Areas of Greatest Need

When you donate to United Way of Benton & Franklin Counties, you're helping provide long-term solutions to our community's biggest challenges. Your gift is invested in our community where it's most needed, to solve our area's biggest problems and create lasting change.

We currently fund 34 programs at 21 local agencies. These programs provide thousands of people in our community with better access to basic needs, education, financial stability, and health care.

BASIC NEEDS: ensuring access to food, shelter, and safety

Partner agencies

Agency	Program	Program Description
ANSIL	ANSIL Service Center	Basic day services for homeless population, including showers, laundry, and internet access.
Fields of Grace	Volunteer Gleaning	Fresh fruits and vegetables for local food banks.
Safe Harbor	My Friend's Place	Shelter for homeless teens age 13-17 and counseling for substance abuse issues.
Second Harvest	Feeding Children Initiative	Food distribution and nutrition education materials for food-insecure individuals.
Senior Life Resources NW	Healthy Generations Meal Program	Meal assistance for non-traditional caregivers and the children that they care for.
Senior Life Resources NW	Meals on Wheels Under 60	Meals for homebound, unsupported individuals under the age of 60.
Support, Advocacy & Resource Center	Crisis Program	Crisis intervention, support, information, and referrals for survivors of sexual violence.
The ARC of Tri-Cities	Advocacy: Information and Referral	Advice and advocacy for individuals with intellectual / developmental disabilities, and their families.

CHILDHOOD SUCCESS: preparing children to succeed in school

Partner agencies

Agency	Program	Program Description
Benton Franklin Head Start	School Readiness Program	Materials and interventions in math, literacy, and science to increase children's preparedness for Kindergarten.
Benton Franklin Head Start	Social Emotional Learning Program	Training of trainers in areas of social-emotional development and impacts of COVID-19 on children and families.
Catholic Charities Serving Central Washington	Kaleidoscope Play & Learn Community Outreach	Multifaceted support for at-risk parents/caregivers and their young children in the areas of child development and early learning.
Children's Developmental Center	Early Intervention	Early intervention services for children with developmental delays and their families.

FINANCIAL STABILITY: providing support for obtaining employment and stable housing

Partner agencies

Agency	Program	Program Description
Columbia Industries	CI Employment Services	Individual assistance for adults and students with intellectual / developmental disabilities to gain and maintain employment.
Domestic Violence Services	Housing Assistance	Basic housing assistance to survivors of domestic violence and their families.
Elijah Family Homes	Transition to Success	Supportive housing and case management services for low-income, vulnerable families.
YMCA of the Greater Tri-Cities	Keeping Families Working	Financial assistance for families who cannot afford childcare services.

HEALTH CARE: ensuring people have access to health care, including mental and behavioral health services

Partner agencies

Adult Day Services of the Tri-Cities	Adult Day Services	Healthcare monitoring and services for adults.
Catholic Charities Serving Central Washington	Strengthening Families	Behavioral health services for low-income individuals.
Chaplaincy Healthcare	Cork's Place	Grief support for children, teens, and families.
Grace Clinic	Mental Health Access for Uninsured	Access to mental health services for low-income, uninsured individuals in Benton and Franklin Counties
Grace Clinic	Preventing Complications in Uninsured Diabetics	Comprehensive diabetic care for patients with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.
Grace Clinic	Preventing Complications in Uninsured Diabetics	Comprehensive diabetic care for patients with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.
Mirror Ministries	Restorative Therapeutic Services	Advocacy for victims of sex trafficking.
Safe Harbor	Parent for Parent Partnership	Support for parents with children in the child welfare system.
Support, Advocacy, and Resource Center (SARC)	Prevention Program	Outreach and education services.
Service Peace Warriors	Service Dogs for Benton / Franklin County Veterans	Provision of service dogs to veterans in Benton and Franklin Counties.
The ARC of Tri-Cities	Therapeutic Recreation	Activities promoting exercise and healthy behavior to individuals with intellectual and developmental delays.
Therapeutic Riding of Tri-Cities (TROT)	Path to Success	Non-riding classes teaching horsemanship fundamentals to individuals with developmental delays.
Therapeutic Riding of Tri-Cities (TROT)	Therapeutic/Adaptive Riding	Classes teaching adapted horse riding skills to individuals with developmental delays.

YOUTH SUCCESS: providing youth with tools to succeed in school and socially

Partner agencies

Boys & Girls Club of Benton and Franklin Counties	Mentoring for Youth At-Risk	Mentoring, case management, and support for at-risk youth.
Catholic Charities Serving Central Washington	Foster Teen Program	One-on-one support for youth aging out of foster care.
Domestic Violence Services	Girls' Circle	A structured support group for girls ages 9-18 integrating resiliency, positive connection, and personal strength building.
Domestic Violence Services	Boys' Council	Support, education, and activities for teenage boys led by trained staff.
The ARC of Tri-Cities	Buddy Club	Structured development of friendships and connections between teens with intellectual / developmental disabilities and their peers.