United Way of the Plains is currently coordinating a Laid-Off Workers Center to assist laid-off workers in Sedgwick, Butler and Sumner counties.

General Information

The Laid-Off Workers Center is open monthly and sees all qualified clients by appointment only. United Way, local nonprofits, government agencies and other organizations are providing services at the center.

Setting up an appointment with Laid-Off Workers Center

Laid-off workers must pre-register and set up an appointment by calling United Way's information phone number, 2-1-1 (this is a toll-free number):

• Call only during designated call weeks (Laid-Off Workers Center Schedule)
• Call only between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Qualifications for assistance

Laid-off workers must:

• Pre-register to set up an appointment by calling the United Way’s information number 2-1-1;
• Have been laid off and approved for unemployment compensation sometime since October 1, 2008 (not fired, quit, or on medical leave);
• Show that they have emergency financial needs and have insufficient personal resources to adequately provide food, clothing and/or shelter; and
• Have been laid off from a job in Sedgwick, Butler or Sumner counties, or lived in those counties at the time of the layoff, between Oct. 1, 2008 and the present.

Assistance given during monthly sessions

Services at the Laid-Off Workers Center include:

• Emergency financial assistance for those who qualify (mortgage/rent, electric, gas and water). Checks will be written directly to the lender, landlord or utility company. No cash on premises.
• Budget and debt management counseling
• Help applying for government programs
• Job training and job search assistance
• Continuing education information
• Food assistance
• Community volunteering information
• On-site child care services during the appointment

Location of the Laid-Off Workers Center

West River Plaza office complex
2622 W. Central

Wichita, Kansas 

NOT a drop-in center. Must have an appointment—see above.

For information about the Laid-Off Workers Fund: Click here