United Way of the Midlands - Community Investments

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Because of the generosity and caring spirit of the Omaha-Council Bluffs metro, United Way of the Midlands (UWM) is able to make a record investment in our community for 2022-23.

A catalyst for change for nearly 100 years, UWM has evolved its strategy over the years and this vital funding helps us invest in more than 100 local nonprofit agencies, as well as direct services that address social and economic disparities and meet community members’ essential needs.

With many continuing to recover from the pandemic, the demand for services from nonprofit organizations in the Omaha-Council Bluffs metro continues to grow – impacted in large part by the highest rate of inflation we’ve seen in decades. Currently, requests for food assistance are on the rise and one in three families in the metro area is also struggling to make ends meet.

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THE INVESTMEN YOUR DONATIONS ARE M The full body of UWM’s work includes traditional investments through our Community Care Fund and specialized funds, as well as our list of direct services. All of the agencies and programs selected to receive funding are reviewed and vetted by a team of subject matter experts and volunteers who participate on Community Investment Review Teams (CIRT). This diverse and dedicated group of more than 100 individuals use their critical thinking and expertise to make funding recommendations in three primary categories: Basic Needs, Education and Financial Stability. Thanks to CIRT’s commitment and due diligence, we are able to make the best investment decisions for the metro area.

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MAKING A REAL IMPACT! With our investments, UWM will support and provide more than four million services that will address the areas of basic needs, education and financial stability throughout our community.

• 2 million meals by investing in food distribution, meal services, pantries, backpack programs, and more.

• 250,000 health services by investing in high-quality physical, mental and social services for different ages.

• 250,000 shelter nights and other housing services by investing in safe shelter, transitional housing, rent and utility assistance, supportive referrals, and case management.

• 1.5 million services to remove barriers and create opportunities by facilitating access to resources and training to support job placement, academic attainment, financial empowerment, and other essential skills.

COMMUNITY INVESTMENT PARTNERS African American Empowerment Network Inc. American Red Cross - Omaha Council Bluffs Metro Applied Information Management Institute Autism Action Partnership Bethlehem House Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Midlands Boy Scouts, Mid-America Council Boys and Girls Clubs of the Midlands Bright Minds - Brighter Futures Learning Center Canopy South Carole’s House of Hope CASA For Douglas County Catholic Charities Diocese of Des Moines, Council Bluffs Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Omaha Center for Holistic Development CHAD - Combined Health Agencies Drive Charles Drew Health Center Child Saving Institute Children’s Square U.S.A. City Sprouts Code Black Collective for Youth College Possible Community Alliance Completely KIDS CRCC D2 Center

Eastern Nebraska Community Action Partnership Easterseals Nebraska Goodwill Family Housing Advisory Services FAMILY, Inc. Father Flanagan’s Boys Home Financial Beginnings Food Bank for the Heartland Friends Of Iowa CASA and ICFCRB Generation Diamond Girl Scouts Spirit of Nebraska Girls Inc. Greater Omaha Attendance and Learning Services (GOALS) Habitat for Humanity Council Bluffs Heart Ministry Center Heartland Equine Therapeutic Riding Academy (HETRA) Heartland Family Service Heartland Hope Mission Heartland Workers Center Hope Center for Kids Housing Foundation for Sarpy County I Be Black Girl inCOMMON Intercultural Senior Center International Council For Refugees and Immigrants Iowa JAG Iowa Legal Aid

Jewish Federation of Omaha Justice For Our Neighbors - Nebraska Kids Can Community Center Kim Foundation Latino Center of the Midlands Legal Aid of Nebraska Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska Mercy Housing Midwest MICAH House Midlands African Chamber Midlands Latino Community Development Corporation Millard Public Schools Foundation Nebraska Center for Workforce Development and Education Nebraska Children's Home Society Nebraska Diaper Bank Nebraska Enterprise Fund Nebraska Urban Indian Health Coalition New Life Family Alliance New Visions No More Empty Pots OHB Ollie Webb Center Omaha 100 Omaha Community Broadcasting Omaha Healthy Kids Alliance OneWorld Community Health Centers

