by Jesse White, Mesabi Tribune

CHISHOLM—There is a lot of uncertainty in the air in Northern Minnesota—particularly across the Iron Range since the recent idling of Minorca Mine and partial idling of Hibbing Taconite Co.

One thing that is certain, however, officials from United Way of Northeastern Minnesota (UWNEMN) know their mission is more important than ever.

That was the message during UWNEMN’s Annual Celebration held March 27th at the Minnesota Discovery Center and the message going forward.

Local Buddy Backpack’s ‘Lifesavers’

STAFF REPORT, Rainy Lake Gazette

The International Falls partners who deliver United Way of Northeastern Minnesota Buddy Backpacks to schools across Koochiching County have been named UWNEMN Lifesavers at the organization’s annual celebration March 27.

“Buddy Backpacks would not be possible in Koochiching County without these individuals,” said UWNEMN Executive Director Erin Shay.

I am honored to be assuming the role of United Way of Northeastern Minnesota board president, and I hope to continue to build on the momentum my predecessors generated, continuing to grow our community engagement.  

For the third year in a row, local individuals, businesses, and organizations have united to raise more than $2,000,000  in support of United Way of Northeastern Minnesota (UWNEMN) partners and programs throughout the Iron Range, Koochiching County, and Lake of the Woods County.

by Jesse White, Mesabi Tribune

NASHWAUK—Organizers from several community minded groups and businesses are hoping year two of Day of Action is just as impactful—if not more so—than last year’s version.

United Way of Northeastern Minnesota (UWNEMN) is partnering with Itasca County Habitat for Humanity (ICHFH) and Community and Economic Development Associates (CEDA) to bring a Day of Action, presented by U. S. Steel, to Nashwauk on June 13th.

by David Colburn, The Timberjay

REGIONAL- The United Way of Northeastern Minnesota offers the Iron Range and Koochiching and Lake of the Woods counties something no other United Way in the state does – programs and support for military veterans.

"All United Ways are independently operated, so that's the beauty of our work - we can really tailor our programming and our investments to what each of our community needs are. But our state association also allows us to learn from each other...and we've been working more together on statewide efforts over the last couple years. 

... One of the goals that I'm hoping to accomplish is to really find more opportunities for our statewide association to unite and make a difference on a statewide level. 

Donations made to United Way of Northeastern Minnesota (UWNEMN) over the past year will now support 29 nonprofit agencies, 15 libraries with summer reading programs, 13 food shelves, and UWNEMN’s 10 direct service programs.

UWNEMN’s Board of Directors this month approved the following local agencies to receive 2025 funding:

Residents and businesses in Nashwauk are invited to request or nominate a home project for volunteer assistance this summer.

United Way of Northeastern Minnesota (UWNEMN) is partnering with Itasca County Habitat for Humanity (ICHFH) and Community and Economic Development Associates (CEDA) to bring a Day of Action, presented by U. S. Steel, to Nashwauk on June 13th. Organizers anticipate more than 200 local volunteers will be needed to complete requested community revitalization projects.