We connect people to education, tools, and job training so they have financial freedom and peace of mind. Together, we can create a stronger financial future for every generation.
Everyone deserves the opportunity to earn a living wage. Together with communities, United Way creates pathways to financial security for all.
We connect people to education, job training, and financial tools, so they can build thriving futures and communities.
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A good job can change everything. United Way partners with employers and educators to open doors to in-demand careers.
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Ongoing education helps workers stay relevant in a changing world. United Way supports adult learners in gaining skills and credentials to succeed in their careers.
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A strong financial future requires more than a steady paycheck. United Way equips people with tools and guidance today, so they can plan for a thriving tomorrow.
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Through learning and coaching opportunities, United Way prepares people to define and reach their financial goals.
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Everyone deserves a place to call home. United Way champions affordable housing solutions for all.
A safe home is the foundation of a stable life. United Way partners with communities to prevent homelessness and increase access to secure, affordable housing. -
By helping families navigate the path to homeownership, United Way makes long-term financial security a reality.
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Overwhelming processes and paperwork prevent many families from getting support they deserve. By making it easier to access public benefits, United Way helps families build stronger futures.
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Many people are unaware that they’re eligible for assistance. United Way connects people to housing, food, and education resources they qualify for, so they can thrive.
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The 211 helpline, supported by United Ways in the U.S. and Canada, mobilizes real-time support and local resources and helps people navigate crises and get the assistance they need.
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In the U.S., United Way connects people to free tax prep services online and in-person, so millions of people can save money and maximize refunds every year.
Family Supports - Food Security, Housing Supports, Access to Health Care, Services for Relationship Violence and Trafficking Survivors
Family Success - K-12 Supports, Workforce Readiness & Employment Success, Your Financial Literacy
CaRE Program
The Topeka Rescue Mission's Career Readiness Education (CaRE) Program is designed to help their unemployed and underemployed guests and members of the community develop life management and job readiness skills needed to gain and retain employment. Programming is made possible through a partnership and substantial financial support from the United Way of Kaw Valley. CaRE participants develop and enhance their work readiness skills and abilities for personal and professional success. Community and business partners are vital to the overall program success. Graduates report after program completion that they become more responsible individuals, having the ability to make better choices and decisions as they strive towards financial stability and self-sufficiency.
My Free Taxes
United Way brings communities together to face their greatest challenges, whether that’s helping families find stability, empowering young people or responding to crises.
For millions of Americans, tax refunds and credits are essential to their financial stability and success. That’s why United Way helps people file their taxes for free to save more of their hard-earned money. So far, more than 1.4 million people have used MyFreeTaxes, saving some $260 million in tax preparation fees.
MyFreeTaxes helps people that earn $89,000 or less file their taxes for free while getting the assistance they need.
Self-preparation software (accessible by selecting the “File My Own Taxes” option on the MyFreeTaxes homepage) is completely free.
This national United Way program also connects filers who need more help filing their return with the IRS’ Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program (accessible by clicking on the “Have My Return Prepared For Me” option on the program's homepage.)
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)
As part of our commitment to improving the financial stability of our communities, UWKV supports the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program in Shawnee County. Coordinated through the Shawnee County Extension office, the VITA program mobilizes volunteers to prepare federal and state tax returns at no cost to lower-income individuals and families.
UWKV contributes $5,000 annually in operating funds to the program and helps promote the program and associated volunteer opportunities
During the 2025 tax season, Shawnee County VITA volunteers processed 2,195 tax returns. The average Adjusted Gross Income of all filers was $41,027. Adult seniors aged 65 and above were 60% of those receiving services. Those filers recouped nearly $3 million in federal and state refunds last year.
Spark Wheel
EITC (earned tax credit)