United Way of Northeastern Minnesota (UWNEMN) has closed its Smiles United Dental Crisis Fund to non-veterans - for now.

Applications remain open with limited funds still available for veterans and servicemembers across the Iron Range, Koochiching County, and Lake of the Woods County, but UWNEMN is hoping to raise enough funds on this Thursday’s Give to the Max Day - Minnesota’s statewide “day of giving” – to reopen the fund to all who need it.

by Megan Buffington, KAXE

by Lee Bloomquist for Mesabi Tribune

The first Wednesday is always the busiest day of the month at Quad City Food Shelf.

But this Wednesday could be busier than ever.

As the federal government wrangles with a loss of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to some 41.7 million Americans, other local food sources like the Quad City Food Shelf may have to pick up the slack.

by FOX 21

Applications for the United Way of Northeastern MN. Youth United Scholarship are open.

Submissions should answer the question, “what do you see as the biggest need or challenge in your community, and what are your thoughts on how UWNEMN or similar groups can meet that need or address that challenge?”

The contest will award up to $10,000 in scholarships. The minimum award will be $1,000.

United Way of Northeastern Minnesota (UWNEMN)’s third annual Youth United Contest opens November 1, 2025, to high school seniors across the organization’s service area (Iron Range, Koochiching County, and Lake of the Woods County).

The contest will award up to $10,000 in scholarships among students who answer the question, “What do you see as the biggest need or challenge in your community, and what are your thoughts on how UWNEMN or similar groups can meet that need or address that challenge?”

Storytelling is critical for communication, learning, and connecting with each other. It allows us to see and hold different perspectives and share our lived experiences with others. It’s in our DNA and underpins our culture.  

Two new schools – Greenhaven Elementary in Hibbing and Washington Elementary in Ely –  are partnering with United Way of Northeastern Minnesota (UWNEMN)’s Lunch Buddies mentoring program, slated to begin next month.

This growth is becoming a trend for the program, which pairs local elementary students with screened, trained volunteer mentors from the community to share one lunch break/week. Participation has increased from two elementary schools to 13 since 2020.

Timber Mill Park has been enhanced with new ways for children to learn while playing thanks to a united effort between regional leaders – and a whole lot of help from local volunteers.

In the wake of this spring’s wildfires, people from across the region, state, and even nation reached out to United Way of Northeastern Minnesota (UWNEMN) to help however they could.

“The outpouring of support wasn’t just heartwarming,” said UWNEMN Executive Director Erin Shay. “It enabled our organization to help in tangible ways we haven’t always had capacity to do, and it was a testament to what is possible when we work together.”