In September 2022, United Way of Greater Topeka and United Way of Douglas County officially merged to become United Way of Kaw Valley. 

United Way of Kaw Valley (UWKV) brings together people, companies, and nonprofits to help individuals and families not just survive but thrive. We work to solve issues no single donor, charity or government agency can handle alone. By focusing on the whole family, we help more children graduate and achieve employment success, help more families move from crisis to financial stability and prosperity, and improve the health of individual and families in our community.

Over the past decade, UWKV has invested in the areas of Early Education, On-Grade Achievement, Financial Stability, Health, Substance Abuse, Racial Equity, and Basic Needs.

UFM Community Learning Center is a creative educational program serving Kansas State University, Manhattan and communities across Kansas. UFM offers a variety of noncredit and credit classes for all ages and interests.

Based on the philosophy that everyone can learn and everyone can teach, UFM provides opportunities for lifelong learning and personal development. Instructors represent all areas of the campus and community and have ranged in age from 6, sharing knowledge about rabbit care, to 98, teaching a class on healthy living. Topics include arts and hobbies, cooking, languages, martial arts, aquatics, career and computer skills, recreation and fitness, health and wellness and youth. Over 15,000 people participate in UFM programs and activities each year.

UFM serves as a forum for the exchange of ideas and as a catalyst for new programs and services that enhance the quality of life for all. In addition to the noncredit and credit classes, UFM coordinates several other programs.

UFM Community Learning Center Annual Report – FY22

Andre Banks started saving aluminum cans about five years ago when he realized he could cash them in to treat the neighborhood kids. Then one day, Banks realized he could do this on a much larger scale. Today, people throughout the city are saving cans to donate to the cause.

Prevention And Resiliency Services provide early intervention and prevention strategies that empower youth and families to make informed decisions, decrease substance use, and support a safe, healthy, and thriving community.

Our Organization

Girls on the Run® is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization designed to enhance participants’ social, emotional and physical skills to successfully navigate life experiences. Our fun, interactive lessons meet the unique needs of participants of all abilities and backgrounds.

Mission

We inspire girls to be joyful, healthy and confident using a fun, experience-based curriculum which creatively integrates running.

Vision

We envision a world where every girl knows and activates her limitless potential and is free to boldly pursue her dreams.

Our History

Oct 14, 1855 – At Mr. James Cowles’ cabin in Topeka, Kansas nine men met: Rev. Paul Shepard, John Ritchie, M.C. Dickey, Wm. Scales, C.A. Sexton, Augustus Barnard, Wm. Bowker, and H.H. Cowles to discuss forming an anti-slavery Congregational Church.  The church that emerged has become the home base for creative spiritual work and serves as a vehicle for benefitting the common good.

Pictured: First Congregational Church in the 1860s, Topeka, Kansas

The mission of this wonderful society is the prevention of cruelty to animals, the relief of suffering among animals, and the extension of humane education.

THRIVE is a student-led peer education program that is committed to creating and promoting a safe environment. THRIVE seeks to reduce interpersonal violence and empower individuals to engage in healthy relationships.

BHYS is a Basic Center, meaning we offer a Drop In Center and Shelter created in the Basic Center Program model for youth under 18, we offer shelter and services to homeless and runaway youth and any youth in need who may be housing insecure or at risk. Our services include trauma-informed art therapy and case management services, fiduciary services, referrals to other area resources, access to food, bathrooms and laundry faciliites, a safe place to study, gather, learn life skills, have fun, and always – we have safe adults if you or someone you know needs to talk. 

Team Hope is committed to providing individualized programs and navigation assistance for cancer patients and families through local community resources.