Wake Up Tri-Counties Linda Blair Talks Funding Necessary to Allow the Kewanee Area United Way to Support Local Non-Profits

Linda Blair joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about how funding through donations is necessary to cover the decrease in grant funding to allow the Kewanee Area United Way to continue to support local non-profit agencies. The Kewanee Area United Way is shifting its approach to local support, channeling funds directly to Boy Scout and Girl Scout programs in Kewanee, Henry, and Stark counties this year. Rather than donating to national organizations, the United Way is now helping cover membership fees, uniforms, and camperships for local scouts, ensuring contributions benefit area youth. This initiative addresses community feedback requesting a visible, local impact from donations. Additionally, regular fundraisers—including Rock and Roll Bingo and Jail and Bail—help sustain these efforts. All donations and activities underscore their new motto: "What is raised here stays here." Serving towns from Annawan to Wyoming, the organization relies entirely on local donations—no government or United Way Worldwide funding is received, ensuring contributions benefit local residents. Since 1957, the Kewanee Area United Way has been dedicated to supporting residents in Henry and Stark Counties. Through decades of service and several name changes, the mission remains unchanged: fostering health, education, and stability for local families. With 75% of area students qualifying for free or reduced-cost lunches, the need for community support is significant. Nonprofit agencies, carefully selected each year by the board, receive funding to continue essential programs. Donations help keep these initiatives—and the community—moving forward. The KAUW supports agencies, including the Salvation Army, Braveheart CAC, Abilities Plus, the Kewanee Food Pantry, Freedom House, the Girl and Boy Scouts, the Henry County Senior Center, after-school programs, youth services, and many more. Find the full list of KAUW recipients at https://kauw.org/agencies. The Kewanee Area United Way is urging residents to take action in battling poverty right here at home. Donations—large or small—go directly to vital services like food assistance and community programs in Henry and Stark Counties. Flexible giving options include one-time, monthly, or payroll-deducted gifts. There’s also an opportunity to leave a lasting legacy through wills or endowments. Find more details or make your gift online at kauw.org/donation, drop off a donation to Kewanee Area United Way, 200 East South Street, or by mail to PO Box 426, Kewanee, IL. Here’s how you can make a difference in your community: The Kewanee Area United Way is looking for passionate individuals ready to play a key role in driving positive change across Henry and Stark Counties. Opportunities include volunteering with office projects, taking part in hands-on community impact work, joining the fundraising team, or even stepping up as a board member. Board Members help guide the direction of United Way by selecting agencies and making decisions that benefit families and neighbors. To get involved or learn more, contact the KAUW office at 309-761-8447 or email [email protected], or click the volunteer button on their website. The Kewanee Area United Way continues its long-standing mission to unite residents, agencies, and businesses in addressing the core challenges faced by Henry and Stark counties. By forging partnerships with government, non-profit, and for-profit organizations, the United Way streamlines services, maximizing the impact of every dollar contributed by the community. Serving the area for over 50 years, the organization ensures that all donations remain local, directly benefiting individuals and families in need. With programs that touch nearly 40% of area residents, the United Way fosters collaboration and resource sharing, strengthening the safety net that helps neighbors help one another.   Health challenges continue to affect Kewanee residents, with many adults and children lacking insurance and facing barriers to affordable care. Inadequate prenatal support remains a concern, while obesity rates are rising across age groups. Local data also indicates growing mental health needs, particularly related to depression, and limited access to substance abuse prevention and rehabilitation services. The situation is further complicated as the elderly population is projected to double over the next 20 years. Community efforts are focused on increasing access to health and dental services, preventive care, and nutrition education, aiming for a healthier future for all residents. The Kewanee community faces a critical education challenge as many local children are at risk of dropping out before finishing high school. Studies show that early learning lays the foundation for future success, but disadvantaged students often start behind and struggle to catch up. United Way of Kewanee is stepping in by funding programs that help children develop social and cognitive skills, stay on track with reading, and transition smoothly through school years. Improving graduation rates can lower poverty, reduce crime, and even increase voter participation. Strong support from families, schools, and the broader community remains essential for lasting impact. Financial hardship continues to challenge many families in Kewanee, with a significant number struggling to earn a livable wage. Stagnant incomes combined with rising costs for essentials like housing, healthcare, and education are forcing some households to make difficult choices. United Way of Kewanee is responding with the Financial Stability Partnership, offering support through tax assistance and financial education programs. These initiatives aim to empower families to meet basic needs and establish a path toward long-term security. The organization is seeking volunteers to ensure these services continue, and anyone interested can participate, no financial background required.