THANKS TO THE GENEROSITY
UNITED WAY OF THE MIDLANDS
$30 MILLION TO INVEST IN OUR
GENEROSITY OF OUR COMMUNITY, MIDLANDS RAISED
MORE THAN MILLION
OUR COMMUNITY
ADDRESSING THE EVER-CHANGING NEEDS OF THE METRO
As a trusted vehicle for investment, United Way of the Midlands (UWM) is proud to leverage its unique position in the community to serve as a convener, collaborator and information aggregator. We examine our community’s most pressing challenges from a broad lens and work with our trusted allies to bring the business, government and nonprofit communities together to address them in a responsible, efficient and effective way.
While the metro is a vibrant community where many are thriving, there are others facing challenges that threaten their stability and well-being. With one of the highest percentages of working poor in the country – where hard-working families must deal with rising housing costs, food insecurity and a lack of access to affordable childcare every day – it can be difficult to make ends meet.
But by creating a broad circle of supports and a safety net of essential services, we can address challenges, fill gaps through direct services and strengthen systems people rely on. This ensures we have a thriving network of health and human services available in the Omaha-Council Bluffs metro to address the everchanging needs of our community.
CREATING LOCAL IMPACT
With the recent release of a new three-year Strategic Plan, developed in collaboration with the Executive Board Committee, UWM reinforced its commitment to efficient and effective stewardship and collaboration to bring people together to drive change and foster a thriving community. The full body of UWM’s work includes traditional investments, providing support to more than 130 local programs with 80 unique metro-area nonprofits – and also direct services such as the 211 Helpline, Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) Nebraska, the Court Referral Community Service Program (CRCSP) and Goodfellows.
And UWM’s discernment process ensures dollars are directed where they are needed most. Community members review applications and help make funding recommendations, with 125 volunteers participating in the last year. Each volunteer brought with them a specific area of expertise, lived experience, a unique understanding of community needs and an equity lens to make investment decisions that remove barriers and create opportunities across the metro.
UWM EXECUTIVE BOARD COMMITTEE
YOUR PARTNER FOR LOCAL IMPACT
Through partnerships, investments, programs and direct services – UWM has the goal of providing more than 10 million services that will address social and economic disparities – focused in four key areas:
HEALTHY COMMUNITY
Improving health and well-being for all
• 5 Million Meals
• 350,000 Health Services
• 250,000 Shelter Nights
YOUTH OPPORTUNITY
Helping young people realize their full potential
• 10,000 Youth Served
• 50,000 Individual Services
• 5,000 Academic + Employment Achievements
FINANCIAL SECURITY
Building financial stability and strength
• 100,000 Education and Training Hours
• $3 Million in Financial Assistance
• 5,000 Other Supportive Services
COMMUNITY RESILIENCY
Addressing urgent needs today to advance a better tomorrow
• 1 Million Family Essentials Distributed
• 150,000 Referrals Provided
• 40,000 Volunteer Hours
ENSURING YOUR DONATIONS SUPPORT THOSE WHO NEED IT MOST
UWM donors can give confidently knowing that their dollars are truly making an impact.
LOCAL: Your donations are invested in the most impactful health and human service programs right here in the Omaha-Council Bluffs metro. Together, they lift our neighbors up and build a stronger, more resilient community.
EFFICIENT: Your dollars go further when you donate to United Way. We meet the Better Business Bureau’s standard for nonprofit efficiency, meaning we keep costs low and invest more of your dollar into programs that help those who need it most. UWM invests 93 cents of every donated dollar back into our community.
COLLABORATIVE: With your support, we harness the power of public-private partnerships, the dedication of local volunteers and the expertise of community leaders to drive sustainable change..
IMPACT-DRIVEN: You’ll see your donations at work right here in the metro area. To hold ourselves and our partner agencies accountable, we collect program outcomes, measure impact and share the results with you.
