Extending the Way
In case you missed our CAMPOSAL, get ready for an evening of fun and excitement as we launch our fundraising campaign on August 15th at our Business After Hours event! Join us from 5-7 PM at Del5 Event Center, where we will introduce our dynamic Campaign Drive Chair, Tagan Trahoon. A native of Emporia, Tagan is known for his unique approach and dedication to the community. With his philosophy of listening, working hard, and being authentic, Tagan is set to lead us to new heights. Come meet Tagan and kick off this year’s United Way campaign with a bang!
Disaster Financial Donations Management MOU signed with Lyon County
On Thursday, July 18th, we signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Disaster Financial Donations Management with Lyon County Commissioners. This MOU authorizes the United Way of the Flint Hills and the Emporia Community Foundation to collect financial donations and participate in long-term disaster relief efforts, if deemed necessary by the county.

The United Way of the Flint Hills has a history of active involvement in disaster recovery, including fundraising for long-term relief following events like the Reading and Harveyville Tornados. We are also members of the local COAD (Community Organizations Activated in Disasters) and regularly participate in local emergency preparedness meetings.

Formalizing this relationship with the county is a significant step forward. It ensures that disaster relief funds remain within our community and provides donors with protection against fraud.
Heathier Lyon County Celebrates 10 Years
As Healthier Lyon County marks its 10th anniversary, Jackie Miller, a grant facilitator, reflects on its journey: "We celebrate our successes and look forward to the future. Our achievements are due to our funders, partners, and collaborators."

Now a program of the United Way of the Flint Hills, Healthier Lyon County has benefited from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment’s Chronic Disease Risk Reduction (CDRR) Community Grant Program for a decade. This grant supports community efforts to reduce chronic disease risks through evidence-based strategies focusing on tobacco use, physical activity, and nutrition.

In a recent press release, Virginia Barnes, Director of Blue Health Initiatives at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas (BCBSKS), highlighted Healthier Lyon County's participation in the Pathways to a Healthy Kansas initiative since 2017. This collaboration has brought over $600,000 in grants to Lyon County, funding improvements in childcare centers, parks, food pantries, and infrastructure projects like sidewalks for safer routes.

Healthier Lyon County has significantly impacted the community, fostering strong collaborations for a thriving, healthy environment. As this phase of the Pathways initiative concludes, the organization celebrates its accomplishments and plans to apply for Phase 3 of the Pathways grant and other funding opportunities to further enhance community health.
Join us in remembering former Drive Chair and Board member Lynn Cunningham. She will be greatly missed.

United Way fights for the health, education and financial stability of every person in every community. We have one life. To live better, we must LIVE UNITED®.