United Way of Central Iowa

Community investments-education: United Way grants improve the quality of early learning centers and home care providers in Central Iowa's lowest-income neighborhoods; ensure children read at grade level; provide quality in- and after-school programs; and ensure more youth graduate from high school on time. 2021 accomplishments include:* over 650 students Central Iowa children received two free pairs of glasses through vision to learn; * through read to succeed over 3,100 reading kits were constructed for third grade students at 39 schools; * more than 45,000 books were collected and distributed throughout Central Iowa through stuff the bus.

Community investments - income: United Way grants help lower-income Central iowans prepare for and secure better jobs, learn to manage their money, find safe and affordable housing, obtain free tax preparation and legal services, and sustain a community-wide safety net of emergency food and shelter. 2021 accomplishments include:* 984 tax returns for low-income Central iowans were completed free of charge by United Way volunteers, returning $2.6 million to the community. * 1,380 individuals were placed in jobs or advanced in jobs through United way-funded programs; and* 2,613 individuals participated in workforce programs funded by United Way

Community investments - health: United Way grants help people gain access to affordable health care (including mental health), live in safe environments, and improve their wellness through healthy eating and healthy lifestyles. 2021 accomplishments include: * over 106,000 Central iowans participated in mental health literacy webinars and 12,291 Central iowans were screened and provided an intervention by a mental health provider. * over 91,000 lbs of fresh produce were grown in community and corporate giving gardens supported by United Way, feeding 75,905 Central iowans; and* 5,753 Central iowans accessed affordable dental services funded by United Way of Central Iowa.

United Way community impact services: United Way funds 2-1-1, a telephone helpline, providing information and referrals for people needing human services. The volunteer engagement program mobilizes volunteers aligned with goals for 2020 in education, income and health. Community impact services staff research community conditions and measures progress of United Way investments to reach goals for 2020. Community impact services also oversees a volunteer, citizen-led accountability process of United way-supported programs in partner organizations. $4,962,009 of donor designations are included in the total expenses.