2024-25 UWM COMMUNITY INVESTMENTS
African-American Empowerment Network
Autism Action Partnership
Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Midlands
Boy Scouts
Boys & Girls Clubs of the Midlands
Brighten Our Future Early Learning Center
Carole’s House of Hope
CASA for Douglas County
Catholic Charities Diocese of Des Moines
Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Omaha
Child Saving Institute
Children’s Respite Care Center-CRCC
Christ Child Society
City Sprouts
Code Black Tech
Collective for Youth
College Possible
Community Alliance Rehabilitation Services
Completely KIDS
D2 Center
Eastern Nebraska Community Action Partnership
Easterseals Nebraska
Family Housing Advisory Services
Father Flanagan’s Boys’ Home
Firefly
Girl Scouts Spirit of Nebraska
Girls Inc. of Omaha
Goodwill Industries
Habitat for Humanity of Council Bluffs
Heart Ministry Center
Heartland Equine Therapeutic Riding Academy
Heartland Family Service
Heartland Hope Mission
Heartland Workers Center
I Be Black Girl
inCOMMON Community Development
Intercultural Senior Center
International Council for Refugees and Immigrants
Iowa Jobs for America’s Graduates (iJAG)
Iowa Legal Aid
Jewish Federation
Justice for our Neighbors-Nebraska; Immigrant Legal Center; Refugee Empowerment Center
Kids Can Community Center
La Fuente Business Center
Latino Center of the Midlands
Legal Aid of Nebraska
Lutheran Family Services
MICAH House Corporation
Midlands African Chamber
Millard Public Schools
MOEC
Nebraska Center for Workforce Development and Education
Nebraska Diaper Bank
Nebraska Enterprise Fund
NeighborGood
New Visions Homeless Services
No More Empty Pots
Ollie Webb Center
Omaha ForUs
Omaha Home for Boys
Omaha Public Schools
OneWorld Community Health Centers
Partnership 4 Kids
Project Houseworks
Restoring Dignity
RISE
Room for Roots
Santa Monica House
Saving Grace Perishable Food Rescue
Siena Francis House
Stephen Center
TeamMates Mentoring
The Salvation Army
The Simple Foundation (TSF)
Together
Urban League of Nebraska
Visiting Nurse Health Services
Whispering Roots
Women’s Center for Advancement
YMCA of Greater Omaha
Youth Emergency Services
YouTurn
UWM’S ADDITIONAL COMMUNITY INVESTMENTS AND
DIRECT
SERVICES
Every hour of every day, someone in our region is faced with a challenge and needs assistance. The 211 Helpline – powered by United Way of the Midlands – is a resource that connects people looking for assistance to local health and human services programs, community services, governmental programs and others that can help. 211 received nearly 275,000* contacts during fiscal year 2023-2024 – and the number of people needing assistance shows no sign of slowing down.
TOP FIVE NEEDS OF CALLERS TO 211
NEBRASKA
NOW
ILLINOIS IOWA
The 211 Helpline is fully funded through the State of Nebraska, grants and fee-for-service contracts. We are grateful for the work of the Nebraska Unicameral to help maintain the support for this growing public-private partnership.
Additionally, in fiscal year 2024-25, 211 will provide expanded coverage from Nebraska and Iowa to include counties in Illinois.
*Represents calls, emails, texts, website and app interactions through our Contact Center, July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024.
211 - A PREFERRED PARTNER
To address the evolving needs of those reaching out for help, 211 continues to join forces with a variety of valuable partners to administer the following programs:
ADRC (Aging and Disability Resource Center) – Provides support for seniors, persons with disabilities, their families/caregivers with information and assistance on available community services and long-term supports.
Military and Family Helpline – A collaboration with Offutt Air Force Base to connect the military population with on-base and community-based support programs and resources.
Save our Seniors – A program serving individuals age 60+ who have experienced hardships as a result of elder mistreatment including abuse, neglect or financial misappropriation.
Help Me Grow – A collaboration between 211 and the BRIDGE to connect children age 8 and younger with resources when parents have developmental, behavioral or educational concerns.
UNITE US – A program of working with network partners to provide timely, accurate and appropriate referrals to meet the full range of a client’s needs.
Inaddition,211providesspecializedassistancethroughprivatecontracts,GoodfellowsandLyftprograms.
WEATHERIZATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
UWM is proud to collaborate with OPPD and the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy on the Weatherization Assistance Program (Weatherization). This energy-efficiency program aims to help low-income households reduce energy costs while ensuring their health and safety. The services are offered to eligible households at no cost – thanks to funding from the U.S. Departments of Energy and Health and Human Services.
In addition to energy-efficiency improvements, the program also checks each home’s indoor air quality, combustion safety, carbon monoxide and other possible issues. Following each home check, a work order is created and trained crews install energy efficient supports – like blowing insulation or new windows – plus any health and safety measures needed. At the conclusion of each project, a certified inspector checks to make sure all work is completed appropriately.
