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Heart of Missouri United Way Presents 2023 Annual Report Highlighting Program Funding, Outcomes, and Success Stories
Heart of Missouri United Way is excited to announce the release of its 2023 Annual Report. This comprehensive report demonstrates the accomplishments and outcomes of our Community Impact Investment Grants that supported 45 programs at 31 nonprofit agencies in 2023.
The Annual Report demonstrates the widespread efforts of Heart of Missouri United Way’s Impact Investment Grants in the areas of health, education, and financial stability and other United Way programs such as Read Across Columbia and Give 5.
This report highlights the funding strategies for each area, the agency programs that receive the grants, program outcomes, and success stories. This report demonstrates the life-changing outcomes achieved through our Community Impact Investment portfolio and allocation of funds.
Thank you to everyone who made this year such a success!
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CEO Blog: The Value of Volunteering | |
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Heart of Missouri United Way hosted our Week of Action last month. What began only last year as a Day of Action has quickly grown into an inspiring week for hundreds of individuals who chose to “take action” and help tackle some of our community’s toughest problems. Our Week of Action sponsor, MU Health Care, has been instrumental in the success and advancement of this volunteer week.
From June 15-21, over 200 volunteers worked on projects for many local nonprofit organizations. Some of these projects included building clean up at City of Refuge for growing their culinary program, invasive plant removal at the Agriculture Park for Columbia Center for Urban Agriculture, building a horse shelter for Coyote Hill and packing wellness kits at Heart of Missouri United Way. Volunteers also took on projects with the City of Columbia Parks and Columbia Public Schools, including some specifically focused on Juneteenth.
Many organizations, individuals, friends, and families, all United in Action to complete these much-needed projects and make our community a better place. It was incredible to see all the important work our community is working to accomplish!
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Volunteers from our Week of Action Sponsor, MU Health Care, packed Wellness Kits. | |
Volunteers from Cummins Sales engaged through United World Wide and us, a Snack Pack project for recipients, Boys and Girls Club. | |
July ASPIRES Project Session for Local Nonprofits | |
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Heart of Missouri United Way is excited to offer local non-profit organizations the chance to enhance their capacity through the ASPIRES project. One part of this project is free quarterly nonprofit classes, which are open to any local nonprofit organization. Our July 11th class was hosted at Shelter Insurance Training Facility, and participants learned about effective role delegation between board and staff.
This one-hour class was a practical learning experience designed to provide board members, executive directors, and leaders in nonprofit organizations with the skills and knowledge to understand their distinct roles and responsibilities. Participants explored best practices for effective delegation, communication strategies, and how to foster a collaborative environment that enhances organizational performance.
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Recruitment for Advisory Council Volunteers | |
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Advisory Council: Education
Active Period: August 2024 through October 2024
Function: The purpose of the Heart of Missouri United Way Advisory Council is to provide increased transparency in the impact investment process. Advisory Council volunteers are responsible for recommending to the United Way Board of Directors the best way to invest funds raised in our community for our community. Throughout the process, volunteers must promote values of inclusion, diversity, and equity and advanced equitable opportunities for all. With requests for funds routinely in excess of available funding, the Advisory Council volunteers have a complex and difficult set of decisions.
Composition: This Advisory Council is comprised of a diverse group of volunteers from the community. Their commitment to serve is to improve the health and well-being of all residents and ensure young people have equitable access to gain the knowledge, skills and credentials so they’re prepared for the workforce and able to obtain sustainable employment. .
Council Activities: The Advisory Council will meet regularly during the active investment process, which occurs annually from late August through late October. Activities include training sessions, reading written grant proposals, viewing recorded proposal presentations, participating in in-person site visits at proposing organizations, and multiple decision-making/recommendation discussions.
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Have Fun & Make Friends with Give 5! | |
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Thank you for all who joined us for the free screening of Join or Die this past June. We had a lot of fun talking about volunteering and making our community a better place!
We are recruiting for Cohort 7 of our Give 5 Program! Cohort 7 will meet Thursdays, September 19, 26, October 3, 10 and 17 from 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Give 5 is an innovative, community-based program that does all that – and more. Designed for Columbia and Boone County residents, the program provides a way for retirees and seniors to apply their talents and passions to our community’s primary areas of need. By doing so, it also ensures they continue to have purpose and relevance in their lives. This program offers a fun, social opportunity for participants to experience a “taste-testing” of the many and varied volunteer opportunities within our community. At the end of the program, it’s hoped participants will commit – at least short term – to “give five” hours a month one of the program nonprofits.
Check out the Give 5 Facebook page to see photos of the most recent cohorts!
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Agency Spotlight: Jabberwocky | |
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Their Mission: Jabberwocky teaches and performs ethnic and urban arts to build equity and inclusion in our diverse community.
Jabberwocky has a STEAM Program and The Art Bus funded through our Education impact investment. This program STEAM Program helps youth develop positive values, social competencies and positive identities; increases social connectedness; and increases participant likelihood of graduating from high school, contributing to increased academic, social, and personal equity. The Art Bus provides out-of-school arts experiences to children in low-income neighborhoods who would otherwise not have access to the benefits of these experience. We aim to help participants develop positive values, social competencies and positive identities, while supervising them during times that they may be at risk of becoming involved in destructive behaviors
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United Way Worldwide Blog
Heart of a Volunteer: Blake’s Journey with United Way
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Blake Henkel, a 31-year-old artist on the autism spectrum, has made significant strides in finding joy and purpose. His journey, characterized by personal and communal achievements, demonstrates the power of inclusivity and community support.
From an early age, Blake faced challenges connected with autism, particularly in verbal communication. But he did not let this deter him from pursuing his passions. Art became his voice, a means to express his unique perspective and connect with the world around him. Over the years, Blake's artistic talents have flourished, earning him national recognition and showcasing his capabilities.
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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 your community. | |
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