JEFF RUSSELL President and Chief Executive Officer
Jeff Russell is the president and CEO of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska (BCBSNE). Previously, Russell served as president and CEO of Delta Dental of Iowa, the state’s largest dental insurance company, providing dental, vision and legal benefits to more than 1.6 million members.
Russell has more than 25 years’ experience in senior leadership roles. Prior to Delta Dental, he led a variety of companies in the banking and payments industry. He was president and CEO of TMG Financial Services, helping to grow it to be one of the 30 largest Mastercard issuers in the U.S. He also held various executive positions for The Members Group, a financial technology and payments company, including heading the marketing, technology, product development and finance units.
Russell currently serves on BCBSNE’s board, in addition to the boards of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, Prime Therapeutics, the Drake University Board of Trustees, Bankers Trust and the Greater Omaha Chamber.
Russell earned a bachelor’s in journalism from Drake University.
2025-2026 CAMPAIGN EXECUTIVE CABINET
Campaign Chairs
Jeff & Lisa Russell
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of NE - President & CEO
Work email: jeff.russell@nebraskablue.com
Work phone: (402) 982-6037
Mobile phone: (515) 710-1908
Dave Anderson
KPMG - Office Managing Partner
Work email: dandersonjr@kpmg.com
Work phone: (402) 598-3420
Kelli Eickhoff
Scoular - SVP and CHRO
Work email: keickhoff@scoular.com
Work phone: (402) 344-1328
Jason Fisher
Lund - CEO
Work email: jfisher@lundco.com
Work phone: (402) 548-4021
Barry Gideon
FNBO - VP Corporate Treasury Services
Work email: bgideon@fnbo.com
Work phone: (402) 602-2609
Mobile phone: (402) 216-1621
Jamie Gutierrez
Midwest Maintenance - CEO
Work email: jgutierrez@midwestinc.net
Work phone: (402) 733-1114
Mobile phone: (402) 250-4611
Eric Johnson
Conagra – VP Assistant Controller
Work email: Eric.johnson2@conagra.com
Dan Kinsella
Deloitte - Partner
Work email: dkinsella@deloitte.com
Work phone: (402) 346-7788
Mobile phone: (402) 203-5341
Paul Maass
Scoular - CEO
Work email: paulmaass@scoular.com
Work phone: (402) 449-1430
Mobile phone: (402) 689-5757
Brooke McAlpin
Cornerstone Staffing - President
Work email: brooke@cornerstonestaffinginc.com
Work Phone: (402) 896-9191 x109
Josh Norton
Koley Jessen - Partner and Corporate Development Chair
Work email: Joshua.norton@koleyjessen.com
Work phone: (402) 343-3856
Chase Rankin
Omaha World-Herald - VP Local Advertising
Work email: chase.rankin@lee.net
Work phone: (702) 343-1579
sforsberg@uwmidlands.org
Office - (402) 522-7964
Mobile - (402) 981-3497
Office - (402) 522-7922
Mobile - (402) 658-6101
JIM RICHARDSON Chief Financial Officer jrichardson@uwmidlands.org
CARMEN STEELE Director, Communications csteele@uwmidlands.org
Office - (402) 522-7963
Mobile - (402) 452-7089
THANK YOU FOR JOINING
Great leaders inspire, support, and challenge their teams to answer the call. By forging connections and collaborating with like-minded professionals, community leaders, and advocates, your impact on the 2025 Campaign Cabinet will be instrumental for the success of this campaign. Together, we will transform your care for the community into results that make a meaningful difference.
We understand there is a great need across the Omaha-Council Bluffs metro, and an enduring urgency to come together. And with your support, we’re showing that United is the Way to find strength and share hope. We thank you for joining us and bringing your generous, caring spirit to help create a stronger tomorrow.
Spencer Danner Chief Development Officer United Way of
the
Midlands
TIME COMMITMENT AND EXPECTATIONS
During each meeting, we invite you to share campaign status updates, progress, and feedback, as well as highlight current challenges and opportunities. The agenda will include discussion of our donor engagement strategy, focusing on effective practices and areas for refinement. Similarly, we will review our corporate engagement approach to ensure optimal partnership development. Your continued participation and ideas are essential to our campaign’s success.
