December 2024

Give the gift of hope this holiday season!


The holiday season is here, and it's the perfect time to spread joy and make a difference! So many of you have given generously to the Columbus Area United Way this year, and we are incredibly thankful for your support. As the year comes to a close, we're still working to reach our goal—and your gift can help us get there! Every dollar counts. Every dollar makes a difference. Every dollar brings hope and good to our community. Plus, your donation is tax-deductible, making this the perfect time to give. Will you join us in giving back this season?

Donate Now

Community Celebration

As we continue striving to reach our fundraising goals for next year, we're also getting ready to celebrate massive achievements!


Mark your calendar for the Community Celebration on January 9, 2025. We hope to see you there!


Please RSVP by January 2nd, 2025 to Sara Baustert.

RSVP here

#iPLEDGE 2024: A Success Story


This year, we’re celebrating the incredible impact of our #iPLEDGE Campaign, which raised a whopping $9,000 thanks to our dedicated 2024 participants! A huge thank-you to the trailblazers—independent contractors, realtors, attorneys, entrepreneurs, and small business owners—who pledged their support.


iPLEDGE offers a creative and straightforward way for professionals to contribute to the Columbus Area United Way without running a traditional workplace campaign. By committing to monthly or quarterly pledge payments, iPLEDGE participants make a lasting impact in our community all year long.

Join the #iPLEDGE 2025 movement!


Looking ahead to 2025, we’re inviting even more businesses and professionals to join us in this innovative campaign. Together, we can make an even greater difference. Ready to be part of something amazing? Let’s do it!

#iPLEDGE


Introducing

Hopeful Horizons of Nebraska


In March 2023, a group of passionate individuals came together to discuss the state of mental health and suicide prevention in our community. A recurring theme emerged: the need for a dedicated leader to guide and coordinate these crucial efforts.


From this meeting, Hopeful Horizons of Nebraska was born.

Their mission is clear:


✅ To lead local mental health improvement and suicide prevention efforts.

✅ To coordinate and amplify existing initiatives.

✅ To plan and strategize for future, unified efforts that create lasting change.


Together, we can create a brighter future for mental health in our community. Stay tuned for updates and ways to get involved!

Help is always available. Visit Columbus Area United Way's Mental Health Resources Page to explore tools and services designed to support you and your loved ones.


This season, let’s prioritize not just giving, but also caring—for ourselves and for others.

Mental Health Toolkit

Apply for an Impact Grant Today!


Do you see a need in our community? Is there a gap in services that you have an idea to fill? We'd love to help! The Columbus Area United Way Impact Grant is designed to give seed money to local non-profits who are ready to get started.


We're accepting applications November 15th, 2024 through January 15th, 2025.

Apply Now

We're Hiring!


Join the Columbus Area United Way team! We are currently looking to fill two exciting positions:


Executive Assistant

Support the operations of our campaigns, programming, and community collaboration efforts. This role involves administrative tasks, event coordination, and volunteer engagement to help make a difference in our community.


Community Prevention Industry Navigator

Work with our Community Prevention team to connect individuals, children, and families to resources and advocacy. This role focuses on outreach, education, and raising awareness about community needs.

If you’re passionate about making an impact, we’d love to hear from you!


Qualified candidates can submit a cover letter and resume to:


Full Job Descriptions

Hope Freshour - Executive Director

hfreshour@columbusuniteday.com

 

Jo Suess - Development Director

jsuess@columbusunitedway.com

 

Tammy Bichlmeier - Central Navigator

tbichlm@columbusunitedway.com


Roberta Miksch - Collective Impact Director

rmiksch@columbusunitedway.com


Bellyni Maldonado - Bilingual Community Response Coach

bmaldonado@columbusunitedway.com


Guadalupe Ramirez - Bilingual Community Response Coach

gramirez@columbusunitedway.com


Reghan Kabes - Navigation Assistant and Coach

rkabes@columbusunitedway.com


Sarah Lindberg- Program/Data Coordinator

slindberg@columbusunitedway.com


Sara Baustert- Resource Development Assistant Director

sbaustert@columbusunitedway.com


Shelly Steffensmeier - Fiscal Assistant

ssteffensmeier@columbusunitedway.com

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