Bright Beginnings has been working for more than 10 years to increase local access to childcare and early childhood education opportunities. Most recently, Bright Beginnings brought a no-cost American Red Cross babysitter training to International Falls, with support from Northland Foundation and the State of Minnesota.

Buddy Backpacks - More than 100 Koochiching County children are enrolled in this program and receive a backpack full of nutritious, child-friendly and non-perishable food each Friday or holiday break before they head home from school.

Comforts of Home - Local Lowe's and Walmart stores donate products throughout the year to UWNEMN, and these products are available to Koochiching County families and individuals who have experienced housing crises at no-cost with an agency referral. 

Imagination Library - Dolly Parton's school readiness program is locally sponsored by UWNEMN and delivers monthly age appropriate books to children birth to age five for FREE! There are no income guidelines to this program. Sign your child up today!

Lunch Buddies screens, trains, and matches mentors with local elementary students identified by school staff as being in need of additional positive adult role models. There are  three Falls Elementary students paired with Lunch Buddies this school year.!

Smiles United - UWNEMN is working to expand access to critically needed dental care across Koochiching County through its Smiles United program. For over a decade, the program has supported Childrens Dental Services' mobile dental program for  under-insured and uninsured patients of all ages. In 2024, we established the NE MN Dental Task Force to identify new opportunities for solutions and collaborations to address the growing need; we are proud and grateful to call Koochiching County a task force member!

Step Into School unites Koochiching County businesses, first responders, volunteers, and families for a back-to-school celebration that sets students up for success. The one-day program also takes students shopping to select new school shoes at no-cost to their families.

United for Veterans - UWNEMN's veteran-led initiative supports local veteran programming like the Koochiching County Veterans Service Office transportation program and fills gaps with crisis funding, annual holiday meal deliveries, quarterly free connections activities, regular retreat, and more. In 2024, we announced a no-cost professional oral history project, Operation: Service Story. Volunteers are trained and ready to collect and preserve your story today!

Youth United Contest gives high school seniors across our service area a chance to have their voice heard - and win scholarship funding to apply towards two-year, four-year, or trade school education. Class of 2025 winners will be announced soon!

211- United Way has collaborated with other non-profits, government, business people, and professionals around Minnesota to bring 211, a single call that provides callers with one-stop vital information.

Healthy Community

A healthy life is key to a happy life.  All of our community members have the right to live safe, healthy and independent lives for as long as possible.  United Way of Northeastern Minnesota strives to ensure everyone has access to the quality healthcare and support they need.

Koochiching Aging Options........................................................218-283-7030

UWNEMN is proud to serve as the fiscal agent for the Community Cancer Walk!

Community Resiliency

A strong community depends on having support systems in place to respond to disasters and help people overcome hard times to get back on their feet.  United Way of Northeastern Minnesota is there to stabilize our communities through access to emergency food, safe shelter, housing services and disaster relief.  We provide support to those experiencing domestic violence and sexual assault and work to reduce it.  We help people become self-sufficient, which means stronger communities for all of us.

Backus Community Center...................................................218-285-7225

Friends Against Abuse..........................................................218-285-7220

Koochiching County Food Access........................................218-283-8020

"Give Where You Live" today and help us create lasting change in the lives of people right here in our communities.

There are many ways you can invest with United Way of Northeastern Minnesota to support families, individuals, and agencies in Koochiching County:

• Set up online monthly giving with UWNEMN.
• Donate your round-up change to UWNEMN.
• Support a United Way campaign at your workplace.
• Join like-minded donors as a Leadership Giver.
• Prepare for the future with a planned gift in your will or trust

Be aware: