(SBA) - On September 12, United Way of Siouxland kicked off their 2024-25 campaign at The Aalfs Downtown Library in Sioux City.
Jeremy and Kris Craighead, with Security National Bank and Gehling Osborn Law Firm, PLC, are leading the efforts as campaign chairs. Vice-chairs are Nolan Lubarski, Sarah Rol & Jill Sitzmann, with CNOS. “We support United Way because we have seen the impact it has in the community,” said Jeremy. “Kris and I started our adulting and family life at a young age. We faced hardships and challenges. Because of these chapters in our lives, we understand the importance of having support systems and community resources.”
The Craighead’s shared with attendees a new campaign theme “One Story at a Time”, which outlines the community needs, and hopeful impact that five bold new goals for Siouxland will have on the people of our community.
In addition to kicking off the annual campaign, new funded programs were announced which align with the new goals. In May of 2022, United Way of Siouxland announced a new approach to funding programs that will provide flexibility to respond to the quickly changing needs of Siouxland.
Heather Hennings, President of United Way of Siouxland, said revising the grant model maximizes the positive impact the organization has on the community.
“United Way has undergone an in-depth process to analyze local data, gather feedback from dozens of industry leaders including law enforcement, healthcare, education, workforce development, and more to set new goals for the future. The open Community Impact funding model allows any Siouxland nonprofit who can help solve these key issues apply for United Way support,” said Hennings.
United Way of Siouxland is committed to investing time, expertise, and resources into programs, services, and partnerships focused on Education and Healthy Behaviors.
Non-profit organizations who partner with United Way of Siouxland will be expected to measure how their work leads to one or more of the following goals. Priority areas have also been identified as key measures in reaching the identified goals:
1. Individuals access mental health and addiction resources.
PRIORITIES
- Improve access to affordable treatment and recovery resources through expanded hours and/or delivery methods, thereby increasing participation.
- Increase access and participation in prevention programming.
2. Adult learners become more employable and independent in their community.
PRIORITIES
- Increase adult literacy instruction and participation.
- Increase household income through career development opportunities and job training.
3. Individuals engage in behaviors that improve their health or safety.
PRIORITIES
- Promote healthy habits for adults and children to reduce obesity.
- Increase access to violence and trauma treatment and support services.
4. Families access quality childcare and early learning opportunities.
PRIORITIES
- Children are assessed ready for kindergarten.
- Increase safe, affordable, quality childcare slots. (Priority given to infant care and extended hours)
5. Youth demonstrate grade-appropriate school readiness academically, socially, and emotionally.
PRIORITIES
- Help students maintain or improve grade-level reading and math skills.
- Decrease barriers for children to participate in before and after school activities.
- Increase school attendance rates.
A full list of funded programs can be found www.unitedwaysiouxland.com/funded-programs Individual donors contributing $100 or more to this year’s campaign will receive a Giving Card, good for discounts throughout the year at 28 local businesses that have generously shown their support by participating in this program.
To improve our community “One Story at a Time” and to make an impact in someone’s life today, give to the United Way of Siouxland’s campaign by going to www.unitedwaysiouxland.com and clicking on the Donate button.
To learn more about United Way of Siouxland or get involved, visit www.unitedwaysiouxland.com or call 712-255-3551.
