Lakes Area United Way

Lakes Area United Way advances the common good by creating opportunities for a good life for everyone in Crow Wing, Cass, and Aitkin Counties.

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Lakes Area United Way is advancing the common good by creating opportunities for a good life for everyone in Crow Wing, Cass, and Aitkin Counties. How? By focusing on education, income, and health. These are the building blocks for a good life – a quality education that leads to a stable job, enough income to support a family through retirement, and good health. WE ALL WIN WHEN CHILDREN SUCCEED IN SCHOOL, WHEN FAMILIES ARE FINANCIALLY STABLE, AND WHEN PEOPLE HAVE GOOD HEALTH. 

The Brainerd United Way originated with Penny Johnson, the first Executive Director, in 1969. She felt that Brainerd residents and businesses needed to join forces to raise money for non-profit agencies that were helping those in need. The first drive was set and achieved at $45, 000. In 1995, the Brainerd United Way became United Way of Crow Wing and Southern Cass Counties to accommodate for changes and growth in the Lakes Area. In 2019, your local United Way became Lakes Area United Way as it better defines the territory we serve, which includes both Crow Wing, Cass, and Aitkin Counties. 

Your contributions to the Lakes Area United Way stay local, and have an impact throughout our communities. With one donation, you are supporting the work of Lakes Area United Way and our 17 Partner Programs.