Partnership 4 Kids Project Houseworks Restoring Dignity RISE Room for Roots Santa Monica House Sheltering Tree Shine Bright Siena Francis House Simple Foundation Somali Community Services Southside Redevelopment Corporation Stephen Center Teammates Mentoring Program The Salvation Army-NE The Yates Fund Together Omaha Tri-City Food Pantry Urban League of Nebraska Visiting Nurse Association Whispering Roots Women's Center for Advancement (WCA) YMCA of Greater Omaha Youth Emergency Services (YES) YouTurn

ADDITIONAL COMMUNITY INVESTMENT PARTNERS AND DIRECT SERVICES The 211 Helpline, housed at UWM, serves people in need across Nebraska and southwest Iowa 24/7. It acts as a single point of contact for thousands of health and human service programs, community services, disaster services and governmental programs. Additionally, 211 partners in two social determinants of health systems, including collaborations with Children’s Hospital and Medical Center; UNMC Munroe-Meyer Institute; UNL Center for Children, Family and the Law; CyncHealth; Unite Us; CHI Health and many others.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: NE211.org or 211Iowa.org

OH YEAH, THERE’S MORE! Through our partnership with the Combined Health Agencies Drive (CHAD), health charities receive funding to conduct innovative research, provide critical client services and offer education and prevention programs to members in our community.

CHAD AGENCIES The ALS Association Mid-America Chapter • Alzheimer’s Association Nebraska Chapter • American Foundation for Suicide Prevention - Nebraska • American Lung Association in Nebraska • Arthritis Foundation Nebraska • Autism Action Partnership • Brain Injury Alliance of Nebraska • Crohn's & Colitis Foundation, Nebraska/Iowa Chapter • Cystic Fibrosis Foundation – Nebraska Chapter • Epilepsy Foundation Nebraska • JDRF Nebraska–Iowa Chapter •

Leukemia & Lymphoma Society – Nebraska Chapter • March of Dimes, Nebraska & Western Iowa Market • National MS Society, Mid-America Chapter • Nebraska AIDS Project • 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® Nebraska • Team Jack Foundation • United Cerebral Palsy of Nebraska •

COURT REFERRAL COMMUNITY SERVICE PROGRAM (CRCSP) The Court Referral Community Service Program (CRCSP) refers criminal offenders to agencies for completion of judge-ordered community service hours, verifies they complete the allotted hours and delivers reports to the offenders’ probation officers.

The CRCSP assists approximately 300 clients annually – representing more than 2,500 service hours for our community.

GOODFELLOWS UWM partners with the Omaha World-Herald to administer the Goodfellows program that provides help to those in our community who have fallen on hard times – including people between jobs, the elderly, those who have experienced abuse and those facing a personal crisis with nowhere else to turn.

More information:

GoodfellowsOmaha.com

AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT (ARPA) City of Omaha ARPA Community Grant Program Supported in whole or in part, by a federal grant awarded to the City of Omaha by the U.S. Department of the Treasury. ARPA’s Fiscal Recovery Funds must be used to respond to the economic and public health impacts of Covid-19.

More information:

cityofomaha.org/american-rescue-plan-act

NEBRASKA CENTER FOR WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT AND EDUCATION (NCWDE) Nebraska Center for Workforce Development and Education (NCWDE) is focused on increasing the qualified workforce in Nebraska by creating opportunities for Omaha’s young people to gain exposure to and pursue careers in the trades, while also developing the skills to support the infrastructure of Nebraska.

More information:

NebraskaWorkforce.org

The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Fund supports racial equity and Black, Indigenous, (and) People of Color (BIPOC) populations based on socioeconomic and health outcomes that are widely disproportional by race.

Determined by experts and community volunteers, funding will advance racial equity by supporting BIPOC-led nonprofits that are empowering

More information:

unitedwaymidlands.org/dei-fund/

DIVERSITY EQUITY INCLUSION

BIPOC community members such as low-income, women, refugees and immigrants through the following funding categories: Workforce Development, Entrepreneurship, Employment and Financial Empowerment.

