Rooted in care for each other and purpose for our community.
Team United brings our mission to life every day. Each program and investment reflects your dedication, expertise and commitment to meeting the needs of our community. Together, we’re creating lasting impact - by showing up, leaning in and making a difference every day.
211 Helpline
From 2023-2024, 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.
COMMUNITY IMPACT FUND
The Community Impact Fund is UWM’s historical model for investing—with $6.4 million supporting essential community programs from 2024-2025. Driven by the recommendations of area volunteers, this fund ensures that investments are aligned with local needs and priorities to create meaningful change.
COMMUNITY IMPACT FUND
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 approximately 400 justiceinvolved adults annually complete more than 2,500 community service hours, saving Douglas County $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
When funds from FEMA are available, 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 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 raised more than $600,000 for our community in 2024-2025. 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 in 2024-2025, now reaching more than 4,000 students with a graduation rate over 90% each year.. Career Specialists provide hands-on instruction, trauma-informed care and real-world skill development.
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 with the next cycle of investments distributed 2025-2027.
KARNETT TRUST
MILITARY AND FAMILY HELPLINE
The first of its kind in the country, the Military and Family Helpline embeds a navigator on base to support veterans, service members and their families. Powered by UWM’s 211 Helpline in partnership with Offutt Air Force Base and the Nebraska Department of Veterans’ Affairs, this 24/7 service connects the military population to resources on base and in the community including housing, mental health support, financial assistance and more.
OMAHA FEDERATION OF LABOR + BLUE COLLAR BOXING
United Way of the Midlands and the Omaha Federation of Labor (AFL-CIO) continue their longstanding partnership to build a stronger, more vibrant community. Together, we host Blue Collar Boxing, an annual event supporting the Nebraska Center for Workforce Development and Education (NCWDE) and United Way of the Midlands’ Community Impact Fund. NCWDE helps grow Nebraska’s workforce by connecting young people to careers in the trades and equipping them with essential skills.
SAVE OUR SENIORS
The Nebraska Save Our Seniors program through 211 empowers Nebraskans aged 60+ statewide in overcoming hardships caused by abuse, neglect and/or financial exploitation. The program offers strengths-based, traumainformed, person-centered services and referrals using a statewide circle of support that allows seniors to remain independent.
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 stay housed, stay stable and stay on track.
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 intake. Additionally, we leverage 211 and our community-wide perspective to connect families to other resources to ensure safety in the home.
COMMONLY USED ACRONYMS
Bombarded with acronyms at UWM? Still sorting out MFH from MHFA? This guide hits the highlights, but there’s plenty more. When in doubt, ask!
ADRC Aging and Disability Resource Center (211)
AIRS Alliance of Information and Referral Systems (211)
AMI Area Median Income
ARPA American Rescue Plan Act
BB Bridgebuilder
BCB Blue Collar Boxing
BIPOC Black Indigenous People of Color
CA Community Ambassador
CDC Career Development Conference (JAG)
CG/O Corporate Gift/Only
CHAD Combined Health Agencies Drive
CI Community Impact
CIF Community Impact Fund
CM Campaign Manager
CoC Continuum of Care
CRCSP Court Referral Community Service Program
CTE Certificate and Technical Education
DE Donor Engagement
DHHS Department of Health and Human Services
EA Executive Assistant
ECRF Electronic Contribution Report Form
EFSP Emergency Food and Shelter Program
EL Emerging Leaders
FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency
FPL Federal Poverty Line
FTE Full-Time Employees
GCL Global Corporate Leader
GMS Grant Management System
GOTG Good on the Go
GTP Greener Together Program
HMIS Homeless Management Information System
HSAC Human Services Advisory Council
JAG Jobs for America’s Graduates
LDC Leadership Development Conference (JAG)
LOI Letter of Intent
LTRG Long Term Recovery Group
LUSC Lift Up Sarpy Collaborative
MFH Military Family Helpline
MHFA Mental Health First Aid
MOU Memorandum of Understanding
NCWDE Nebraska Center for Workforce Development & Education
NDE Nebraska Department of Education
NDOL Nebraska Department of Labor
NEVOAD Nebraska Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster
NITRF Nebraska & Iowa Tornado Relief Fund
Non-GCL Non-Global Corporate Leader
OFL Omaha Federation of Labor
OWP Offender Work Program
QCT Qualified Census Tract
RBA Results Based Accountability
RFP Request for Proposal
SB Shine Bright
SOS Save Our Seniors (211)
SPoC Senior Point of Contact
SSA State Set Aside
TANF Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
TOCQ Tocqueville Society Member
TU Team United
TWIA Tocqueville Women’s Initiative
UHN United Housing Network
UW United Way
UWM United Way of the Midlands
UWW United Way Worldwide
VOAD Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster
VOCA Victims of Crime Act
VU Volunteers United
WAP Weather Assistance Program
WU Women United
UPCOMING EVENTS
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
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
