For 70 years, United Way of Ellis County has been bringing together citizens, community and business leaders, the faith community, government, non-profit organizations and other institutions to determine and meet critical local needs, ranging from the basic--such as food, shelter and emergency assistance—to emerging and growing issues like the need for affordable housing, service and support for seniors as well as positive youth development. Executive Director Erica Berges, a native of North Central Kansas (Cuba, Kan.), Fort Hays State University graduate and resident of Hays for the past 20 years, joined the organization in 2014 and stepped into its leadership role in 2019.