Volume 0921 | September 2021
Your Monthly News & Updates
Welcome to this edition of United Way of West Central Minnesota's monthly e-newsletter.

This month, we also are asking for feedback in the form of a very brief survey to help us navigate during these uncharted times. Our hope is this survey will assist our board in providing the programs and resources most useful to those we serve. Please feel free to contact our team with any questions or needs you may have.
Battle of the Beards -
NEW FUNDRAISER
The United Way of West Central Minnesota is proud to partner with four regional barber shops during the month of November for a “Battle of the Beards” contest.

The barbershops will compete to raise the most in donations. Donations will be raised both in-person and online and 50% of each team’s donations will be given to their local cancer support programs. The barbershop generating the most dollars will also help determine how the other 50% of the funds raised will be used as part of the United Ways Health/wellness grant team.
October and November
Enjoy an evening out and support the United Way at the same time! A complete schedule of Thursday venues is coming soon. Keep an eye out on the website as well as Facebook for the official announcement.
Make sure you're following us to get the updates.
Stuff the Bus Recap
Our sincere thanks to our generous supporters throughout West Central Minnesota. Because of you, this year’s campaign exceeded last year’s contributions and allowed us to provide supplies, services, and programs to all our neighbors and friends. Thank you for your support to help us all Live United.
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Health & Wellness Q3 Grants
The United Way of West Central Minnesota (UWWCM) unites people and resources to improve lives and strengthen communities in the Willmar Area and across west-central Minnesota. As part of our grant funding portfolios, UWWCM has set aside funding to provide small grants to eligible nonprofit organizations in our service area.

Health & Wellness funding opportunities being our Q3 2021 main focus.
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Board Member Spotlight
As the new board Vice President of the United Way of West Centra Minnesota, Hannah Douglass continues the commitment to our organization that began when she first joined the board as a member at large in June 2019. And though she may be new to her role, she is certainly not new to the United Way. Hannah grew up seeing her parents support our community through our organization, and she is proud to carry on that tradition of giving herself. Hannah brings a fresh perspective to the board and is valued for her encouragement to our team to be servant leaders and her focus on meeting needs during an uncertain time.
eNewsletter Archive
Have you missed previous newsletters? We have you covered! Find our newsletter archive available on our website and get caught up on all we are doing to enhance our communities locally.
Imagination Library Signup
United Way of West Central Minnesota is vested in helping prepare kids in our region for success in Kindergarten and beyond. One way United Way is able to do this is through the Imagination Library program. Imagination Library provides a new book each month to children aged birth to 5 years of age at no charge to families who are enrolled. Books are delivered to the child's home by US mail.

To qualify for Imagination Library, the child must reside in the United Way of West Central Minnesota's territory area. Learn more about this program on our website, or use the link to sign a child up.
Need Masks? We've Got Plenty.
Let us know you need them and we will invite you to stop by our offices to pick them up. Masks are available individually-wrapped or in packs of five.
"Thank you so much for the masks! As soon as our office staff saw them, one of them yelled back to our principal, "Robin. we're gonna make it.!" The donation is much appreciated.

Misty Langseth
ACGC Risk and Prevention"
Please give us a heads up before stopping by to grab some.
Share Your Voice!
Help us better serve you - Take our short survey!
Big changes are occurring in our communities and we are focused on shifting focus to better serve our neighbors in West Central Minnesota. As we embark on this new path, we realize that the people we serve are the most important voice, and we depend on your input to make the most difference. We invite you to take part in a brief survey to help us help you better.

Has the United Way impacted your life or those around you? Maybe it was 17 years ago, maybe it was yesterday. Maybe you'd like to share a need in your community. We'd love to hear your stories! We're here to listen.