Kids

Greater Ennis United Way. Building a Better Ennis.


The Greater Ennis United Way partners with several agencies who seek to improve the care and education of the students in our community. Through our local partners we are able to provide the children of our community a safe place to go after-school, tutoring and help with their homework and summer reading programs. In addition, we fund agencies that offer leadership skills and provide a safe place where the physical and emotional needs our kids can be met.

Boys & Girls Club of Ennis

A Youth development program targeting school aged youth members ages 6-18. Our mission statement is to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. The Boys & Girls Club of Ennis offers youth members Enrichment programs in the areas of Cultural Diversity & Fine Arts, Health & Fitness, Citizenship & Leadership Development, Personal & Educational Development, and Social Recreation & Games. Parents and Volunteers provide an integral role as cornerstones of our program by serving as mentors, coaches, tutors, and volunteer staff. The funding from the Greater Ennis United Way provides for Educational Enrichment, Building maintenance (Utilities),Youth membership sponsorship & supplies, and Payroll. Learn More -->

Give-A-Kid-A-Chance

A dedicated group of volunteers that come from all walks of life and span the spectrum of professions, occupations, and faiths. The common thread is our love of children and a keen desire to help them start school with all the things they need and with their physical, emotional and spiritual needs met. Learn More -->

Friends of the Ennis Public Library

The Friends of the Library is an all volunteer organization made up of community minded individuals that love the Ennis Public Library and all it stands for in the community. Financially, the Friends support the summer reading program, in its 35th year, and programs throughout the year for all ages. Financial support from the Greater Ennis United Way helps to support kids programs, adult programs, chess lessons, sign language training, awards an annual scholarship to a deserving senior who has volunteered in the junior volunteer program over the course of their school years and provides free books for everyone through the book cart at the Farmers’ Market each Saturday. Learn More -->

Ellis County Children's Advocacy Center (dba The Gingerbread House)

The Gingerbread House provides a child-friendly environment and a safe place for children who may have suffered child abuse. The Center provides a child-friendly atmosphere where Law Enforcement, Ellis County's District Attorney's Office, Child Protective Services, and  Ellis County Juvenile Services can investigate child abuse cases without subjecting the child victim to repeated interviews and revictimization. The Center is the place where the healing begins as children and non-offending family members have access to free counseling and family advocacy. The Center provides Crime Victim's Assistance, Court Preparation, Court Accompaniment, and Prevention Training for child victims and their family members.

The Ennis United Way helps the Ellis County Children's Advocacy Center through the support of vital programs such as Family Advocacy, Individual and Family Therapy, and Forensic Interviewing. Funds also allow the agency to do outreach to the community and provide community awareness and education about child abuse. Just this year the Center has provided over 335 interviews for FY 2018 and the numbers continue to be on the rise each year. We have served over 116 families thus far this FY 2018 through family advocacy. We are looking to grow services provided to children and families in the next year. Support from the Ennis United Way allows the Ellis County Advocacy Center to continue to meet the needs of children and families in our county. Learn More -->

Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas

Group builds girls of courage, confidence and character who make the world a better place. Girls experience the Girl Scout Leadership Experience through a variety of troop activities, workshops, community service project, camps and outings that helps girls develop confidence, learn to take smart risks, and develop grit, perseverance, and leadership skills – all in a girl-centric environment. The Girl Scout Leadership Experience challenges girls and pushes their boundaries, making them better able to lead in the world around them. Funding from Greater Ennis United Way provides programming for 100+ girls in grades K-12 that is focused on four program pillars:  STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics), Life Skills, Entrepreneurship and Outdoor Leadership. Additionally, financial assistance is made available to ensure no girl is ever denied the benefits of Girl Scouting due to financial constraints. Learn More -->

Candy Cane Corner Childcare Center

The Center offers full day programs for children 12 months to 12 years of age. At Candy Cane they believe the most important beginning to a child’s life is the training they receive. Our main objective is to instill responsibility and courtesy to others. We build lifetime learning through developmental experiences and to encourage the talents and gifts of each child. Learn More -->

Runnin' Free Ranch

A place where veterans, at-risk youth, those with special needs and their families can experience freedom, hope and positive life-giving relationships through the facilitation of equin assisted counseling and activities. Learn More -->