United Way of Central Iowa

Education success: Central Iowa students need not only to graduate from high school but should also have the opportunity to graduate with a plan for a successful future. United Way works with schools and partners to improve reading scores and provide wrap-around services to our most vulnerable students. Over 2,000 youths participated in college/career readiness activities, with over 85% of students seeing academic or social growth.

Health & well-being: Central iowans need not only access to medical care, but access to quality, culturally appropriate care promoting physical and emotional well-being and improving resilience. Among u.s. Adults, 50% say they put off or skipped some sort of healthcare in the past year because of cost. Over 32,000 individuals were served by mental health, medical, and dental providers funded by United Way. of those receiving mental health, medical and dental services, 77.2% either maintained or improved their overall health.

Economic opportunity: Central iowans need not only to be self-sufficient but to be financially stable and have the opportunity to build wealth for their family and future generations. United Way supports training and other resources for people to secure good jobs providing sufficient income and opportunities to build wealth. Over 10,000 individuals were provided access to training, and supports required for quality jobs that provide income needed to be self-sufficient with opporunities to build wealth.

Early childhood success: our youngest Central iowans need not only access to childcare, but access to safe, reliable and affordable childcare to be healthy and ready to learn. Childcare is typically the #1 expense of a Central Iowa family's budget, costing more than a mortgage or college tuition. Over 5,000 children were screened for developmental progress and/or dental health.essential needs: Central iowans need not only to meet their most basic needs of food and shelter, but access to quality nutritious food, and a safe place to call home. 4.9 million pounds of food was distributed by programs funded by United Way, feeding over 350 thousand meals to over 190,000 Central iowans. United Way community impact services: the volunteer engagement program mobilizes volunteers to foster a thriving community. Community impact services staff research community conditions and measures progress of United Way investments. Community impact services also oversees a volunteer, citizen-led accountability process of United way-supported programs in partner organizations. $4,976,058 of donor designations are included in the total expenses.