UWM’s 211 Helpline accepts Weatherization applications in Douglas County and determines eligibility – helping improve the lives of many low-income families in the metro.
JOBS FOR AMERICA’S GRADUATES NEBRASKA
A for-credit, classroom elective available in middle and high schools that equips students with essential life skills, career development and leadership training to excel both academically and in their future careers – that’s JAG Nebraska.
Since its start in 2019 through a partnership with the State of Nebraska’s Departments of Labor and Health and Human Services, and with the current support of Commissioner John Albin and Governor Jim Pillen, the program is continuing to grow – expanding from three schools at its beginning to 81 programs across Nebraska for the 2024-25 school year. JAG Nebraska’s capacity now reaches nearly 4,000 students annually, and last year the program boasted a 99% graduation rate.
JAG Career Specialists provide hands-on instruction, trauma-informed care and project-based learning – helping students develop up to 87 real-world competencies. They also connect students directly with communities and employers through on-site tours, job shadowing, career development conferences, hands-on experiences and extra-curricular activities through employer-engagement opportunities.
For the 2023-24 school year alone, JAG facilitated more than 600 employer visits – exposing students to diverse career pathways and fostering a pipeline of confident, skilled workers for the state of Nebraska.
For More Information: JAGNebraska.org
“Nebraska is one of the highest performing JAG programs in the country. It’s amazing to see the strong support JAG has here and I’m excited about its ongoing growth potential, which will benefit so many youth across the state.”
— Janelle Duray, President & CEO, JAG National
GOODFELLOWS
United Way of the Midlands is proud to partner with the Omaha World-Herald to administer the Goodfellows program that provides help to those in our community who have fallen on hard times. This includes people between jobs, the elderly, those who have experienced abuse and those facing a personal crisis with nowhere else to turn. This year, more than $565,000 will be invested in emergency services and holiday food assistance.
For the 2023 campaign, Goodfellows’ donations came in from Nebraska and 14 other states, and 92% of donors give to the campaign every year.
“I used the Goodfellows money I received after my apartment recently flooded for a deposit to get in a new place. This money really helped me start over.”
— Tracy
More Information: GoodfellowsOmaha.com
In collaboration with Douglas County and partners in the court system, UWM’s Court Referral Community Service Program and Offender Work Program serves approximately 400 justice-involved adults annually – referring them to agencies for completion of community service hours, verifying they complete their hours and delivering reports to probation officers and the courts. This represents more than 2,500 service hours for our community – and CRCSP is currently on-track to serve the most clients since 2017.
The work of the CRCSP saves Douglas County taxpayers an estimated $450,000 ANNUALLY
For More Information: UnitedWayMidlands.org/CRCSP
EMERGENCY FOOD & SHELTER PROGRAM / STATE SET ASIDE
In partnership with United Way Worldwide, United Way of the Midlands effectively administers the Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) and State Set-Aside (SSA) program. UWM has facilitated investments in six local programs across five agencies for EFSP and nine state regions for SSA – all aimed at preventing homelessness and food insecurity by providing crucial assistance to individuals and families.
Funded EFSP Agencies:
NEBRASKA & IOWA TORNADO RELIEF FUND AND NATURAL DISASTER RELIEF FUND
In addition to its traditional investments, UWM created the Nebraska and Iowa Tornado Relief Fund (NITRF) in response to April 2024 tornadoes that displaced thousands of people in Nebraska and Iowa. The fund raised $1,415,000 – thanks to the compassion and generosity of corporate and individual donors from 45 states and three countries – with 100% of every donation being directed to those in need of assistance. The investments were distributed in two phases:
PHASE ONE
Distributions to both individuals experiencing severe damage or complete destruction of their primary residence and 10 local agencies/organizations who worked directly with impacted families and aided in recovery efforts.
PHASE TWO
Distributions to 11 local agencies/organizations to strengthen their ability to respond to long-term recovery needs.
Additionally, with the support of UWM’s Board of Directors, our partners at Tenaska, Scoular, Children’s Nebraska, Physicians Mutual and Lindsay designated a portion of their contributions to establish a Disaster Relief Fund so resources will be immediately available when the next natural disaster occurs in our region. UWM is also incredibly grateful to the Creighton and Purdue men’s basketball teams for their generous support of our Disaster Relief Fund through their NCAA charity basketball game.