Cabinet update meetings will be hosted regularly from April to November. The schedule is as listed below. During each meeting, we will check in on our current campaign status, including progress percentages toward our four 2025 - 2026 campaign goals:
1. Growing Tocqueville Society memberships
2. Developing 20 new corporate campaigns
3. Increasing Bridgebuilder members by 15%
4. Building our retiree strategy
MEETING SCHEDULE
All meetings will be from 7:30 - 8:30 A.M. In-person meetings will be held at the Blue Cross and Blue Shield offices, located at:
1919 Aksarben Dr. Omaha, NE, 68180
*Please note dates/times may be subject to change.
April 9: In-person
April 30: Virtual
May 14: In-person
June 18: Virtual
August 6: Virtual
August 20: In-person
September 10: Virtual
October 1: In-person
October 22: Virtual
November 12: In-person
CAMPAIGN CABINET FOCUS
CAMPAIGN CABINET RESPONSIBILITIES
• Utilize professional and personal network to identify individuals that are not current Tocqueville donors but have the capacity to give at the leadership level, introduce them to UWM and the mission, and secure their commitment to join the Tocqueville Society
• Select prospective donors from a researched prospect list, introduce them to UWM and the mission, and secure their commitment to join the Tocqueville Society
• Conduct calls to existing corporate partners to thank them for their support of UWM and community as well as obtaining their commitment to run a campaign in 2025-2026
• Utilize professional and personal network to identify businesses that are not current partners to UWM and introduce them to UWM and the mission and get them to meet with a UWM representative to discuss opportunities to partner
• Select prospective businesses from a researched prospect list to introduce them to UWM and the mission and get them to meet with a UWM representative to discuss opportunities to partner
• Conduct follow up to prospects as needed
• Participate in monthly calls/meetings regarding progress updates
2025-2026 CAMPAIGN CABINET
CALENDAR OF ACTIVITIES
Monthly meetings April through November:
• Monitor overall campaign progress
• Support for corporate campaigns
• Personal outreach to retain and recruit Tocqueville donor prospects
DATES CAMPAIGN CABINET ACTIVITIES
April Initial Meeting with Cabinet Cabinet members choose corporate partners to thank Cabinet members identify new corporate prospects
April - November Monthly Cabinet meetings Cabinet completes Tocqueville prospect calls / events
May - July Cabinet completes thank you calls to current corporate partners
May - July Cabinet completes prospect calls for new partner relationships
June - December Small corporate prospect events scheduled – Cabinet attendance and follow-up
July Cabinet identifies and selects Tocqueville prospects Campaign Workshop for Campaign Managers*
August Campaign Manager Workshop*
August Campaign Kickoff event for the community
September - November Tocqueville prospect events scheduled – Cabinet attendance and follow-up
October Tocqueville celebration event
October 2025 Annual Meeting
December Cabinet thank you event
February - June Group Tocqueville dinners – UWM President, CEO and board members
March – June Roundtable meetings with key partners and UWM board members
*Dates to be determined
WAYS YOU CAN PARTNER WITH UWM AND SUPPORT OUR COMMUNITY
Employee Campaign
Inspire employees with simple online and payroll deduction options. UWM staff have a robust Campaign HQ to help streamline the process.
Corporate Gifts or
Grants
Support causes you care about, with results you can see. We’ll report back on the impact of your generous contribution.
Corporate Match
Showcase your corporate social responsibility by matching employee donations of time or dollars.
Special Events
Create unique experiences tailored to your team culture and goals – organized by UWM in collaboration with your employees.
Investment Process Management
Harness our expertise from start to finish so your employees can excel at what they do best.
Volunteerism & Sponsorships
Show your support through high-visibility events.
United Way of the Midlands UNITES our community’s CARING SPIRIT to build a STRONGER tomorrow.
CAMPAIGN PARTNERS
2025 CAMPAIGN PARTNER ORGANIZATIONS
55th Wing 557 Air Force Weather Agency
AAA Building Components Inc
AAA Life Insurance
Accenture
Access Commercial, LLC
ACCESSbank
ACI Worldwide
Aflac
Ag Processing Inc
All Copy Products
All Makes Office Equipment Co.
Allstate Insurance Co.
