Funded Partners
Every three years United Way of Southeast Missouri seeks and accepts applications from programs and organizations eager to join our fight for the health, education, and financial stability of everyone in our community.
Our 2022-25 cycle supports 33 programs represented by 29 partners throughout the four counties we serve: Bollinger, Cape Girardeau, Perry, and Northern Scott. The collaboration of this powerful network strengthens our community and changes lives.
Learn more about the application and selection process by contacting Executive Director, Elizabeth Shelton. The next grant opportunity will be in 2025. Follow our social media and subscribe to our newsletter to be the first to know when the application is open.
The strength of United Way of Southeast Missouri is in the collective power of our network.
See the difference we made in our 2023 – 2024 Impact Report.
United Way of Southeast Missouri has four in-house programs:
Read to Succeed
The Read to Succeed Program is a structured reading program for kindergarten through fourth grade students that develops or enhances basic reading skills. United Way of Southeast Missouri is particularly focused on developing community resources in support of education, particularly literacy education among children. The Read to Succeed Program has successfully acquired a strong volunteer base that maintains the program. The community support has been exceptional, allowing the program to expand to four elementary public elementary schools in Cape Girardeau. The focus of the reading program is to accelerate the average student’s reading level by one grade level and to bring struggling students to grade level by the end of the year. The program continues to meet its goals year after year with some exceptional success stories. The Read to Succeed Program is committed to building relationships with students and providing the encouragement needed to become successful readers and community members. For more information on the Read to Succeed program, and to learn how you can get involved, contact Robin Koetting, 573.334.9634
First Call for Help (573) 334-HELP (4357)
If you are seeking help with basic needs, education, work, health, and well being you can call First Call for Help. You will be connected with a social worker ready and willing to help you find resources near you.
United for Childcare
United for Childcare is a community initiative created by United Way of Southeast Missouri, aimed at addressing childcare issues in Southeast Missouri. The program will provide a centralized hub, a Community Childcare Resource Center, where parents, providers, and employers can access essential childcare resources. United for Childcare is designed to help families navigate childcare planning, secure financial assistance, and find appropriate care, while also supporting providers with workforce development, licensing, and business assistance. The initiative’s goal is to expand childcare access, strengthen the workforce, and improve economic mobility for families across Southeast Missouri.
United We Work
United We Work is a program developed by United Way of Southeast Missouri in collaboration with the Cape Girardeau County Transit Authority (CTA), area employers, social service agencies, and banking partners. The program is designed to help entry-level employees overcome obstacles to employment and self-sufficiency.
Other partners in the UWSEMO network:
Student Emergency Funds
The United Way of Southeast Missouri helped establish Student Emergency Funds in 15 area schools. These donor dollars are used to aid students who need help with items that may be obstacles to learning. So far, the funds have helped students purchase glasses, provide food, assist with testing costs, and even purchase critical medication that saved a child’s life.
Currently, we have a fund established in at least one public school in each of the 4 counties we serve. If you would like to donate to a particular school in our footprint, please call our office at 573-334-9634. Live here. Give here. Help here.