United is the way we came together in Glenwood on November 18th, 2025, to celebrate a year of impact, thank our donors, sponsors, and volunteers, support local families, and pack 1,000 weekend meal bags for students through the Backpack Attack program.
This annual luncheon brought the community together to recognize the challenges that many of our neighbors face, especially those living as ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed). These are working households who earn above the federal poverty level but struggle to meet basic needs. We shared how, through United Way programs and partnerships, families receive resources that offer stability and support during difficult times.
United Way Lakes and Prairie strengthens our region through four key impact areas: Healthy Community, Youth Opportunity, Financial Security, and Community Resiliency. At the event we shared the snapshot of our goals and some of the work being done in each.
HEALTHY COMMUNITY
Goal
Improving health and well-being for all.
Focus Areas
Mental health support, nutrition, and food security.
Last year, because of you
More than 750 children received Backpack Attack and Feeding Backpack meals each week across our region.
120 Pope County families and 240 Douglas County families received support through monthly Food Drops.
YOUTH OPPORTUNITY
Goal
Helping young people realize their full potential.
Focus Areas
Family engagement, literacy development, childcare and early childhood education, in-school and after-school learning, summer enrichment, and college and career readiness.
Last year, because of you
More than 1,000 students received backpacks to start their school year with confidence through the Stuff the Bus program.
This summer we expanded our Traveling Tree House program to 13 parks, and through 10 themed weeks, saw an average of 170 children attend each week.
FINANCIAL SECURITY
Goal
Creating a stronger financial future for every generation.
Focus Areas
Financial education and coaching, adult education and job training, career pathways, homelessness prevention, affordable housing, and home ownership.
Last year, because of you
More than 1,000 individuals received Warm Winter Wear through our Warm Winter Wear program.
47 participants were supported through Work United to gain and maintain employment, being offered job training, resume building support, transportation, clothing, and tools needed to maintain and obtain employment.
COMMUNITY RESILIENCY
Goal
Addressing urgent needs today for a better tomorrow.
Focus Areas
Emergency preparedness, crisis support, disaster relief, and environmental stewardship.
Last year, because of you
More than 1,000 calls were made to the 211 United Way Helpline in our region, connecting people to resources for housing, utilities, mental health, legal and public safety, and food.
Twenty agencies received a total of 38 United Way grants across our region.
Special thanks to Lakeside for hosting this year’s event, Massman Companies and Sanford Health for sponsoring the event, and Eagle Bank for helping to set up the packing stations. We’re grateful to Minnewaska Schools for their partnership in bringing the program directly to students in their district, and to American Business Solutions for delivering the packed meal bags to schools after the event. Also HUGE thank you to every guest who joined us and to the many businesses that continue to stand with us in our mission to mobilize the community. Your support helps create stronger, more resilient communities and supports our goal that United is the way we will continue to create a thriving community - one where everyone has the opportunities and resources to thrive.
To view our 2024-2025 impact work, Click Here To View Our Annual Report
To view our event photos: Click Here To View Event Photos