Alvine Engineering
American Family Insurance
American National Bank
American Red Cross Omaha Council Bluffs Metro
American Reliable Insurance
Aon
Applied Information Management Institute
Applied Underwriters
Archer Daniels Midland Company
Archetype Coffee
Associated Staffing, Inc.
AT&T Corp
Athene
Availa Bank
Avenue Scholars Foundation
Baker’s Supermarkets
Bank of America
Bankers Trust
Barnhart Press
Baxter Auto
Beardmore Chevrolet Subaru
Bellevue Public Schools
Bellevue University
Bennington Public Schools
BG Peterson Company Hartzell Fan Company
Biaggis
Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Midlands
Big Mama’s Kitchen & Catering Inc
Big Muddy Workshop
Bishop Business Equipment Co.
Black & Veatch
Black Hills Corporation
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska
BMO Financial Group
BNSF Railway Foundation
Bob Haniszewski Painting
Boomer Radio
Boys and Girls Clubs of the Midlands
bp Energy Company
Bricktown Management
Bright Minds - Brighter Futures Early Learning Center
Broadmoor Development Company
Builders Supply Co Inc
Buildertrend
Building Omaha
Bunge North America
Burlington Capital
Burlington Capital Foundation
Burns & McDonnell
BWBR
Cabinet Factory Outlet
Career Path Training Corp Roadmaster
Drivers School
Caretech Inc
Cargill
Carole’s House of Hope
Carroll Communications
CASA - Douglas County, Nebraska
Cascios Steak House
CASSLING
Cassling Family Foundation
Catalyst Public Affairs
Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Omaha
Catholic Council for Social Concern, Diocese of Des Moines
Central States Health & Life Co. of Omaha
Central States Indemnity Co.
Chastain Insurance Agency, Inc. dba
Chastain-Otis
Chesterman Company
CHI Health
Chicago Lumber Co of Omaha
Child Saving Institute
Childrens Nebraska
City of Bellevue
City of Omaha
City Sprouts
CL Werner Foundation
Cline Williams Wright Johnson and Oldfather, LLP
Cobalt Credit Union
CoBank
CODE Black Professional Tech Network
Collective for Youth
College Possible
Colliers
Columbia Insurance Group
2025 CAMPAIGN PARTNER ORGANIZATIONS
Combined Federal Campaign
Combined Health Agencies Drive
Commercial Flooring Systems Inc
Community Alliance Rehabilitation Services
Completely KIDS
Conagra Brands, Inc.
Corbion
Cornerstone Services Group, LLC
Cornerstone Staffing
Cornhusker Bank
Costco Council Bluffs Area Chamber of Commerce
Council Bluffs Community Schools
Cox Communications
CRCC
Creighton University
Cresline Plastic Pipe Company, Inc.
Crete Carriers Corporation
Cummins Sales and Service Central Region
CVS Pharmacy
CyncHealth
D.A. Davidson & Co.
D2 Center
Data Shield
Deloitte
Delta Airlines
Disney
DLR Group
DOT.Comm
Douglas County
Dundee Bank
Dutton & Associates PC
Dvorak Law Group
Dwain and Vera Horn Foundation
E & A Consulting Group
Eakes Office Solutions
Eastern Nebraska Community Action Partnership
Eaton Corporation - Omaha
Edward and Lida Robinson Charitable Trust
Edward Banister Charitable Fund
Edward J. Heck & Sons Co.
Eide Bailly
Election Systems & Software, Inc.
Elevance Health
Eli Lilly and Company
EMC Insurance Co.
Emily Schwartz Speech Therapy Services
Emprise Bank
Enterprise Bank, N.A.
Enterprise Rent-A-Car
Erftmier Law LLC
Erickson Sederstrom, P.C.
Esthers
Evonik
Executive Office of Immigration Review
Experis Manpower Group
Family Housing Advisory Services, Inc.
Farmers Mutual of Nebraska District Claims Office - Omaha
Farmers National Company
Fastsigns
Father Flanagans Boys Home
FBG Facility Services
Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City
Fidelity & Guaranty Life Ins. Co.
Fidelity National Financial
Firefly
Firefly Children and Family Alliance
First Interstate Bank
First Nebraska Trust
Fiserv
Five Points Bank
FNBO
FNBO - Retirees
FNIC
Fontenelle Elementary
Fontenelle Forest Association
Ford Storage & Moving Co.
