All Articles

This month the United Way of Story County kicked off the 2020 Campaign at Iowa State University. United Way of Story County’s mission is to improve lives. This has remained especially true in 2020 as the COVID-19 pandemic has tested our community. Today, I ask for your help as United Way continues to make a positive difference for our neighbors in need.

United Way will be there in crisis, recovery, and growth.

Because of your past support, United Way was in a position to lead COVID-19 response and recovery work in the area of human services. In addition to being there for our neighbors in need this year, United Way continues to advance the common good by focusing on education, financial stability and health – the building blocks for a good quality of life. Here are just three examples of how United Way of Story County helps our community:

Education: After multiple years of success, United Way of Story County’s reading program, Iowa Reading Corps, has expanded to eight elementary schools. The tutoring program uses research-based tutoring and literacy interventions to assist struggling readers in kindergarten through 3rd grade at Kate Mitchell, Fellows, Sawyer, St. Cecilia, Gilbert Intermediate, Ballard East, Nevada Central, and Roland-Story.

Financial Stability: United Way of Story County is dedicated to providing emergency food and homelessness prevention, employment support and financial education. Programs aimed at strengthening financial stability include transportation collaboration, Wheels for Work, a transportation donation initiative with Ames Ford Lincoln and “Women United,” a multi-series program that builds financial skills for at-risk women.

Health: One in four students in Story County receives Free and Reduced Lunch rates. What happens when a student isn’t in school? United Way of Story County established a supplemental food program, BackPack Program, that sends a backpack full of food home with a student over the weekend and extended school breaks. The program has expanded and is now operated in three Ames elementary schools, Ballard and Nevada. More than 100 kids participate each week.

There are many more ways United Way makes a difference in our community. Thank you for being a part of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences’ campaign to support United Way of Story County, and for helping the college reach its 2020 campaign goal of $35,000.

Donate through Workday! United Way of Story County has made it easy for you to make a BIG difference. Simply log into Workday, select the United Way logo and fill out the 2020 Iowa State University United Way Pledge Form. Your contribution will be deducted from your paycheck.

If you have questions regarding the Iowa State University College of Liberal Arts and Sciences campaign, contact Erin Halverson (erinh1@iastate.edu)

 

Thank you!
Beate