JOBS FOR AMERICA’S GRADUATES NEBRASKA (JAG) JAG Nebraska is committed to providing in-school support for students and helping them develop their skillsets to overcome the many challenges they face. The program sets students up for success in the classroom, workplace and life. Students build relationships with local employers, engage in project-based learning and develop a strong sense of civic and social responsibility. Students graduate with a strong foundation to pursue career opportunities or further their education.

More information: NebraskaWorkforce.org

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HETRA Goodwill Sheltering Tree Ollie Webb Center Easterseals Nebraska Legal Aid of Nebraska Autism Action Partnership

The Karnett Trust was created in 1969 by Ellen C. Karnett and entrusted to UWM in 2012. United Way directs Karnett Trust funding to local programs that focus on the care, education and training of children up to age 21 with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their caregivers.

Through its partnership with Region 6 Behavioral Healthcare, UWM will expand access to MHFA training.

This will give individuals the tools and resources they need to help someone struggling with mental health challenges, along with helping reduce the stigma of and barriers to seeking help.

HOUSING STABILITY PROGRAM The Housing Stability Program includes our partnership with the Metro Area Continuum of Care for the Homeless (MACCH) to administer the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) and distribute rent and utility assistance for individuals adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Through the program, individuals can apply for past due and/or future rent and utility assistance.

RAISE ME TO READ Raise Me to Read is part of the Omaha Metro collective impact model to improve school readiness, out-of-school learning, school attendance, grade-level reading and to disrupt generational poverty. As a member of the Campaign for Grade-Level Reading, a community solutions action plan was completed and continues to guide our work.

SHINE BRIGHT As part of its GOOD on the Go program, UWM is partnering with local school districts to raise funds for the purchase and assembly of “Shine Bright” boxes for local kindergarten, sixth- and ninth-grade students. Each “Shine Bright” box contains hygiene items that kids need to feel good and succeed in the classroom and in life.

More information: unitedwaymidlands.org/shinebright

Our donors deserve to know that their dollars are really making an impact. That’s why we practice results-based accountability, are committed to making the best decisions possible and are transparent about how we’re investing donations.

YOU CAN TRUST THAT YOUR DONATIONS ARE ASSISTING THOSE WHO NEED IT MOST

LOCAL Your donations are invested in local nonprofit programs that are addressing the needs and making the biggest impact right here in the Omaha-Council Bluffs metro. Together, they lift our neighbors up and build a better and stronger tomorrow for our community.

IMPACT-DRIVEN You can be assured that your donations are funding nonprofit partners that are efficiently and effectively addressing our community’s most pressing needs. A dedicated team of experts and community volunteers review, vet and recommend local nonprofit programs that should receive funding – to help UWM make the best and most impactful investment decisions for the metro area.

RESULTS-BASED You’ll see your donations at work right here in our community. To hold ourselves and our partner agencies accountable, we collect program outcomes, measure impact and share the results with you.

EFFICIENT As one of the highest-performing United Way organizations in the network, UWM is always diligent in working with donors, thought leaders and valued partners to find the most effective and efficient way to meet our community’s needs. For its upcoming investment cycle, UWM will invest more than 93 cents* of every donated dollar back into our community to help our neighbors move forward and build a stronger future.

WHO DOES UNITED WAY OF THE MIDLANDS HELP? Our neighbors – here in the Omaha-Council Bluffs metro.

When individuals have what they need to thrive, it can make an impact on the entire community.

See who your donations to UWM are helping…

STEVEN was referred to Family Housing Advisory Services (FHAS) by Lift Up Sarpy. A single parent who works two jobs to provide for his family, he spends 40% of his income on housing, he has a high-interest car loan and he was investing in cryptocurrency. Through working with a financial education counselor, Steven was able to cash out his cryptocurrency to get his utility, rent, insurance and phone bills current; develop a budget and start an emergency savings account.