Forvis Mazars LLP
FotoFunSpot
Foundation of Support
Fraser Stryker
Frontier Bank Nebraska
Generation Diamond Corporation
Gilbert M. and Martha H. Hitchcock Foundation
Girl Scouts Spirit of Nebraska
Girls Incorporated of Omaha
Goodwill Industries Inc
Google
Google Fiber Inc
Goosmann Law Firm, PLC
Graphic Packaging
Greater America Distributing
Greater Omaha Chamber
Grinnell Mutual
Grocery Kart
Habitat for Humanity of Council Bluffs
Hancock & Dana, PC
Harms Oil Company
Hawkins Construction Company
2025 CAMPAIGN PARTNER ORGANIZATIONS
Millard Public Schools
Milton and Miriam Waldbaum Family Foundation
MJS Packaging
Mutual of Omaha
National Indemnity Company
Nationwide
NE & SW Iowa Bldg and Construction Trades Council
NE Army National Guard Omaha
Nebraska Center for Workforce Development & Education Org.
Nebraska Diaper Bank
Nebraska Enterprise Fund
Nebraska Furniture Mart, Inc. - Omaha
Nebraska Medicine
Nebraska Methodist College
Nebraska Total Care
Nebraska Workforce Development
Nelnet
New Visions
New York Life Insurance Company
No More Empty Pots
Noddle Companies
Northeast Community College
Northern Natural Gas
Northrop Grumman
Northwest Bank
NP Dodge Company
NRG Media, LLC
Nucor Steel-Nebraska
NuStar Energy L.P.
OBI Creative
Ollie Webb Center Inc.
Olsson
Omaha Airport Authority
Omaha Car Care
Omaha Federal Credit Union
Omaha Federation of Labor AFL-CIO
Omaha ForUs
Omaha Home for Boys
Omaha Housing Authority
Omaha Public Power District
Omaha Public Schools
Omaha Steaks
Omaha Storm Chasers and Union Omaha
Omaha Track Inc
Omaha World-Herald Company
Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium
OneOk
OneWorld Community Health Centers, Inc.
OrthoNebraska
Owen Foundation
P & D Market
Pacific Life Foundation
Pacific Life Insurance Company
Pape Family Foundation
Papillion La Vista Community Schools
Papio-Missouri River Natural Resources District
Partnership 4 Kids
Pathward
Pella Windows & Doors of Omaha & Lincoln
Pendleton Woolen Mills
Penske Truck Leasing
Pentagon Federal Credit Union
Peter Kiewit Sons’, Inc.
PETSMART
Physicians Mutual
Picklemans Gourmet Cafe
Pitney Bowes Presort Services
Plumbers Local 16
PML Construction Inc
PowerTech
Principal Financial Group
Progress Rail Services (Caterpillar)
Project Houseworks
QAT Global
QuikTrip Corporation
R&R Realty Group
Rasmussen Group
Raymond James Financial
RCG Advertising and Media
RDG Planning & Design
Red Hat
Renze Display Company
Restoring Dignity
Rib Shack Smokehouse
Ricoh Office Solutions, Inc.
Riekes Equipment Co
RISE
RISE
Robert B. Daugherty Foundation
Robert H. Storz Foundation
Rocket Carwash
Rockwell Automation
Room for Roots Inc
RSM US LLP
S L Jensen Construction Inc
Santa Monica Inc
Saving Grace Perishable Food Rescue
Scheels All Sports
TOP 100 CAMPAIGNS
LEADERSHIP GIVING
WOMEN UNITED STRATEGY
Who They Are
Key Message
Women United is a global, growing force of more than 70,000 women dedicated to creating lasting change and lifting up communities. The Omaha Chapter, founded in 2008, believes that addressing critical local needs can drive transformative community change.
With gifts of $1,500 and above to United Way of the Midlands (UWM), Women United provides educational and volunteer opportunities that help members gain first-hand knowledge of the most pressing issues facing the Omaha-Council Bluffs metro.
With Women United, you bring your passion and dedication to a group of women who lift each other up and make positive change possible for families across the metro.
