United Way's 'Community Conversations' set for later this month

Building a brighter future for Jackson County is on the agenda for three “Community Conversations” to be held later this month, it has been reported.

These conversations are part of United Way of Greater Topeka’s volunteer visioning process and will help guide future investments in the county, according to a news release.

Carrie Saia, CEO of Holton Community Hospital, serves on United Way of Greater Topeka’s Jackson County Advisory Council. Saia knows the value of this work in the community.

“United Way’s investments in Jackson County ensure our money goes where the community needs it,” Saia said. “Whether it’s food, prescriptions or rent assistance, Christmas Bureau, or investing in our schools.”

Saia and that she and the rest of the Advisory Council are inviting all Jackson County residents to help address the issues most important to them.

United Way will be hosting three, separate two-hour facilitated conversations to help residents begin to craft a vision for the community.

Community Conversations will be held at three locations during the month of June:

* 6 p.m. June 23 at Holton High School.

* 6 p.m. June 27 at Royal Valley High School.

* 6 p.m. June 30 at Jackson Heights High School.

While not required, RSVPs are appreciated. Please contact Katie Sullivan, director of Community Impact, United Way of Greater Topeka, at 785-228-5121 or ksullivan@unitedwaytopeka.org.

United Way brings together people, companies and nonprofits to create positive sustainable change in our community, according to the news release.

By focusing on education, income and health, the organizations helps more children graduate and get stable jobs, helps families become financially stable and improves the overall health of our community.

United Way remains dedicated to basic needs including food, shelter, rent and utilities, health and prescription access and safety from domestic violence.

For more than 80 years United Way of Greater Topeka has been improving and changing lives. Since 1980, United Way has invested more than $110 million into the Greater Topeka community.

In 2012, Jackson County officially became part of United Way of Greater Topeka. A year later, two Jackson County residents joined the United Way Board of Directors and a Jackson County Advisory Council was established.

Residents of Holton, Hoyt, Mayetta and Netawaka currently serve on the Advisory Council.