For 81 years, United Way of the Black Hills (UWBH) has been a steadfast force in the region, raising and reinvesting over $70 million to support local nonprofits. But as Executive Director John Cass explained, the organization is doing more than just continuing old traditions — it’s evolving to meet new challenges.
“UWBH is far more than the traditional campaign or events like Month of Caring,” John said. A great example of this is the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, which recently marked 23 years of inspiring reading. Over that time, the program has distributed
1.2 million books, celebrated 21,000 local children graduating from the program, and provided books to an average of 5,000 kids each month. UWBH also champions the Black Hills Reads initiative, which aims to ensure children are reading at grade level by third grade — a milestone for overall academic success. At the same time, the organization is strengthening the nonprofit sector itself through programs like Nonprofit 360. This free leadership training helps local nonprofit leaders develop skills in areas such as succession planning and marketing. “We’ve had the unique ability to provide resources to an average of 130 to 140 nonprofit agencies each year,” John noted.
Taking that a step further, the new Bridges to Board program offers monthly training sessions to prepare current and future board members. “Board members of nonprofits are able to come in better prepared to ask questions and review nonprofit financials,” John said. He emphasized that leadership development is key to long-term sustainability for nonprofits.
Beyond these programs, UWBH is also shining a spotlight on “working families” — those hardworking families living paycheck to paycheck and facing challenges like housing and childcare costs. “Many working families don’t see themselves as poor — they’re just ‘getting by,’” John said. UWBH is aiming to elevate the conversation around these hardworking Black Hills families.
As they move forward, UWBH is driving change where it counts: in classrooms, boardrooms and the homes of working families.
Pictured, left to right: John Cass, Brittney Jayo, Kathy Cruse, Mari Sheldon, Hanna Glissendorf, Carmen Keehner, Edwina Kertzman and Lisa Stanley
621 6th Street, #100
Rapid City, SD 57701
unitedwayblackhills.org
