United Way of Northeastern Minnesota (UWNEMN)’s service territory covers the largest United Way geographical area in the state (there are 34 independently run United Ways in our state and 2,200 United Ways across the nation), which means that we need to work hard to find creative solutions that serve many different communities, all with varying needs.
Each community is unique, and each faces challenges impacting people we don’t always see on the forefront. In addition, the rural nature of our region means that while you live in one community, the services you need may exist in another community, many miles away.
UWNEMN has long served as a sort of community chest, fundraising and distributing those funds to local nonprofits, touching every corner of the region. This past year, your donations supported 26 partner agencies, 14 local libraries, and 14 area food shelves.
In addition, UWNEMN has implemented eight direct service programs – many we created ourselves – to fill gaps between our rural communities.
Each of our programs and partners meets a specific need or makes a bad situation a little easier, and while sometimes the work we do can go unnoticed, the day-to-day impact nonprofits make in our region is great. Every single dollar contributed to UWNEMN matters and makes a difference.
Reaching rural communities can present challenges, but the UWNEMN team is extremely diligent in keeping constant communication with all of the region’s changemakers to best serve our communities. As a result, the work we do consistently grows from one community to the next.
Buddy Backpacks started in one school and is now available to every school in our service area. Our Lunch Buddies mentoring program has expanded from five to 10 schools this year to match volunteer adult mentors with elementary children in need of a positive role model. Community Steps, originally a collaboration with Mountain Iron Fire Department to take Iron Range students back to school shoe shopping, has expanded to International Falls.
Our region continues to see a lack of childcare affecting our workforce development. As a local employer and a fourth generation Elyite, I am beyond excited about the $1.2 million in federal funds UWNEMN recently secured for local childcare. As a result, plans are now underway for new facilities in Chisholm and Ely.
These are just a few examples of what can happen when we unite within our own communities and then together as a region – we can achieve extraordinary goals! I invite you to get involved to make a difference in the lives of those around you. Join a committee or board, volunteer your time, and give back to this great region, and we can all become stronger together.
Dean DeBeltz is the Vice President of External Relations and Project Operations for Twin Metals and has served on UWNEMN’s Board of Directors for eight years.