When Suleiman arrived in the United States, he carried gratitude and hope. Originally from Ethiopia, his journey to safety was long and complex. Before resettlement, he lived in a refugee camp in Kenya while managing serious health challenges. His body continues to experience lasting impacts, including paralysis and diabetes, limiting his ability to work, walk, or care for himself independently.
After arriving in January 2025 with just two gloves and one shoe, he was connected with Della Lamb Community Services, a United Way Impact 100 partner. Della Lamb is one of 20 partner agencies United Way of Greater Kansas City recently worked with to distribute prepaid debit cards to neighbors facing urgent needs. Through this initiative, households receive immediate, flexible financial support, with an average disbursement of $930 each.
With the debit card, Suleiman was able to purchase clothing, shoes, and other necessities. Living alone and managing multiple health conditions, he also relies on Della Lamb’s support for other needs like transportation to medical appointments.
Because he cannot walk easily or move freely, Suleiman spends much of his time indoors. One of his hopes is to purchase a television for his home. The debit card gives him the ability to make choices like this for himself, restoring a sense of control during a time that feels uncertain.
Like Suleiman, Abdullai arrived in the US from Central Africa with a mixture of hope and medical challenges. He undergoes treatments every month, and managing chronic illness is exhausting, especially in a new country where everything feels unfamiliar.
Della Lamb stepped in immediately, helping Abdullai navigate systems that would otherwise be overwhelming. He was enrolled in Medicaid and food assistance, connected to English classes that he attends daily, and supported with transportation to medical appointments. The prepaid debit card is part of that safety net, helping fill gaps from covering daily necessities to unexpected needs.
Across the region, stories like Suleiman’s and Abdullai’s reflect a greater need for financial empowerment. United Way of Greater Kansas City has invested nearly $2 million to support households facing high rent, utility, and food costs, along with challenges such as transportation, healthcare expenses, childcare, and school supplies. While there are no restrictions on how the funds can be used, recipients consistently report using them to cover basic, everyday expenses.
By partnering with trusted organizations like Della Lamb Community Services, the program ensures that assistance reaches people with the greatest need. Make a gift today to help ensure our neighbors can access the resources to build lasting financial stability.