What They Care About
This group is especially engaged in initiatives that support United Way’s Healthy Community impact area. They have a proven track record of taking action to raise awareness and education about mental health and are working on ambitious plans to impact homelessness in our community.
Women United 2025-2026 Goals
• Raise $600,000 over three years to support the Family Flex Fund, ensuring families receive immediate relief and long-term stability ($200,000 annually).
• Grow Women United membership by 10% to increase collective impact.
Communication Tactics and Channels:
• Quarterly Women United Community Compass newsletter to stay abreast of events and outcomes
• Networking events combining social connection with action, including panel discussions, volunteer opportunities or giving challenges
• Shareable social media and digital content highlighting individual, family and program success stories
• Personalized thank you videos from beneficiaries
BRIDGEBUILDER SOCIETY STRATEGY
Key Message
Who They Are What They Care About
They are highly educated professionals with the financial capacity to give an annual gift of $1,000–$9,999. They are established and emerging professionals with a heart for their community, and a desire to connect, but not always the time to engage.
Many Bridgebuilder participants take on leadership roles in organizing and promoting workplace giving campaigns, which is seen as a positive influence on the overall culture of giving. Bridgebuilders are driven by a strong desire to provide help, make a community impact and are influenced by workplace giving opportunities.
Just as bridges require strong foundations, so do communities. Your support closes gaps and creates opportunities — paving the way for a stronger, more connected community where no one is left behind.
Bridgebuilder Society 2025-2026 Goals
• Gain an understanding of the current and historical portfolio of UWM Bridgebuilder donors and opportunities.
• Implement a comprehensive communications plan from UWM to Bridgebuilders for aid in donor retention.
• Establish a goal within each partner organization for Bridgebuilder retention and growth.
Engaged Bridgebuilder Donors are the next generation of UWM. They believe in giving back to their community and plan to increase their giving as their career and capacity to give financially grows. They want connection: to be involved and contribute to effective programs and services that create change and opportunity for their friends and neighbors.
Communication Tactics and Channels:
• Monthly email newsletters to stay abreast of events and outcomes
• Outreach opportunities to grow United Way’s business partner network
• LinkedIn posts featuring partner organizations and innovative solutions
• Leadership and board opportunities
• Bridgebuilder events
UNITED WAY OF THE MIDLANDS OVERVIEW
UWM MESSAGING PLAYBOOK
UNITING THE METRO IN CARE OF ONE ANOTHER
The Omaha-Council Bluffs metro is a deeply generous community. Guided by our Midwest values, we take the responsibility of caring for our friends and neighbors very seriously. It’s the right thing to do.
Knowing it’s the right thing to do, doesn’t mean that it’s simple to know where to pledge your resources. Each of us want to create meaningful impact and positive change for our community, but knowing how to help can be daunting.
It takes a strong, strategic partner to ensure that resources shared from the heart are used to create the results we desire for our community today – and for generations to come. United Way of the Midlands is that strategic partner. Through collaboration and thoughtful stewardship, you can trust our team to maximize every dollar, and make your gift go further.
At United Way of the Midlands, we exist to mobilize the resources required to meet the needs of our community. We bring together vision, strategy and relentless dedication to ensure help reaches people who need it most. Our role is to unite people and resources, bridging the gap between generosity and individuals who are facing life’s toughest challenges. Therefore, you can be confident that what you bring will be used strategically –to ensure the greatest impact.
We lead with grace, and trust, activating community time, talent and treasure to address our community’s most pressing needs. Rooted in strategic partnerships and a deep understanding of the issues, we provide immediate relief and long-term results.
HOW WE MAKE A DIFFERENCE
• We connect donors and volunteers with impactful causes, ensuring their generosity makes a difference.
• We amplify the work of nonprofits by linking them with supporters they might not otherwise reach.
• We support individuals in crisis through our 211 helpline, providing a lifeline to critical resources.
• We step in where we’re needed most, growing our programs and services, such as JAG Nebraska and Weatherization, to meet the evolving needs of our community.
This is the heart of our work, rooted in love of community. With donors, nonprofits, and the people and agencies we serve—we build a thriving, more connected community, together.
UWM MESSAGING PLAYBOOK
ADDITIONAL MESSAGES + PHRASES
We transform your care for community into results that make a difference.
