Our Programs and Resources

The ALICE Simulation is an interactive experience that helps participants understand the financial challenges faced by those living right here in Kansas. ALICE households- Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed- receive income above the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), but not enough to afford basic cost of living. 

Between ALICE households and those living in poverty, an estimated 38% of households in Kansas were below the ALICE Threshold in 2025. Households below the Threshold are forced to make impossible choices — like deciding whether to pay for utilities or a car repair, whether to buy food or fill a prescription. 

Learn more about Kansas ALICE families here!

If your school is interested in hosting an ALICE simulator, reach out to us at SAUW@unitedwaysalina.org today! 

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is a free early childhood literacy program that mails high-quality, age-appropriate books each month to children from birth to age five. The program aims to help children build their very own home library of 60 books by the time they turn five, while inspiring a love of reading, supporting kindergarten readiness, and encouraging families to read together at home.

Salina Area United Way proudly supports Imagination Library programs in Saline and Ellsworth Counties. These programs are made possible through the generous support of the Dane G. Hansen Foundation, and we are deeply thankful for their partnership and commitment to early childhood literacy.

Register to start receiving your child's book's today here!

The Salina Area United Way is dedicated to increasing book ownership and addressing learning loss that can occur when school is out through its Raising Active, Wild Readers (RAWR) initiative. RAWR collects and distributes new and gently used books to children and youth, ages birth through 18, at summer meal sites and participating grab-and-go locations connected with Free Summer Meal Programs. On distribution days, every child who comes for lunch or visits a participating site is invited to choose a book to keep, helping them begin or grow their own home library.

By improving access to books and encouraging reading at home throughout the summer months, RAWR supports continued engagement with reading while also fostering literacy, imagination, exploration, and a lifelong love of books.

Read more about what we are up to with RAWR this summer here!

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) is a free tax preparation service for individuals and families who qualify based on income and other IRS guidelines. Through VITA, trained and IRS-certified volunteers help prepare and electronically file federal and state tax returns, making sure filers receive the credits they’ve earned, like the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Child Tax Credit, when eligible. The goal is simple: help people file accurately, avoid high fees, and keep more of their refund. 

*Note: This program generally runs January through April. Questions about tax returns cannot be answered by anyone but the trained and IRS-certified volunteers. *

Learn more about eligibility and requirements here!