Programs that receive United Way funding must serve community needs in one or more of five Impact Areas. These Impact Areas help us focus our investments, distributing funds to 39 programs and service providers who strive to implement long-term solutions to important social needs in Kankakee County.

1. Nurturing children and youth
   Supporting and encouraging good parenting and helping children and youth develop positive values, knowledge and resources to reach their individual potential. (Day care, after school programs, recreation, mentoring, emergency shelter, foster care, adoption, scouting programs.)
   
   Boy Scouts Rainbow Council
   Girl Scouts Trailways Council
   YMCA
   YWCA
   
2. Strengthening families and individuals
   Providing assistance and educational programs for families and individuals to help them develop the skills needed to enhance the quality of life in our community. (Family and individual counseling, financial management, legal assistance, family support programs.)
   
   Center Against Sexual Assault
   Helen Wheeler Center
   KCC ALIVE
   Prairie State Legal Services
   Catholic Charities
   
3. Developing self-sufficiency
   Supporting individuals and families with physical, functional, mental or age-induced challenges in building up their strengths and self-sufficiency. (Job training, work activity centers, residential and independent living day programs for people with disabilities, adult day care, senior companions, recreation and support for seniors, respite care.)
   
   Good Shepherd Manor
   Kankakee County Senior Citizens
   Kankakee County Training Center
   Options
   United Cerebral Palsy
   
4. Fostering health and wellness
   Promoting healthy lifestyles and wellness throughout Kankakee County, while reducing suffering brought about by various circumstances. (Community health centers, home health care services, emergency support and care for victims of violence, substance abuse counseling and rehabilitation.)
   
   Arthritis Foundation
   Easter Seal Society
   Harbor House
   Hospice
   Victims Assistance Center
   
5. Building strong communities
   Ensuring that everyone has access to food, shelter and other essentials, as well as fostering leadership and volunteerism inside local communities and ethnic groups. (Disaster assistance, emergency family assistance, housing, community neighborhood centers, community education and development, advocacy and race relations.)
   
   American Red Cross
   The Salvation Army
   Kankakee County Community Services, Inc.