In our community, we care for one another. It’s the right thing to do – but knowing the best way to help can be daunting.
At United Way of the Midlands, it is our highest honor to connect your heart for community with the areas of greatest need.
Through strong partnerships and a deep understanding of the issues, we provide immediate relief and create lasting impact.
From strengthening local resilience to advancing health, youth opportunity and financial security — a thriving community starts with deep commitment and care for one another.
Your care for our community deserves an experienced partner We’re built for this.
United Way of the Midlands is (our communities) strategic partner in giving. We make giving go further.
United Way of the Midlands has been investing on behalf of our community for over 100 years—we know how to... It’s the heart of what we do.
When you invest in our community through United Way of the Midlands, you can be confident that your gift will do the most good.
It takes a strong, strategic partner to ensure that resources shared from the heart are used to create the results we desire for our community today – and for generations to come.
Make your giving go further, with bigger outcomes and lasting results.
…it’s what we do best…
CÓMO AYUDA SU REGALO
UNOS POCOS DÓLARES HACEN UN GRAN IMPACTO!
Cuando hace una donación mensual* a United Way of the Midlands, se une a miles de otros donantes para ayudar a nuestros vecinos en el área metropolitana de OmahaCouncil Bluffs.
Eso significa que, con una donación de cualquier tamaño, usted ayuda a crear un CÍRCULO DE APOYO en nuestra comunidad.
$10 UN MES
75 libras de productos frescos
$20 UN MES
$50 UN MES
$100 UN MES
Un mes de pases de autobús para 5 participantes en el entrenamiento laboral
500 mini botiquines de primeros auxilios
Cubiertas de enchufes y otros artículos de protección para 100 familias para garantizar la seguridad de sus hijos pequeños
Visite UnitedWayMidlands.org para obtener más información. *estimacionesbasadasenloscostosinformadosdelprograma
Our community thrives when we come together. UWM forms strategic partnerships that activate resources and ensure help reaches those who need it most. Through targeted investments and a deep understanding of local needs, we create opportunity for families and strengthen the foundation for a thriving community.
211 Helpline
211 is the front door to help and a foundational community resource. Last year, the 211 Helpline responded to more than 275,000 contacts, connecting people to essential resources including housing, food, healthcare and mental health support. Available 24/7, 365 days a year, trained specialists provide confidential guidance, ensuring people get the help they need—when they need it. From crisis assistance to disaster response, 211 is part of our community’s critical infrastructure of support.
AGING AND DISABILITIES RESOURCE CENTER
211 is a State of Nebraska Aging and Disabilities Resource Center (ADRC). This effort is coordinated by Nebraska’s Department of Health and Human Services’ State Unit on Aging, through local Area Agencies on Aging, and in partnership with the disability organizations listed on the ADRC webpage.
COMBINED HEALTH AGENCIES DRIVE
Through our partnership with the Combined Health Agencies Drive (CHAD), local health charities receive funding to conduct innovative research, provide critical client services and offer education and prevention programs that focus on improving the health and quality of life of those living in Nebraska.
ALS Association, Mid-American Chapter
Alzheimer’s Association, Nebraska Chapter
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Nebraska
Nebraska Chapter of the National Hemophilia Foundation
Nebraska Community Blood Bank
Nebraska Health Care Foundation
Nebraska Hospice and Palliative Care Association
Nebraska Kidney Association
Susan G. Komen Great Plains Team Jack Foundation
United Cerebral Palsy of Nebraska
COMMUNITY IMPACT FUND
The Community Impact Fund is UWM’s historical model for investing— with $6.4 million supporting essential community programs last year. Driven by the recommendations of area volunteers, this fund ensures that investments are aligned with local needs and priorities to create meaningful change.
COURT REFERRAL COMMUNITY SERVICE PROGRAM + OFFENDER WORK PROGRAM
In collaboration with Douglas County and the court system, UWM’s Court Referral and Offender Work Programs help 400 justice-involved adults annually complete more than 2,500 community service hours, saving $450,000 each year. We connect participants to agencies, verify hours and report completion to probation officers and the courts.
