“We need to talk…”
These four words carry such weight and importance and fill us with questions.
“Is there something we need to know?” “What can we do to make the situation better?” “How will this conversation affect others?”
These are some of the questions United Way of Southeast Missouri (UWSEMO) has for you, and the only way we can get answers is by actually having a conversation.
This is why we are asking citizens in Bollinger, Cape Girardeau, Perry, and northern Scott counties to participate in Community Conversations.
Area residents are invited to inform us of needs in their community and gaps in services that will guide volunteers on our Community Investment Committee.
These committee members review every application for funding and determine the next group of partners and programs we will invest in and the percentage of revenue each will receive. UWSEMO leaders and volunteers hope to gain valuable insight into how our network can be more effective in helping people throughout Southeast Missouri.
Select a Community Conversation to learn more about each event:
Although we are part of a global network, each United Way operates independently to support the specific needs of the communities assigned to them. An online survey is also being developed to provide more information, which will also be available in print following the Community Conversations. Information gathered in a 2019 community survey led United Way of Southeast Missouri to allocate more funding to programs focused on income stability, which became critical during the COVID-19 pandemic.
As we begin our next funding cycle, it is critical to hear from our communities about their challenges and how United Way of Southeast Missouri can help. By investing in multiple organizations, our network is able to tackle big problems. Together we change lives and impact generations by collectively addressing what is causing the need.”Elizabeth Shelton, Executive Director, United Way of Southeast Missouri
Organizations interested in applying for funding and individuals willing to help review applications are encouraged to subscribe to our monthly newsletter and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.