For More Information: UnitedWayMidlands.org/TornadoReliefInvestments
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.
The ALS Association
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
Breakthrough T1D™ (Formerly JDRF)
Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation, Nebraska/Iowa Chapter
Cystic Fibrosis Foundation – Nebraska Chapter
Epilepsy Foundation Nebraska
Heart Heroes, Inc.
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society – Nebraska
March of Dimes, Nebraska & Western Iowa Market
National MS Society, Mid-America Chapter
Nebraska AIDS Project
Nebraska Chapter of the National Bleeding Disorders Foundation
Nebraska Health Care Foundation
Nebraska Hospice and Palliative Care Association
Nebraska Kidney Association
Susan G. Komen®
Team Jack Foundation
United Cerebral Palsy of Nebraska
MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID
Through its partnership with Region 6 Behavioral Healthcare, and thanks to the support of Women United, UWM continues to expand access to Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training. This training gives individuals the tools and resources they need to help someone struggling with mental health challenges, while helping to reduce the stigma of and barriers to seeking help. In it’s first year, 81 MHFA trainings were held with 1,073 participants, and in the second fiscal year, 95 MHFA trainings were held with 1,152 participants.
The goal for next year’s MHFA trainings is...
1,500 participants
OMAHA FEDERATION OF LABOR
Built upon a mutual desire to create a better, stronger and more vibrant community, United Way of the Midlands continues its longstanding partnership with the Omaha Federation of Labor (AFL-CIO). Through this partnership, we host an annual Blue Collar Boxing event that benefits the Nebraska Center for Workforce Development and Education (NCWDE) and UWM’s Community Impact Fund. 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.
SHINE BRIGHT
As part of its Good on the Go program, UWM partners with local school districts and raises funds for the purchase and assembly of Shine Bright hygiene kits for kindergarten, sixth- and ninth-grade students. The kits are then distributed to students in the Omaha, Council Bluffs and Papillion La Vista school districts – as well as JAG Nebraska students across the state. Each Shine Bright kit contains the full-size essential hygiene items kids need to feel confident so they can succeed in the classroom and in life.
2024 Shine Bright Statistics:
• Nearly 400 community volunteers representing 34 organizations/companies
• 5,100 kits built/distributed to metro-area school districts
• 300 kits built/distributed to JAG Nebraska students across Nebraska
• 10 supporting and community sponsors
• 7 companies were both sponsors and volunteered
CREATING POSITIVE CHANGE IN THE METRO
David faced a challenging financial situation due to his fixed income as a veteran. With limited financial resources, he struggled to make ends meet –often prioritizing rent, utilities and medical bills over his nutritional needs. This left him food insecure and uncertain about where his next meal would come from. The Whispering Roots emergency food program became a crucial support system for David, providing regular access to nutritious food items. Weekly food deliveries to Victory Apartments ensured he had consistent access to fresh food. With these regular deliveries, David now enjoys a healthier diet that includes fresh fruits and vegetables, leading to tangible benefits in his physical health and overall well-being. The assistance from Whispering Roots has relieved David’s financial pressure, allowing him to allocate his limited resources to other vital expenses.
Researchshowsthatepisodesofpovertyare9-timesmorecommon thanlonger-termcases.Theseepisodescanleadtoincreasedstress andmentalhealthchallenges,inconsistentaccesstohealthcare anddisruptionstohousing,foodandotheressentials.
When individuals have what they need to thrive, it impacts our entire
community.
Here are some examples of who your donations are helping…
Angie’s life took a devastating turn when her father, her primary support and caregiver, passed away unexpectedly. The shock was compounded by legal issues surrounding his will and estate, which resulted in Angie losing her home and becoming homeless overnight. Amidst her grief and trauma, Angie sought help from MICAH House. At MICAH House, she utilized on-site computers and Wi-Fi to secure essential documents like her birth certificate, Social Security card and ID. Through their trauma-informed case management and support services, Angie was provided with food, shelter and access to vital technology – which played a crucial role in her journey. Within a month of arriving, she secured a job at a local restaurant, where her dedication quickly led to a promotion to manager. Her resilience and the support from MICAH House have transformed her life from crisis to stability. Today, Angie has purchased her own car, maintains full-time employment as a restaurant manager and has secured an apartment.