A family is rent-burdened if they spend more than 30% of their income on rent. In the Omaha-Council Bluffs metro area, more than 50,000 people pay too much in rent and a minimum wage worker would have to work 59 hours to afford a modest one-bedroom rental. American Community Survey, 5 Year Estimates and National Low-Income Housing Coalition, Housing Out of Reach, 2021

JORDAN had been living out of his car that was out of gas, and he had been struggling with mental health issues stemming from past trauma and alcoholism when he met a Peer Support Specialist with Community Alliance at the Stephen Center. With the support of the Peer Support staff and recovery meetings, Jordan started to show signs of progression. He completed a treatment program, is taking advantage of the resources available to continue improving and addressing his mental health and he’s filled with hope and gratitude.

In the last several Community Health Needs Assessments, key informants rated mental and behavioral health care among the highest needs in our community. COVID has further escalated this challenge. In fact, difficulty in obtaining mental health medical services has more than doubled across all income categories.

*The clients’ names and photos have been changed to protect their privacy.

YOU ARE CHANGING THE LIVES OF PEOPLE LIKE...

MARY was a young mother struggling to find a job to support her family. Like many mothers, the high cost of childcare and lack of paid leave was holding her back. She was referred to the Self-Sufficiency

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Society. There she was paired with a specialist who is helping Mary make measurable progress toward meeting her family’s basic needs, establishing long-term goals with job assistance, parenting strategies, family therapy and more.

In both NE and IA, childcare services cost more than rent and college tuition.

(Economic Policy Institute)

MICHAEL was a 12th-grade student who was behind on credits and struggling with attendance. Due to the many challenges he was facing, his options were limited and he had no prospects for success after high school. Thanks to the JAG Nebraska program, a series of short-term and long-term plans were created for Michael’s final year of high school. He ended up graduating on time, got a driver's license and accepted a full-time job with a local company the JAG program engaged with.

JAG Nebraska programs have exceeded national standards year

Graduation or GED/HS Equivalency

JAG STANDARD

JAG NEBRASKA

90%

100%

JAG Nebraska programming helps junior high and high school students like Michael overcome hurdles and build skills so they are set up for success in the classroom and workplace.

*The clients’ names and photos have been changed to protect their privacy.

DONATE By making a gift of any amount, you’ll help create a Circle of Support to help our neighbors overcome difficult challenges and start building a brighter future – right

VOLUNTEER Scan the code below to see how you can participate in an existing volunteer project, organize a custom corporate volunteer project or assemble kits for people in need.

here in the Omaha-Council Bluffs metro. Through more than 100 programs and direct services, we’re addressing the social and economic disparities and meeting families’ essential needs such as healthy food, safe and stable housing, physical and mental health services, career preparation and job training.

YOU CAN

United Way Signature Volunteer Events

• Give through your company’s United Way campaign

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• Make a gift to the Endowment Fund and build your legacy of giving

Shine Bright Day of Caring – September 16, 2022 Good on the Go Projects Holiday Helpers – November and December

• Scan the QR code below to give online

These boxes are filled with critical things families need to keep their lives going. It feels good to help out wherever we can.

– John Staup OPPD, Shine Bright volunteer

GET INVOLVED BY JOINING AN AFFINITY GROUP TOCQUEVILLE SOCIETY: Established in 1987, the Tocqueville Society recognizes individuals and families making annual gifts of $10,000 or more. As leaders and advocates for the work of United Way of the Midlands, Tocqueville Society members strengthen our community and leave a legacy for generations to come.

BRIDGEBUILDER SOCIETY: Established in 1989, the Bridgebuilder Society recognizes individuals and families making annual gifts of $1,000 to $9,999. Together, their generosity helps bridge the gap between the increasing needs in our community and the services available to meet them.

WOMEN UNITED: This diverse, vibrant group of women leaders is recognized for their annual gift of $1,500 or more and their desire to advocate, volunteer and give back to those who need it most. Currently, Women United is working to remove the stigma associated with mental health and supporting our Mental Health First Aid – United in Heart and Mind initiative.

EMERGING LEADERS:This dynamic group is all about making connections – with a purpose. Members are recognized for their annual donations of $250 or more and they participate in meetings, events and volunteer projects to create positive change in our community. Currently, the Emerging Leaders support the JAG Nebraska program.

United Way of the Midlands UNITES our community’s CARING SPIRIT to build a STRONGER tomorrow.