United Way of Southwest Minnesota Awarded Distinguished Partner Award

United Way of Southwest Minnesota (UWSWMN) was recently awarded the “Distinguished Partner Award” by United Community Action Partnership (UCAP).  This award is presented to a service group, nonprofit organization business/corporation, etc. which has been involved with UCAP in a collaborative role. Distinguished Partner Award recognizes the impact made by the nominee through their contributions of time, talents or treasures.    

UCAP celebrates how the nominee made a difference in the lives of the people that they serve, directly or indirectly.  Nominations for this award are made by UCAP staff and are announced during their all-staff day event held in September.  One nomination shared the following, “Consistently, but notably as soon as the pandemic hit, UWSWMN reached out to ask UCAP what we needed.  They listened intently as we shared the unique challenges that people faced and they responded.  UCAP has appreciated their willingness to truly work together to address the needs of the community and the partnership has really been a gift.  The many shared successes of our agencies are an example of what can happen with true partnership.”

Sarah Kicmal, UWSWMN President & CEO shared, “We are truly honored to receive this award. It is our mission to improve the lives of local people and strengthen our communities.  We can’t do this work alone and we are so fortunate to work with partners like UCAP.  Both of our organizations start with the word United.  It seems fitting as we accept this award and continue to unite to make southwest Minnesota a better place for all.