Earlier this month, United Way of 1000 Lakes teamed up with United Way of Northeastern Minnesota and United Way of Carlton and Pine Counties to launch a regional public service announcement (PSA) highlighting the United is the Way campaign.

Airing on WDIO during football season, the PSA shines a spotlight on the collective power of local United Ways to create lasting impact—from helping students succeed through backpack and school supply programs to mobilizing volunteers for community-wide events like Day of Action, and connecting neighbors with basic needs such as food, housing, and safety.

The regional collaboration also includes a new website—unitedisthewaymn.org—developed in partnership with Promoting Me, LLC. The site highlights each participating United Way’s service area, focus areas, and ways to give or volunteer locally.

Together, the three United Ways are working to create a stronger, more resilient region by focusing on four key pillars of community well-being:

• Youth Opportunity: Helping young people reach their full potential—from early learning to career success.
• Healthy Community: Expanding access to nutritious food, healthcare, and choices so everyone can thrive.
• Financial Security: Supporting families in building stability, mobility, and brighter financial futures.
• Community Resiliency: Meeting urgent needs today while strengthening the systems that support tomorrow’s communities.

This collaboration comes at a crucial time. According to the newly released State of ALICE in Minnesota report, in 2023, 9% of Minnesota households lived below the Federal Poverty Level (FPL)—yet that measure fails to account for the additional 25% of households struggling to afford basic necessities such as housing, childcare, food, and transportation.

Taken together, 34% of Minnesota households—more than one in three—were living below the ALICE Threshold, meaning they earn above the federal poverty level but still can’t make ends meet. Locally, that number is even higher: in Itasca County, 13% of households live in poverty and another 27% are ALICE, for a combined total of 40% of households facing financial insecurity.

As a network, United Way strengthens communities by bringing together people, resources, and funding to help our neighbors thrive. When you support your local United Way, your gift addresses pressing needs in your community—funding local nonprofits that provide vital services in the areas of basic needs, youth and early childhood success, financial mobility, health and well-being, and community stability and crisis response, while also sustaining United Way-led programs and initiatives.

In Itasca County, United Way of 1000 Lakes leads and supports numerous programs, collaborations, and capacity-building initiatives—such as the Volunteer Coordinators Network (VCN) and 2-GEN Coalition—that connect partners, strengthen nonprofits, and expand impact.

Each year, through community campaigns and collective efforts, United Ways across northern Minnesota make a difference for thousands of individuals and families across the nine-county region—helping them meet immediate needs and build long-term stability. From providing food and shelter to offering early childhood education, youth development, primary health services, and financial coaching, United Ways ensure people have the tools and support they need today and in the future.

“As local United Ways, we’re all working toward the same goal—to support hardworking ALICE families and ensure every person has access to the resources they need to thrive,” said Kim Brink Smith, Executive Director of United Way of 1000 Lakes. “By combining our voices and resources across northern Minnesota, we can make lasting change that strengthens our communities for generations to come.”

For more information or to get involved, visit unitedisthewaymn.org.