong need for youth to connect in person with one another and we want to create more welcoming spaces for that to occur. The needs of our community are too great for us not to stretch, and increase our capacity to serve more people in our community.
Outcomes:
The nearest youth programs are held from our location in Racine through virtual an in-person programming. This new Kenosha program would create an in-person support group, activities like going bowling, playing board games or learning about healthy dating, helping to plan youth events like the Equality Prom or an inter-generational project. The program will create fun and supportive in-person activities for youth ages 14-18.To build networks of support between the Center, youth, parents, schools, and the community. To create an environment where youth can develop social skills, make friends and reduce anxiety, depression, isolation, and self-harm.
Overview:
The Hope Council's Parenting Time program provides monitored, supervised, or therapeutic/supportive visitation services for parents whom the courts have determined must be observed while interacting with their children. Hope Council has provided these services for over 15 years. The agency serves families in the process of divorce, but it also serves those noncustodial parents who have never had relationships with their children as well as those who have charges of abuse and/or neglect stemming from the families being served. The program is open to anyone seeking reunification or visitation access and family services. Typically, women are thought of as custodial parents, but that's not always the case. In fact, in the last year, approximately 65% of noncustodial parents seeking visits with their children at the Hope Council are female. Children served are generally under the age of 13 but there is no age limit. Levels of income vary, as well, though most parents are employed and most live in Kenosha County. Due to the lack of programming available in surrounding counties, about 5% of clients utilizing this service are from Racine/Walworth Counties combined.
Outcomes:
In 2021 Hope Council received 46 application for services through the Parenting Time/Supervised Visitation program. In 2022, Hope Council received 63 applications for services through the Parenting Time/Supervised Visitation program. The need for this program continues to grow and outpace the funding available. The program has greater capacity and can service 50% more families if additional funding was available.