United Way of Greater Kansas City

Get ready to deck the halls with KC Current pride! ???? Stay tuned next week for an exciting holiday surprise to rep your favorite team in style! #KansasCity #KCCurrent

Falling temperatures increase worry for many families across our region. Utility assistance is continually a top driver of calls to 211, our 24/7 resource and referral service, with 83,000+ requests for help last year. That’s why United Way of Greater Kansas City is always looking for real-time solutions to provide new means of utility relief. This summer, in partnership with major utility providers including Evergy and Spire, we launched the Critical Medical Needs Program. It aims to prevent disconnection and/or restore services for households with individuals facing serious health issues. To date, $55,000+ of relief has been delivered. One of the individuals benefiting from that help, Susan of Kansas City, Mo., is sharing her story and gratitude for how your generosity makes a difference: I clean several churches for a living. One day, I was headed to one of churches, just minding my business, when another car just came through the stop sign and hit me and smashed up my car. Then he took off. Thank God I was okay. But I started to panic because I knew my car was probably totaled. That car was the only way I could get to each one of the churches and to all of my doctors’ appointments on time without having to walk really far to a bus stop. I remembered my buddy had a bicycle sitting in their garage, so I called them up and asked if I could borrow it so I’d have some way to get to work. I have asthma and COPD, so biking was really hard, especially when it was really hot and humid this summer. I had to go 10 miles one way to get to the closest church I clean. I was using my rescue inhaler a lot more, which you can only fill that so often. I quit smoking, and it's made a difference. But with all the bike riding, it wasn’t quite enough. With all the hours I lost at work, I didn’t have the same kind of money coming in. I couldn’t keep up with the bills. I was really starting to panic, especially about the electricity. If they shut it off, I wouldn’t make it long without air conditioning. I was telling my social worker at the doctor’s office about all this and she is just awesome. She connected me to you guys at United Way. My full bill, everything that I owed, was taken care of. You guys came along at a miraculous time when I was out of options. You saved me. To say thank you seems inadequate. You don’t realize how important a little air conditioner or heat is until you get sick and can’t function without it. For anyone who’s supported this program, I am so grateful.

‘Tis the season to give back! Volunteer spots for Seasons of Giving are filling fast—sign up today to spread holiday cheer! We still have spots for the following opportunities: ?? Cross-Lines Community Outreach Restock and clean the Community Market food pantry. ??Metro Lutheran Ministry: Assist clients at the Christmas Store. ?? First Call : Pack hygiene kits. ??Synergy Services Set up the Youth Campus annual Holiday Store. ?? Kanbe's Markets Sort produce for area food pantries. Invite a friend and sign up now at BIT.LY/SEASONS2024 #KansasCity #Volunteer #SeasonsofGiving

“Nothing done in recovery is done alone,” shares Erin Hestand, Adult Empowerment Manager at Amethyst Place. “In recovery, it’s really important that you help build healthier relationships within a community of like-minded people that want the same thing.” Discover how Amethyst Place empowers individuals through the community on their path to substance use recovery. Read more on our blog: https://buff.ly/3Yucpj4

Wishing KC Current the best of luck in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) semifinals tomorrow! Let’s bring it home! #KCCurrent #KCBABY #TealTime

We couldn't do our work without amazing partners like Health Forward Foundation. Their workplace campaign included an Impact Bus Tour with stops at Sheffield Place, Hope House, and Reconciliation Services, and a Lunch and Learn event complete with a puzzle competition. Thanks to Lydia W. and Keonna Baldwin for their incredible campaign support!

We love seeing young women from Kansas City Public Schools and North Kansas City Schools exploring STEM careers in sports, thanks to the support of partners like KC Current and Google. Here’s to more pathways for future leaders! #STEM #KansasCity

From housing help to health resources, United Way 211 Community Resource Navigators were there for Kansas City in October! Check out the month’s highlights and how 211 makes a difference every day. Read more in our blog: https://buff.ly/4evWdDI

Spread some holiday cheer this season by volunteering! ?? Whether you’re wrapping gifts, sorting donations, or packing care kits, our Seasons of Giving volunteer events will make the season brighter for all. Sign up & make a difference -- these spots will fill up fast! https://buff.ly/3YZe7ue] #SeasonsofGiving #VolunteerKC #MakeADifference #GiveBack #HolidayCheer

?? Do you know someone making a powerful impact in the Kansas City community? This is your chance to honor them! We are accepting nominations for The Waymaker? Awards, including: ?? The Adele Hall Spirit of Caring Award: This award will honor those persons who exemplify the extraordinary compassion and selflessness of Adele Hall and is dedicated to making Kansas City a great place for all to thrive. ?? ECM (Employee Campaign Manager) of the Year Award: An ECM will be recognized for their efforts and contributions in leading their individual corporate fundraising campaigns. ?? Executive of the Year: A corporate executive will be honored for their leadership of their United Way involvement. Help us recognize those who go above and beyond! Submit your nomination by December 15th: https://buff.ly/4cu60ua