The Board of Directors of the United Way of Ellis County (UWEC) is issuing an urgent call for help from businesses, residents, and community partners. After years of declining funding, compounded by recent leadership instability, our organization is at a critical juncture — and we need Ellis County to step up now.
Key Challenges We Face
· Over the past several years, funding for United Way of Ellis County has steadily decreased by about 20% since 2021. Much of our revenue comes from donations made by local businesses and members of this community, and contributions have not kept pace with rising demand for services.
· In June 2025, our Executive Director position was vacated. The Board undertook a careful search and identified a highly qualified candidate expected to begin in October. However, after months of waiting, we have recently learned this individual is backing out of the job. This unexpected development has again left us without permanent leadership during a time of great need.
· In the interim, Bill Ring graciously stepped in as Temporary Director, guiding operations and ensuring that critical work continued through these past few months. We thank Bill for his dedication and willingness to step up for the community during this transition.
How United Way Serves Ellis County
United Way of Ellis County plays a critical role in the community by raising funds and distributing them to partner agencies that deliver vital services.
Some of our 2025 partner agencies include:
· Big Brothers Big Sisters — youth mentoring programs
· Cancer Council of Ellis County — financial assistance for cancer patients and nutritional support
· CASA of the High Plains — Advocacy for abused/neglected children
· Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas — Support for early intervention and job follow-along services
· First Call For Help — Local assistance, Meals on Wheels, Backpacks for Kids
· Habitat for Humanity — Affordable housing programs
· Hays Senior Center — Meal services
· Options – Domestic & Sexual Violence Services — Safe shelter & support
· Salvation Army — Financial assistance, food pantry services
· …and others that help with transportation, safe housing, crisis stabilization, parenting education, etc.
These agencies, and many more, depend on United Way of Ellis County for funding and support. When our funding falls short, so too do their services — at a time when many in our community are already stretched thin.
What We Are Asking From the Community
1. Businesses: If your organization runs internal giving or payroll-deduction campaigns, we ask that you continue these efforts — and if possible, increase your contributions this year. Your ongoing support makes a measurable difference in ensuring basic human services remain available.
2. Residents: If you are able, please consider making a donation today. Even a modest increase over previous years helps multiply impact across all of our partner agencies. Every dollar stays local and supports people right here in Ellis County.
3. Potential Leadership Candidates: We are still actively recruiting for a dedicated, visionary Executive Director to lead United Way into a more stable future. If you know of someone who might be a strong fit, we encourage you to reach out to our Board of Directors.
Looking Forward
The Board of United Way of Ellis County remains committed to our mission: to support health, education, financial stability, and resilience in our community. We believe deeply in the power of collaboration, and we believe that — together — Ellis County can overcome this moment of crisis.
We will continue to provide updates to the public as we secure new leadership and stabilize our funding base. In the meantime, we thank all those who have given in the past and strongly invite renewed and expanded support now.
Jaden Richardson
Board President, United Way of Ellis County
jrichardson@bankofhays.com
United Way of Ellis County
1200 Main Street, Suite 102,
Hays, KS 67601
PO Box 367
(785) 628-8281
director@liveunited.us
