Our Community and Funded Partners

Our ability to bring people together across the community is what makes United Way unique. We believe we can accomplish more when we work together toward common goals, which is why we convene several active community partnerships and provide the structure needed to achieve success.

United Way Programs

The Early Childhood Hub of Lane County

The Early Childhood Hub of Lane County is here to help you with the joys and challenges of raising a child during the early years, from birth to age 6. They are your local hub for parenting & caregiving help, and your guide to the community’s free or low-cost opportunities for play and learning. Housed within the Early Childhood Hub is Preschool Promise, Black Early Learning (part of the Lane African-American/Black Student Success program), Kids In Transition to School (KITS), Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, and more!

The Early Childhood Hub previously served the community as LaneKids and the Lane Early Learning Alliance. The 2022 merger of these programs reflects the close connection between play and education, and kids and caregivers.

The Early Childhood Hub’s 2022-23 Annual Report is here!

Learn more about the Early Childhood Hub’s impact around the county and our work to support parents, caregivers, and the early learning system here.

Black Early Learning

This early learning program offers families the resources and support to help their African American/Black children thrive—from their earliest moments through the time they start kindergarten and beyond. The purpose of this program is to improve academic outcomes for African American/Black students and to achieve a vision of an equitable education system in Lane County.

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is a book gifting program that sends books each month directly to your home until your child’s 5th birthday, for FREE! The program is generously funded through local non-profits, foundations, school districts and individual donors.

Want to support your local Imagination Library Program? Click here to give.

Kids in Transition to School (KITS)

The Kids In Transition to School (KITS) program is for children entering kindergarten this fall. KITS is free and has helped hundreds of families make a smooth transition into kindergarten for over 10 years. It offers two activities: a school readiness group for kids, and a workshop for parents/caregivers.

Preschool Promise

Preschool Promise is a free, full-time preschool option for Lane County kids ages 3 and 4. Preschool Promise offers culturally relevant early child care and education programs, and programs are in a wide variety of settings across Lane County, including home-based, center-based, and school-based care. All preschools offer hours comparable to full-day kindergarten and provide supplies and meals.

Bright By Text

Bright By Text sends free text messages with easy, practical tips and activities right to your cell phone! With content from partners like PBS and Sesame Street, and with messages tailored to your child’s age and the community you live in, Bright By Text is a great way to receive relevant information, including occasional updates from our team at the Early Childhood Hub!