EMERGENCY FOOD AND SHELTER PROGRAM
UWM partners with United Way Worldwide and a local board of community leaders to distribute Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) funds, directing these federal resources to five metro-area nonprofits based on local needs. Through State Set Aside (SSA) funding, UWM also helps allocate support to nine state regions based on community indicators.
GOODFELLOWS
Through seasonal fundraising in partnership with the Omaha World-Herald, UWM is on track to raise more than $600,000 for the community. Our 211 Helpline and trusted community partners provide vital services like housing, food and utility support through Goodfellows to individuals and families who need a helping hand.
GREENER TOGETHER
OPPD has entrusted UWM to administer its Greener Together investment process — focused on community resilience projects including renewable energy, environmental sustainability or community betterment/education.
JOBS FOR AMERICA’S GRADUATES
JAG Nebraska is a for-credit elective equipping middle and high school students with life skills, career development and leadership training to succeed. Since 2019, JAG has grown from three schools to 80 programs, now reaching nearly 4,000 students with a 99% graduation rate. Career Specialists provide hands-on instruction, trauma-informed care and realworld skill development. Through 600+ employer visits in 2023-24, students gained direct career exposure, strengthening Nebraska’s workforce.
KARNETT TRUST
The Karnett Trust supports nonprofits providing care, education and training for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Established by Ellen C. Karnett in honor of her son Richard, the fund extends her legacy to benefit children across the metro area.
SCOUTING FOR FOOD AND STAMP OUT HUNGER
As part of our commitment to supporting food security, United Way of the Midlands partners with the National Association of Letter Carriers and Scouting America each spring. Scouting for Food and Stamp Out Hunger are separate efforts, but both bring the community together through UWM to collect and distribute food, ensuring local pantries can serve those in need.
UNITE NEBRASKA
Unite Nebraska is a coordinated care network of health and social service providers. Partners in the network are connected through Unite Us’ shared technology platform, which enables them to send and receive electronic referrals, address people’s social needs and improve health across communities.
UNITED HOUSING NETWORK
Women United and the Siemer Institute support the United Housing Network, a collaborative effort focused on preventing family homelessness by ensuring housing instability is rare, brief and non-recurring. By connecting families to tailored solutions, the network helps them regain stability and thrive.
WEATHERIZATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
UWM brought the Weatherization Assistance Program back to Douglas County in collaboration with OPPD and the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy. This no-cost program helps low-income households reduce energy costs by about 20-30% while improving health and safety, with UWM’s 211 Helpline handling applications and eligibility. Additionally, we leverage 211 and our community-wide perspective to connect families to other resources to ensure safety in the home.
CAMPAIGN LEADERSHIP
Randy and Candace
Jeff
Paul
John and Amy
VOLUNTEERS UNITED
VOLUNTEERS UNITED
Volunteers United is more than a volunteer group—it’s your chance to connect with other caring people, supporting essential nonprofit programs and building a stronger community. Whether you’re lending a hand at key events or helping behind the scenes, your time and energy will create ripples of good across the Omaha-Council Bluffs metro and support the essential work of United Way of the Midlands (UWM).
GET INVOLVED
United Way of the Midlands offers a variety of service opportunities to support the community and make an impact. Whether you are looking to volunteer as a team or individual, we have projects to suit your passions, fit your schedule and support the community’s most pressing needs.
For additional information about UWM’s Days of Service and other volunteer opportunities, please contact:
Carly Weld Director, Volunteerism
cweld@uwmidlands.org
Mobile - (701) 260-4288
Alexz Tillman Coordinator, Volunteerism
atillman@uwmidlands.org
Mobile - (402) 812-8010
GOOD ON THE GO UNITED WAY OF THE MIDLANDS
United Way of the Midlands’ Good on the Go volunteer program is a meaningful, team-building volunteer activity that gives companies and groups the opportunity to give back. Groups can choose from a variety of kits that have been researched and evaluated to make sure they meet a critical need in our community. Let UWM handle the logistics and administration, so you can spend your time giving back to the community, while boosting engagement and morale.
FOSTER ENGAGEMENT- Studies show an engaged group is a happy group.
PERSONALIZED- Let us plan an event that works for you.
ON-SITE- We’ll come to you and handle delivery.
REWARDING- Not only will your group grow together, but the community will benefit.
