From UWCK
Over the past decade, the partnership between United Way of Central Kansas and the Hoisington community has continued to grow.
When United Way of Central Kansas merged with Hoisington United Way in 2016, the goal wasn't to change what was already working—it was to build on it. United Way continued supporting the local agencies Hoisington United Way had long invested in while introducing programs that had proven successful in other communities and adapting them to meet local needs.
"United Way didn't look at the merger as an opportunity to replace the incredible work already happening in Hoisington," said Charell Owings, Executive Director of United Way of Central Kansas. "Our role then—and still today—is to bring people together, strengthen partnerships, and connect resources where they're needed most. When organizations work together instead of separately, we can accomplish so much more for the families we all serve."
The partnership quickly expanded beyond funding. Educational programming and early literacy initiatives were among the first additions, with new programs introduced over the years as community needs evolved.
Growing to Meet Community Needs
Today, 44% of Hoisington households are living paycheck to paycheck, according to United Way's ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) data. These are families who are working hard but still struggle to afford everyday necessities. That reality has shaped United Way's approach to serving the community by investing in programs that remove barriers and create opportunities for children, families, and seniors.
Over the past ten years, United Way of Central Kansas has invested more than $125,000 in the Hoisington community through direct funding, educational programming, early literacy initiatives, transportation assistance, school supply drives, community grants, and partnerships.
That investment includes more than $77,700 distributed directly to Hoisington organizations through United Way's Community Investment process. Those dollars have supported the Hoisington Commission on Aging Trolley, GPS Kids Club, and the Hoisington Community Food Bank. In addition, United Way funds regional partner agencies—including Catholic Charities of Southwest Kansas, CPRF, ElderCare, Family Crisis Center, Barton County Juvenile Services, and The Salvation Army—that also provide essential services to Hoisington residents.
United Way's investment in Hoisington extends far beyond grant funding.
Since 2016, volunteers have delivered more than 450 Boxes of Love to local seniors each Valentine's Day, reminding them they are valued members of the community.
Since 2017, 336 Hoisington children have received 8,617 books through Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, helping prepare young children for success in school by building literacy skills at home.
In 2018, Reality U was introduced at Hoisington Middle School. Since then, approximately 360 students have participated in the interactive financial literacy program, learning firsthand what it costs to live independently and make financial decisions.
Building on that success, United Way introduced #RealWorld for Hoisington High School seniors three years ago. Approximately 120 students have participated in programming designed to help prepare them for life after graduation through practical, real-world experiences.
United Way has also responded to community needs through Auto Care Access, which has helped six Hoisington residents with vehicle repairs to maintain employment, and Companion Support Bags, providing 85 bags through Clara Barton Medical Center to support families during unexpected hospital stays.
In 2023, the organization launched its Impact Grants program, investing an additional $1,500 in Hoisington projects designed to strengthen the community through innovative local ideas.
One of United Way's longest-running community partnerships is Stuff the Bus, which celebrates its 10th year this summer. Since its beginning, the event has collected school supplies for USD 431 students alongside nonperishable food items for the Hoisington Community Food Bank. Over the past decade, hundreds of school supplies and thousands of pounds of food have been donated thanks to the generosity of the community. United Way extends special appreciation to the Hoisington Community Food Bank for coordinating volunteers, partnering with local retailers, and working with USD 431 to provide the school buses that have become a familiar symbol of the event.
The success of these programs is made possible through local leadership and collaboration. Current United Way board members with Hoisington ties include Eric Schoendaler of First Kansas Bank and Nicole Henderson of Great Bend Economic Development. Past campaign co-chairs have included Karisa and Patrick Cowan; Duane and Debbie Reif; Bill Lowry; John and Nicole Henderson; Debbie and Randy Deutsch. Looking ahead, United Way is excited to announce Cory and Caitlyn Meitner as one of the co-chair couples leading the 2027 Community Campaign.
The organization also works closely with USD 431, local businesses, civic organizations, and volunteers to bring new programs and resources to Hoisington whenever opportunities arise.
"One of the things I appreciate most about Hoisington is how deeply people care about one another," Owings said. "If we want better for our community, we have to be willing to step up and step in—and that's exactly what people here do. Whether it's donating a dollar, volunteering for an hour, picking up a piece of trash on a walk, or simply checking in on a neighbor, every action matters. Those small acts, repeated over time by many people, are what make Hoisington such a great place to call home."
As United Way looks to the future, the organization remains committed to expanding programs, supporting local nonprofit partners, and responding to the changing needs of Hoisington families. Community members interested in learning more are invited to attend the Hoisington Chamber Coffee on July 23 at the Hoisington Chamber of Commerce, where United Way will share updates on current initiatives, the upcoming Kickoff Event, its continued focus on supporting ALICE families, and ways to get involved.
More than $125,000 invested over the past decade tells only part of the story. The true impact is found in the lives that have been touched—children who built home libraries through Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, middle school students who learned real-world financial skills through Reality U, high school seniors preparing for life after graduation through #RealWorld, parents who kept working because of Auto Care Access, families who found comfort through Companion Support Bags, and seniors reminded they are not forgotten through Boxes of Love.
Those successes belong to the countless volunteers, donors, businesses, schools, nonprofit partners, and community members who have chosen to invest their time, talents, and resources in Hoisington. Together, they have shown that when a community comes together with a shared purpose, even small acts of kindness can create lasting change.