About Us
BUILDING A BETTER MINNESOTA TOGETHER
Local United Ways are independent nonprofit organizations led by teams that live and work in their communities. Each United Way is locally focused and data driven, addressing the unique challenges within their communities, including impact areas of Youth Opportunities, Healthy Communities, Financial Stability and Community Resiliency.
United Way’s Mission
To improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of Minnesota's United Ways.
United Way’s Vision
A world where everyone in every community can thrive.
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Local United Ways Across Minnesota
Our Network
LOCAL UNITED WAYS, LOCAL LEADERSHIP
Local United Ways are independent, nonprofit organizations led by people who live and work in the communities they serve. Local United Ways know their community's strengths and challenges, building relationships, convening partnerships and using data to create solutions for stronger communities.
Every day, United Ways in communities across Minnesota innovate and collaborate locally within four impact areas:
Youth Opportunity
Helping young people reach their full potential
Local impact may include childcare and early education, afterschool and summer learning, literacy development, and college and career readiness.
Healthy Communities
Improving health and well-being for all
Local impact may include health care access, food security, mental health support, substance misuse recovery, family caregiving, and opportunities for healthy living.
Financial Security
Creating a stronger financial future for every generation
Local impact may include job training, career support, financial education, housing stability, homeownership, small business support, and public benefits access.
Community Resilience
Addressing urgent needs today for a stronger tomorrow
Local impact may include crisis support, disaster relief and recovery, environmental stewardship, and community response efforts.
PART OF THE UNITED WAY NETWORK
United Way Worldwide has been creating solutions to community challenges for more than 130 years. United Ways of Minnesota is part of a broader United Way network working to help people and communities thrive.
Leadership
LED BY UNITED WAY LEADERS ACROSS MINNESOTA
United Ways of Minnesota is guided by a board of directors representing local United Ways across the state, along with an Executive Director who supports statewide coordination, member engagement, and shared priorities.
President
Stephen Jones
United Way of Central Minnesota
Vice President
Molly Lanke
United Way of Mower County
Past President
Erin Shay
United Way of Northeast Minnesota
Member
Annette Duncan
United Way of Steele County
Member
Sarah Buhs
United Way of Carlton and Pine Counties
Member
Kristin Kroll
United Way of Washington County – East
Member
Terry Haus
United Way of Becker County
Member
Stephannie Lewis
Greater Twin Cities United Way
Executive Director
Beni Westgor
United Ways of Minnesota