ENHANCED REPUTATION- Good on the Go projects are a hands-on way to promote your philanthropic values and community support.
How it Works
1. Pick a Kit(s), budget and number of kits your organization wishes to donate. Our projects can accommodate group sizes ranging from 25 to 500 participants. Projects start with a minimum budget of $2,000.
a. Prices vary based on inflation and current market cost.
2. United Way of the Midlands requires 6-8 weeks of lead time to source supplies.
3. Select United Way of the Midlands nonprofit partner(s) in the community where the kits will be donated.
4. Choose your room layout and project style. You can organize the project as an open house, by shift or in large groups.
5. United Way of the Midlands delivers the products/materials to your organization.
6. Choose a speaker from United Way of the Midlands or a local nonprofit so your volunteers can hear more about who they are helping.
7. United Way of the Midlands will pick up and deliver the kits, or we will work with you to help drop them off to the partner nonprofits you selected
GOOD ON THE GO KIT DESCRIPTIONS
HYGIENE KIT OR CHILD HYGIENE KIT
Many of our neighbors who experience homelessness or are living in one of the shelters in our community have little to no access to basic hygiene items. Additionally, young adults and children often lack these basic items as well, which can result in increased absence from school because of embarrassment or lack of self-esteem. These basic hygiene kits are packed in a drawstring bag which makes them easy to transport. Kits include essential items such as deodorant, toothbrushes, toothpaste, tissues, soap, body puff, lotion, etc.
• Comb
• Brush
• Shampoo
• Conditioner
• Toothpaste
• Toothbrush
• Alcohol-free Mouthwash
• Cotton Swabs
• Hand & Body Lotion
• Soap or Body Wash
• Deodorant
• Body Puff
• Hand Sanitizer
• Chapstick
• Ziplock bag
• Drawstring bag (Budget permitting)
HYGIENE KIT – WOMEN
$15-$20
Women’s hygiene kits provide normal hygiene items in addition to feminine hygiene items. These kits are of great use to women and girls and can be very useful in crisis situations when someone must leave with little or no time to prepare. *At the request of agencies, we will also try to include natural hair care products in some kits
• Comb
• Brush
• Hair Ties
• Deodorant
• Tampons
• Toothbrush/Case
• Alcohol-free Mouthwash
• Hand & Body Lotion
• Soap or Body Wash
• Shampoo*
• Conditioner
• Body Puff
• Cotton Swabs
• Ziplock bag
• Drawstring bag (Budget permitting)
$20-$25
UNITED WAY OF THE MIDLANDS’ 2025 EVENTS
2025 VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION AWARDS LUNCHEON
Thursday, April 10, 2025
11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
The Venue at Highlander 2120 North 30th Street | Omaha, Nebraska
TOCQUEVILLE
WOMEN’S INITIATIVE – BREAKFAST WITH CHAMPIONS
featuringguestspeaker,AngelaWilliams –PresidentandCEOofUnitedWayWorldwide Thursday, May 8, 2025
8:30 – 10:00 a.m.
The Farnam Hotel Rosewater Ballroom 1299 Farnam Street | Omaha, Nebraska
SHINE
BRIGHT
August 5-8, 2025
Mid-America Center
1 Arena Way, Council Bluffs, IA 51501
UWM 2025 CAMPAIGN KICKOFF
Thursday, August 28, 2025
7:30 – 9 a.m.
Scott Conference Center 6450 Pine Street | Omaha, NE 68106
DAY OF CARING
Friday, September 12, 2025
UWM 2025 ANNUAL MEETING
Monday, October 27, 2025
11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Grand Ballroom | CHI Health Center
455 North 10 Street | Omaha, Nebraska
UWM AGENCY CEO LUNCHEON
Thursday, December 4, 2025
11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Location TBD
BLUE COLLAR BOXING FUNDRAISING EVENT
Friday, December 12, 2025
7 p.m.
Baxter Arena 2425 S 67th St | Omaha, NE
HOLIDAY HELPERS
November 1- December 31, 2025
MLK DAY VOLUNTEER PROJECT FOLLOWED BY LUNCH
Monday, January 19, 2026
10 a.m.
The Venue at Highlander 2120 North 30th Street | Omaha, Nebraska
