Domestic violence impacts 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men in their lifetime. Many of those survivors carry not only trauma, but long-term economic damage including debts, impact on employment and damaged credit. United Way of Greater Kansas City recognizes the need to support survivors throughout their healing and financial security journey.
A Mother’s Life Turned Upside Down
Olivia* is finding her footing again in a new community with her children. Lately, life has felt like an uphill battle.
“It’s been really depressing. But I’m getting help for that now,” she shared. “I was going through a domestic violence situation prior to moving here to Grandview, so it really was a lot of layers to peel back, even to ask for some help or ask for assistance. I just assumed that there were people with greater need than me.”
Emergency Assistance During a Family Crisis
Shortly after relocating, she learned about United Way Impact 100 partner Grandview Assistance Program (GAP) through her children’s school.
“I stopped in one morning and they were able to assist me. I wasn’t aware of what all they could do,” she said.
GAP is one of our local partners in the UHONS (United Helping Our Neighbors Statewide) Initiative. The statewide United Way partnership aids households facing immediate financial hardship.
“Right after I got separated, I had no income. I was in jeopardy of being disconnected because my gas bill was so high. I want to say $1,700,” Olivia said.
That’s because she had a bill from an old address and from the home she shared with her husband when they separated. When she moved into her current home, she had gas bill charges from three addresses.
“Without Grandview Assistance Program and United Way coming in to assist, to get that payment of $1,000 pledged man, I’d probably be pulling my hair out. It’s a huge sense of relief,” she said.
Creating Community
More than that, GAP has helped she and her two young children feel at home after surviving a scary situation.
“They let me know about a family festival that’s going on. They’ve helped with the food pantry. They’ve just been so nice and supportive,” Olivia shared. “It’s really given us a sense of community since we’ve been here.”
Your Giving Makes Life Change Possible
As Olivia and her family work to find financial security in the long-term, she’s thankful to generous supporters like you who make programs like UHONS possible.
“A great big thank you with a hug attached, because those unnamed people came through when I didn’t even know which way to turn,” she said. “It’s greatly appreciated. I can’t say thank you enough for those donors.”
United Way mobilizes real-time solutions like UHONS for Kansas City area families thanks to our community’s support. In 2026, that support has:
- Mobilized $520,000 in financial support to individuals & families in need
- Support delivered through 23 local nonprofit partners
- Housing, utilities, transportation and childcare costs covered
Give today to help Kansas City families maintain financial security.
*Name changed to protect the domestic violence survivor’s identity
Need emergency financial help in the Kansas City area?
If you’re facing a financial emergency and need assistance with rent, utilities, food, or resources for caregiving, healthcare, youth and more:
Call 211 (Available 24/7 in 150+ languages. Free and confidential) or visit 211KC.org to connect with resources.
United Way’s 211 connects residents of Kansas City and 23 regional counties to more than 7,000 resources, including emergency financial assistance programs.
More Ways United Way Helps Kansas City Families
- Eviction Prevention: Legal aid and rental assistance keeping families housed
- Family Empowerment Initiative: Case management for housing stability
- Ride United: Transportation support in partnership with Lyft
- AARP Caregiver Resources: Support for individuals caring for an aging loved one
- Volunteer Income Tax Assistance: During tax season, connecting you to free filing appointments