Our Values

Our Mission

Building a vibrant community by focusing on education, income, and health.

Our History

The roots of United Way of the Flint Hills run deep. It began in 1938 when a group of local business leaders, including William Allen White, formed the Emporia Community Chest in hopes of improving the quality of life for our community’s residents. In that first year, the Community Chest raised $29,530 in ten days and exceed their goal by $6,000. 

As the years passed, the Emporia Community Chest changed its name six times and expanded its service area to include all of Lyon County, as well as Chase, Coffey, Greenwood, Morris, Osage, Wabaunsee, and Woodson Counties. Today, the United Way of the Flint Hills works to serve the residents of all of our communities well, and has expanded its reach to be more than a fundraising organization. 

Whether it’s our traditional fundraising campaign, or our work leading communities following a disaster, or implementing new and exciting programs such as Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, the United Way of the Flint Hills is working hard to be an organization that serves all members of our community.

Anti-racism and Ethic Discrimination Statement

We recognize structural racism/ethnic discrimination and other forms of oppression have contributed to persistent disparities which United Way seeks to dismantle.

We understand that these disparities have existed in the past and persist into the present.

We acknowledge that these inequities are the result of policies and practices that work to marginalize entire populations of people.

We unequivocally denounce racism/ethnic discrimination because it undermines the well-being and vitality of our communities.

We strive to engage community members, especially those whose voices have traditionally been marginalized.

We work with residents and public and private partners to co-create solutions that ensure everyone has the resources, support, opportunities and networks they need to thrive.

We commit to leveraging all of our assets (convening, strategic investments, awareness building, advocacy) to create more equitable communities.

Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

As a human service organization continuously seeking to deliver community impact and maintain quality service to our donors and clients, the United Way of the Flint Hills places high value on the concept of diversity.

United Way of the Flint Hills values the uniqueness of the individual, the power of the collective good and the importance of communities. We promote a climate that welcomes, understands and respects the diversity of our clients, donors, staff, volunteers, agencies, and community partners. Dimensions of diversity include but are not limited to race, ethnicity, national origin, religious beliefs, disability, gender and age.

United Way of the Flint Hills is committed to incorporating practices that enhance diversity into all areas of activity, including the recruitment and retention of staff and volunteers from diverse backgrounds.

The Board of Directors and management will provide leadership and collaborate with clients, donors, staff, volunteers, agencies and community partners to ensure an environment that values diversity.