United Way of Vermillion

11/03/2026

11/02/2026

Wheels2Learn makes sure that every child has access to early childhood education!

Southeast Public Transit, United Way and USD Head Start partner together to provide rides for youth riders to Head Start.

10/28/2026

What is the relationship between United Way of Vermillion and Feeding Vermillion? It can be confusing when multiple agencies live under the same roof, so we wanted to clarify!

When the Vermillion Food Pantry, the Welcome Table, and other nonprofit organizations moved into the Community Connection Center in 2019, it was with the understanding that United Way of Vermillion would not charge for any costs incurred by occupancy, including utilities, internet, office supplies, administrative support, etc. until the point that it became necessary for the stability of the CCC. During our 7 years at the CCC, these organizations have undergone tremendous growth: a full time staff member, new programs, record breaking numbers of clients every year, and a merger bringing these two organizations under a single name (Feeding Vermillion). Because we at United Way of Vermillion recognize how vital these feeding programs are to our community, we have provided a uniquely high level of support for Feeding Vermillion during these transitional times. We continue to subsidize a substantial portion of non-food expenses, but as they have become more stable, Feeding Vermillion has taken on a greater share of these costs each year - around 30% in 2026. While that percentage may increase somewhat over time, we continue to commit to this level of support because hunger is just that important.

Our mission continues to focus on identifying community needs, filling gaps, and providing support for local non-profits that are doing great work, whether that be Feeding Vermillion, the additional partners who occupy the CCC, or the 20+ other programs serving Clay County that benefit from United Way funds. Learn more at http://UnitedWayofVermillion.org and http://FeedingVermillion.org .

10/26/2026

Sometimes the biggest challenge in public transportation isn't having somewhere to go. It's having enough people behind the wheel to get everyone there.

At Southeast Public Transit, we've experienced firsthand how important our team is to the communities we serve.

Over the past several months, staffing shortages have limited our ability to provide some of the transportation services our communities depend on. And while we're working hard to recruit and train employees, we know there are people still waiting for those services to return.

We haven't forgotten about them. And we're not giving up on getting those services back. ❤️

As we look toward 2027, we have two important goals:

🌟 1. Rebuilding Our Team and Restoring Services

We're focused on recruiting, training, and retaining the employees who make public transportation possible. Our goal is to restore additional routes and transportation options as staffing allows, including services that families and young riders have been patiently waiting for.

🌟 2. Building a Stronger Foundation for the Future

We want to strengthen community partnerships and local support to help ensure SEPT can continue providing reliable transportation for years to come. Because a strong public transit system takes more than buses and drivers. It takes a community that believes everyone deserves a way to get where they need to go.

❤️ Behind every route we hope to restore is someone waiting for a ride.

A student waiting for a way to school or an activity. A parent trying to balance work and family responsibilities. A neighbor who depends on transportation to remain connected.

Those are the people behind our goals.

Our dream for 2027 isn't simply to put more buses on the road. It's to bring back the opportunities that come with every ride.

10/14/2026

Winter Boots Registration for Vermillion Elementary Students This registration is for students attending Vermillion Elementary in the Vermillion School District. Important: Please register by October 16th, to give us enough time to order the boots. To accommodate growing feet, students will be sized...

09/03/2026

Thanks to these awesome future doctors for your service!

Every year, University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine students kick off the academic year with Essentials Week, a program designed to help incoming medical students transition into the classroom and the community.

08/28/2026

Thanks to everyone who supported Dolly Parton's Imagination Library at Thursdays on the Platz last night and online - you gave the gift of reading to 10 kids for the year! Want to help keep Imagination Library strong in Clay County? Visit http://UnitedWayofVermillion.org/donate/ to give 🦋🎵🦋

08/27/2026

Did you know studies have consistently shown that participation in Dolly Parton's Imagination Library increases childhood literacy and kindergarten readiness? Help support Dolly's legacy by donating to Imagination Library! Every month, over 300 area kids 0-5 five get a book in the mail, just for them. Visit http://UnitedWayofVermillion.org/donate/ to give or look for volunteers with Imagination Library buttons at tonight's Thursday's on the Platz to give via cash, check, or Venmo. Help us keep growing the library that Dolly built! 🦋🎵🦋

08/25/2026

Anyone who's been to our office or attended a Dolly Disco knows how beloved Dolly was around here. We will miss her beautiful music and her inspiring words - and we are honored to continue to carry on her legacy through Dolly Parton's Imagination Library. Over 300 kids in the Vermillion area get a new book in the mail every month thanks to Dolly's vision and the generosity of local donors to United Way. If you have a preschooler that isn't signed up yet, please get them enrolled - it's what Dolly would want: https://www.unitedwayofvermillion.org/partners/imagination-library-registration

Global icon and humanitarian, Dolly Parton, known to the world as a beloved singer, songwriter, philanthropist, actress, playwright, and author died peacefully today in Nashville, Tennessee. She was 80 years old.

Dolly is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 59 years Carl Thomas Dean (1942 – 2025), her mother Avie Lee Caroline Owens (1923 – 2003), and father, Robert Lee Parton, Sr. (1921 – 2000).

A rhinestone life that shone bright enough for the world to see, Dolly will forever stand as an inspiration not only through her timeless music and prolific songwriting, but also her wit, warmth, and kindness that made us all feel like family. Dolly Parton’s legacy is one of love, compassion, and resilience. With a seven-decade career, she inspired multiple generations of artists and fans with her music and an unwavering commitment to making the world a better place. Her songs will continue to resonate with people of all ages, and her philanthropic work will have a lasting impact.

At Dolly’s request, a small, private service will be held for immediate family. Dolly’s fans and friends from around the world are encouraged to pay tribute to Dolly on social media by tagging or by leaving a message at www.dollyparton.com

In lieu of flowers the family asks for donations to be made to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library at www.imaginationlibrary.com