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.
United Way organizations across the United States utilize Born Learning Trails – a series of 10 interactive signs that transform everyday moments into fun and engaging learning opportunities for young children – as a community engagement and improvement tool.
There are currently 750 such trails across the nation, but none are in Minnesota north of Elbow Lake - yet.
United Way of Northeastern Minnesota Executive Director Erin Shay is now the leader of the statewide association, United Ways of Minnesota, in addition to heading the local organization. She recently assumed the role of United Ways of Minnesota board president.
“Each United Way organization across the state and nation is run independently, but this state association helps us connect with each other to share best practices and maximize our impact when possible,” Shay said.
A lot can change in a year, especially at United Way of Northeastern Minnesota where our programs and partners are continually evaluated to ensure they’re making in the impact intended.
In my year as board president – in addition to operating our long-running programs and providing support to 60 nonprofits across our 11,300 square mile service area – we collaborated with leaders across the region and state to: mobilize volunteers for our first-ever Day of Action in Keewatin, respond to devastating regionwide flooding, and release the “United for ALICE” report.