About40%ofAmericanscan’taffordanemergencyexpense –theyborrowfromafriend,takealoanorsellsomething.
(ReportontheEconomicWell-BeingofU.S.Householdsin2023-May2024)
*Theclients’namesandimageshavebeenchangedtoprotecttheirprivacy.
CULTIVATING A MORE RESILIENT COMMUNITY
Lena came to the Heart Ministry Center’s Fresh Start program from jail, seeking to rebuild her life after years of domestic violence, abusive relationships and addiction. She had lost custody of her children and struggled to maintain sobriety. Homeless upon her release, Lena needed a fresh start to regain custody of her kids and address her mental health, trauma and sobriety. Fresh Start is a 15 to 20-week job training/placement program that offers personal and professional growth opportunities. Participants engage in therapy, financial education, resume building, mock interviews and more. They also address sobriety through daily AA meetings, work with a sponsor and regular screenings. Fresh Start participants manage every aspect of the Center’s food distribution program – distributing nearly 4,000,000 pounds of food annually. Now a Fresh Start graduate, Lena has stable employment, independent living and reliable transportation so she can be a present mother –providing her children with love and stability.
InDouglasCountyoverall,nearly19%ofresidentshavethree ormoreriskfactorsthatmakethemlesslikelytohavethe capacityandresourcestoovercomeobstacles.Whilethisis amongthelowestnationwide,insixlocalneighborhoods,more than 40% of residents have three+ risk factors.
Facing a variety of challenges in high school – including bullying and a lack of motivation to attend class – Jamar considered dropping out because he really saw no prospects for success after high school. But then he was introduced to JAG Nebraska. With the support of his Career Specialist and the program’s project-based learning approach, Jamar became excited about school again. After two years in JAG, he not only graduated, but excelled. And through JAG’s employer and college engagements, he discovered a passion for education and teaching. Today, Jamar is enrolled in a four-year college and is pursuing a degree in secondary education.
Morethan10,000youthinthemetroarenotconnectedto school,workortraining.Thisdisconnectionnotonlylimits theirpotential,butalsoimpactstheoveralleconomicand socialhealthofourcommunity.
(2019-2021, Measure of America)
*Theclients’namesandimageshavebeenchangedtoprotecttheirprivacy.
WAYS TO GET INVOLVED AND GIVE BACK
DONATE
With United Way, a single gift goes further — helping organizations in every corner of the metro.
Through the Community Impact Fund, supporting hundreds of local programs serving the ever-changing needs of our community – and with statewide direct services such as the 211 Helpline and JAG Nebraska – UWM is creating a broad circle of supports to address social and economic disparities and meet families’ essential needs..
To make a monetary gift in support of UWM, you can:
• Give through your company or organization’s United Way campaign
• Make a gift to the Forever United Fund and build your legacy of giving
• Set up a recurring monthly gift to support ongoing impact in our community
• Scan the QR code to give online or go to UnitedWayMidlands.org/donate
SCAN ME TO DONATE
VOLUNTEER
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. From our community-wide volunteer events throughout the year, to corporate engagement activities – volunteers play an essential role to serve and strengthen the community.
Scan the code below or go to UnitedWayMidlands.org/Volunteer to see how you can participate in an existing volunteer project, organize a custom corporate volunteer project or assemble kits for people in need.
UWM Signature Volunteer Events
• MLK Day (January)
• National Volunteer Week (April)
• Shine Bright (August)
• Day of Caring (September)
• Holiday Helpers (November and December)
• Good on the Go Projects (year round)
• Custom Projects (year round)
SCAN ME TO VOLUNTEER
JOIN A UWM 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 UWM’s work across the metro, Tocqueville Society members strengthen our community and leave a legacy for generations to come. For this last fiscal year, UWM surpassed Mr. Warren Buffett’s Tocqueville Membership Challenge – reaching 406 members and increasing his generous match of UWM’s campaign.
More information: UnitedWayMidlands.org/Tocqueville
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.
More information: UnitedWayMidlands.org/Bridgebuilder
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 asking for help by supporting the Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) – United in Heart and Mind initiative.
More information: UnitedWayMidlands.org/WomenUnited
EMERGING LEADERS
This dynamic group is all about making connections – with a purpose. Members are young professionals passionate about volunteerism, advocacy and philanthropy. They 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, Emerging Leaders support the JAG Nebraska program.
More information: UnitedWayMidlands.org/EmergingLeaders