United Way of Greater Kansas City

Fighting for the health, education and financial stability of every member of our community

Grandview Foster Parent Finds Financial Support Through United Way and Impact 100 Partner

Angelia F. is proudly raising her five young grandchildren—all under the age of eight—in Grandview, Mo. Becoming a foster parent was not something she planned for as a single 57-year-old who had been an empty nester for more than a decade.

“I stepped in and just took the children because we had nobody else to step up to the plate to do it. So I just did it,” Angelia said. “A lot of people have asked me why, and they wouldn’t have done it. But this is my blood, my kin. We share blood. So I went out on a limb to do this for them, to give them a new life and a better life. And every day I wake up, I want them to be successful.”

Facing Financial Hardship

Going from a single-person household to raising five small children was hard enough, and it became even tougher when Angelia lost a retail job she had held for more than 23 years. She hopes to find another full-time position. For now, she is working limited, part-time hours in the food service industry.

“The struggle is real,” she shared. “I thank the people who have been in my corner to assist me, from the bottom of my heart.”

United Way & Impact 100 Partner Deliver Real-Time Solutions

Neighbors told Angelia that United Way of Greater Kansas City Impact 100 partner Grandview Assistance Program (GAP) might be able to help with urgent needs as she worked to provide stability for her grandchildren.

“When you go in there, they welcome you in and they really treat you kind and nice,” Angelia shared. “They’re very educated on helping you with finances and other needs. They’ll help you in any way they can.”

United Helping Our Neighbors Statewide (UHONS) Program

Through GAP, Angelia has received support from the organization’s food pantry and diaper assistance program. Earlier this year, she also benefited from direct financial assistance to help cover household bills, thanks to funding provided by United Way’s United Helping Our Neighbors Statewide (UHONS) program. The statewide United Way partnership helps Missouri households facing immediate financial hardship with essential expenses such as housing, utilities, transportation and childcare.

For Angelia, who recently overcame illnesses while taking on the role of foster parent, the extra support helped cover critical expenses like rent and utilities—giving her family more room to focus on stability, care and the children’s future.

“I can give them kudos. They went above and beyond to get everything that I needed to assist my grandkids,” said Angelia. “I really admire them for being open-minded and not judging us.”

Your Giving Makes a Difference

When families like Angelia’s face unexpected life challenges and financial instability, United Way is there. It’s thanks to generous supporters like you, that programs like UHONS are possible.

Through UHONS, has impacted Kansas City area families with:

*$337,009 in financial support to individuals & families in need
*Support delivered through 19 local nonprofit partners
*305 households provided direct financial assistance
*Critical housing, utilities, transportation and childcare costs covered, averting more long-term impacts to household financial security

Give today to help Kansas City families in creating resiliency and stability.

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 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 area families