Presenting Sponsor

Media Sponsor

Team Sponsors

Day of Caring

Day of Caring is one of the largest volunteer events in Mid-Missouri, and a treasured tradition. Teams of employees from local businesses and organizations spend the day completing service projects at local nonprofit agencies.

You can check out local volunteer opportunities at volunteer.uwheartmo.org

If you would like us to coordinate a Day of Caring activity for you, please reach out to our Give 5 and Volunteer Coordinator Lorraine Gustavis at [email protected].

“When I started in 2011, only 40% of our kids were reading at grade level and now it’s about 80%. So, my favorite part of the Moving Ahead Program is helping kids accomplish the goals they didn’t think they could accomplish and seeing them realize that they have a bright future.” - Janice, Program Coordinator of the Moving Ahead Program 

The Moving Ahead Program provides after-school and summer programming for all children kindergarten through twelfth grade in the Columbia community, with priority to Housing and Section 8 residents. Moving Ahead is in partnership with Columbia Housing Authority and aims to support families through academic support of children as well as providing resources to parents.  

We recently talked with Janice Brooks, Program Coordinator of Moving Ahead, Michaela Flores, Assistant Program Coordinator of Moving Ahead, and Randy Cole, Chief Executive Officer of Columbia Housing Authority about Moving Ahead and their partnership with United Way. Read more...

Back to School with United Way's Board

Many of our wonderful Board of Directors members work in education in Columbia. We spoke with them about the most exciting parts of the kids coming back to school and their best advice for kids starting or returning to school. We will be highlighting them on social media throughout August, but as our newsletter subscriber, you get the first look!

What do you think is the most exciting part of kids coming back to school? 

I’ve always thought the best part about returning to school after the summer was getting back into a rhythm of learning and interaction with friends. School provides so much opportunity for extracurricular involvement and it’s wonderful to see students spread their wings demonstrating their talents in and out of the classroom.

-Mitzi Clayton

Director, Community Relations

University of Missouri

Interested in the Give 5 Program?

Give 5 is a social program that matches innovative volunteer opportunities with retired (or almost retired) baby boomers ages 60+ who live in Boone County. Each Give 5 Class meets 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m., for five weeks, visiting more than 20 nonprofits over the course of the program.

Expect to have fun, make new friends, and learn about volunteer opportunities that match your talents, passions, and personality. Check out the Give 5 Facebook page to see photos of the most recent cohorts!

Volunteer Opportunities

Demo or Donate - Workday at City of Refuge

City of Refuge is looking for folks to help then with their demolition days as we prep our preschool building for renovations. They're talking ripping up flooring, taking out ceiling tiles, and getting rid of walls! Get some friends or coworkers together, and sign up to volunteer for a morning or afternoon shift on August 24th or 25th. They would love to have you!!

Show-Me Central Habitat for Humanity: Habitat ReStore Donation Truck Driver

The ReStore is a building material and home goods thrift store that functions as a fundraiser for Habitat for Humanity. The ReStore is open Tuesday-Saturday from 8:30 am-4 pm.

Volunteers here will help schedule donation pick-ups within the city limits of Columbia. You will be trained to drive the box truck, be covered by Habitat insurance, and will need to undergo a background check.

Aging Best: Evidence-based Program Leader/Trainer



Aging Best provides a variety of evidence-based health and wellness programs for seniors. These are taught by trained lay leaders. We are looking for enthusiastic, caring people who are willing to be trained in one or more of our programs, to present them in a variety of community locations. They are time-limited, generally from 1 - 3 times per week and no longer than 12 weeks (most are shorter).

Volunteer Website Sponsor

Agency Spotlight: Compass Health Network

Through the delivery of compassionate, quality care, Compass Health Network helps people find their way along a path to better physical and emotional health.

United Way in the News

Our president and CEO Andrew Grabau joined Paul Pepper to discuss Community Impact and how we measure the success of the programs we support.  

Upcoming Events

Day of Caring & Campaign Kickoff

August 30, 2023

Level Up Day - Leadership Circle Members

October 8, 2023

Pacesetter Breakfast

October 20, 2023

Heart of Missouri United Way invests in programs at nonprofit organizations in the impact areas of health and basic needs, education, and financial stability. Our investments reach individuals and families in Boone, Cooper, and Howard Counties. Donate today to make an impact in our community.

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