Empowering Early Literacy. Building Brighter Futures.

Women United is a group of local women who are passionate about creating a stronger, healthier future for children in our communities. Through leadership, philanthropy, and service, this group supports early childhood education and literacy initiatives that make a lasting impact on families in Otter Tail and Wadena Counties.

At the heart of their work is a commitment to early literacy. Women United raises funds to support programs like Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, which provides free, high-quality, age-appropriate books to children from birth to age five. Books are mailed directly to the child’s home, helping families build home libraries and spark a lifelong love of reading. This program is available to all families, regardless of income, ensuring more children grow up with access to the stories and vocabulary they need to thrive.

The need is urgent. In 2023, only 52.6% of third graders in Otter Tail County and 37.3% in Wadena County met reading benchmarks. Early exposure to books can change that. Imagination Library encourages daily reading, improves school readiness, and helps close literacy gaps before children even start kindergarten.

Women United also helps bring the Prescription for Reading Program to life in partnership with local healthcare providers. This initiative makes books and literacy promotion a standard part of pediatric visits from birth to age five. By connecting families with books during wellness visits, doctors can reinforce the importance of reading early and often.

Together, Women United is helping turn the page for our youngest community members - one book at a time.

Your Role in Women United:

  • Be educated on issues in United Way’s key focus areas by attending Women United events and reading Women United newsletters and email communication
  • Be an ambassador for United Way to women in the community by attending events and inviting your network of friends and colleagues
  • Be an advocate for United Way by engaging in decision makers and policy leaders in the community

Contact Us To Learn More About Becoming A Women United Member

Photo of our Women United and United Way team taken at our Women United Gala April 2025.