Our Impact:
We engage the people, organizations and businesses from across the community that bring the passion, expertise, and resources to get things done. We have deep connections with local nonprofits, businesses, and government agencies, providing us opportunities to create lasting change. We use a comprehensive approach in addressing social issues in Steele County. We utilize a multi-faceted strategy and create and fund initiatives focused on youth opportunity, healthy community, financial security, and increasing community resiliency.
United Way of Steele County is no longer just a fundraising entity. In recent years, we have worked to adopt our own programming - while continuing to support other nonprofit organizations across Steele County - to strengthen our communities and give everyone the opportunity to thrive. Access Online Strategic Impact - Initiatives Application.
Why This Is Important:
United Way of Steele County transforms lives by ensuring that everyone in our community has access to the resources they need to lead happy, healthy, and enriching lives. By addressing these interconnected areas, we create a holistic impact that addresses root causes and promotes long-term solutions.
Action Teams:
In 2022, in collaboration with Cybelle Consulting, we conducted a Community Needs Assessment - providing data necessary to locate gaps in coverage and areas of need. From this, three action teams were formed:
- Affordable Housing
- Teen Mental Health
- Racial Division (work has transitioned to Alliance For Greater Equity)
211 is a statewide service supported by United Ways across Minnesota. Donations support the 24/7/365 operation of 211, through which a phone call or text message can provide referrals to local services that suit an individual's current situation/circumstances.
Adopt a Family provides gifts to local families in need during the annual holiday season. Matching families are based on eligibility and referred to our program from Steele County Toys for Tots.
Blooming Positive Actions Coalition (BPAC) mission is to model healthy choices and promote positive perceptions in Blooming Prairie through advocacy, education and empowerment.
Born Learning Trails are a series of ten interactive signs that offer fun, active learning activities for young children and their families. It helps parents/caregivers create quality engagement opportunities when out on a stroll or visiting a local playground.
Dolly Parton's Imagination Library delivers monthly age appropriate books to children birth to age five for FREE! UWSC is proud to operate this program in Steele County; since bringing the program to our service area, more than 4,500 children have received free books!
Lantern (formerly Bright by Text) sends FREE activities, games, and local family-friendly events to expecting parents and caregivers of children age 0-8 to their cell phone via text message.
MN Legal Kiosk is a public-facing self service terminal that will serve as a community access point to civil justice. These kiosks will connect users to legal information, self-help services, and statewide legal aid.
Ride United in partnership with DoorDash, provides delivery of Owatonna churches community meals to Owatonna households facing transportation barriers and/or food insecurity.
SingleCare provides community members with access to affordable prescription medications, ensuring greater health and financial stability. For free! No registration is required. Just present a card to your pharmacy and start saving!!
SteeleCoWorks is a collaborative partnership that gives students the opportunity to put their studies to real world use and explore career fields of interest as they navigate toward high school graduation.
Stuff The Bus is our local K-12 school supply drive; to benefit Steele County school districts. In 2024 we donated over 5,000 supplies! This year's drive is July 1 - August 10.
Tax Preparation Assistance provides free tax preparation to any households that made less than $84,000 in 2024. During the 2024 income tax season we put nearly $1,000,000 back into the community!! (Money saved on filing fees + refunds)
Youth Access to Work is in partnership to provide youth with access to Driver's Education Training in Owatonna. We are seeking volunteers to help local youth achieve their 50 hours of behind the wheel.
United For Childcare is in partnership with the local childcare association and Southern MN Initiative Foundation as we work to address childcare needs and availability in Steele County. Childcare providers can click here for resources.
U.P.L.I.F.T. is a program designed to help all young people succeed in school and in life. We believe that every student deserves a chance to reach their full potential, so we work with families, school, and the community to make it happen.
Volunteers United purpose is to increase the capacity for nonprofits to achieve their missions in Steele County and to fulfill the desire of individuals within our community to lend a helping hand in a variety of different capacities.
Women United is a national network of over 70,000 passionate/caring women in over 130 groups across the United States. They are dedicated to advancing the health and welfare of all children by giving, advocating, and volunteering.