What We Do

We Live United for universal success and prosperity in Olmsted County

There are essential opportunities that we all need to reach our potential: a quality education that leads to a stable job, income that can support a family through retirement, and achievement of our optimal health. 

 

United Way of Olmsted County is focused on these building blocks of a good quality of life. When you give to the Community Fund, you support lasting change.

We fight for every individual in our community by focusing on: 

  • Financial Stability - moving individuals and families toward financial independence and ensuring basic needs are met. 
  • Education - preparing children and youth to succeed in school and in the community. 
  • Health - promoting physical and mental wellbeing. 

Our goal is to create lasting change by addressing the underlying causes of social problems. We are mobilizing the community and building collaborations that produce results. Together, we are changing Olmsted County for the better for all of us. 

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OUR APPROACH STARTS WITH COMMUNITY

Through summits, town halls, and research, we identify the root causes of some of our community's most complex challenges.

 

 

OUR PARTNERS DRIVE CHANGE

We pool the resources of our public, private, and nonprofit partners to multiply our impact through giving, advocating, and volunteering.

 

 

WE INVEST IN KEY FOCUS AREAS

We focus donor contributions on strategies in Education, Financial Stability, and Health that change individual lives and benefit the entire community so everyone has the same opportunities to succeed.

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IMPACT STORIES

When we unite behind a common cause, with a common vision, lives are improved and our community is strengthened.

 
EDUCATION IS POWER
Nicole is the School Readiness Supervisor for Rochester Public Schools - Preschool. During her 24 years here in Olmsted County, she has deeply woven herself into the community and United Way’s work including holding a position on the Advocacy Volunteer Team as well as being an active member of the Board of Directors. She said, "If one single person is trying to make a difference, it can get exhauasting and overwhelming and feel like an uphill battle. But if we are together as a community, moving in the same direction, we're able to really make substantial changes."
 
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A Running Start for School
Lap and his family immigrated to Olmsted County 12 years ago. He shared, "I remember my teachers telling me that there was access to mobile dental clinics, that there were people willing to help me out and connect me with resources that will provide me with free school supplies." He recently graduated from John Marshall High School, a Full-Service Community School, and is about to go to Harvard! Lap knows the power of opportunity and hopes to be an advocate for economic prosperity and international relations.
 

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Resident-Driven aspirations

Sahal and his family have lived in Olmsted County and the Meadow Park neighborhood for many years. He is a well-known and soughtafter advocate for new-comers in the neighborhood, as well as a dedicated volunteer with the Meadow Park Initiative. "I help out the community when it comes to rides to the clinic, to go grocery shopping, or doctor appointments, school, or whatever resources and services they need," Sahal shared. "I got help from the people who were here before me, I want to make sure I give back to the community."

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HOPE FOR US, SINGLE-PARENTS
Lance is a single-father of four that just wanted what was best for his kids, but wasn’t sure where to start. With no job or money to his name, he sought answers. With help from United Way and programs like Head Start, Lance was able to get his kids prepared for school and he was able to return to the workforce. He is now an entrepreneur and exploring the idea of starting his own non-profit for other single-fathers.
 

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HELP, WHEN YOU NEED IT MOST
Just like Madi and Danielle, many families across Olmsted County struggle financially and feel isolated because of it. With help from United Way of Olmsted County and partners like the Civic League Day Nursery, her daughter Madi received valuable early childhood education that has prepared her for Elementary school.
 

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PREPARING FOR THE FUTURE
Rosetta is a single mother of 5 who moved to
Rochester to find a safer place for her family.
Struggling to find stability, Rosetta called Family Promise. They were able to help her obtain temporary housing, as well as Head Start services. She has overcome many barriers by participating in life skills, parenting training, and expanding her financial literacy. With support made possible by United Way, Rosetta
is on the path to homeownership.
 

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