A Note from our President and CEO

As President and CEO for Heart of Missouri United Way, I've been grateful and impressed by the number of our community leaders, partnering agencies, donors, and others that have embraced my call to Grow with Us as an organization. In nearly every meeting I have attended since beginning this role, I have been impressed by the willingness of our community to listen, lean in, and lead toward a new trajectory of growth for Heart of Missouri United Way.

May has ushered in the beginning of new terms for our Officers and Board of Directors, setting the stage for what will be an exciting twelve months of growth, refreshment, and deeper community engagement so that all in our community may thrive. We have seen great success this month with active engagements by the latest session of our Give 5 program, another successful ASPIRES session, and the opportunity to celebrate the successes of our previous fund-raising efforts.

United, we are growing the future of our organization and opportunities for all in our community. I invite you to be a part of our efforts to forge a new path in our community for empowering non-profits and residents in our community to drive a positive trajectory for those with unmet needs. Please Grow with Us and join the dialogue of how Heart of Missouri United Way can improve outcomes for all in our community and be a force multiplier that amplifies the efforts of our partner organizations.

Talia Jackson

President and CEO

Registration is Filling Up Fast:

Free Non-Profit Improvement Opportunity

Join CCAT Cohort # 2

ASPIRES is a joint partnership with the City of Columbia that provides tools, opportunities, and experiences for non-profits seeking to improve their organization's abilities to effectively serve their clients and community.

Non-profits recently completing the first cohort of the Core Capacity Assessment Tool (CCAT) through ASPIRES were awarded a combined total of $82,000 in funding to improve their ability to deliver better outcomes and services throughout our community.

The Core Capacity Assessment Tool (CCAT) helps non-profits measure the effectiveness of their organization. Organizations interested in participating in the upcoming CCAT Cort # 2 should click the below link to complete the participation interest form. Interested non-profits should complete the interest form as soon as possible, as limited registration spots are filling quickly.

2025-2026 Board of Directors Convenes

with New Officers and Board Members

Heart of Missouri United Way President and CEO Talia Jackson announced the organization’s new Officers and Board members for the 2025 term that have begun in May. 

“United Way’s impact in mid-Missouri is rooted in the quality of leadership and forward-thinking approach to improving community outcomes so that all in mid-Missouri may thrive. I have challenged each of these Board members and out local community to Grow with Us at United Way to strengthen our impact and opportunities for all in our community,” said Jackson. “I’m privileged to announce these officers that comprise our 2025-2026 executive committee.” 

• Dr. Nicole ‘Nikki’ Carter as Chair. Carter serves as the director of belonging and community impact for MU Health Care. 
• Melissa ‘Missy’ Montgomery as Vice Chair. Montgomery is a wealth management advisor for Central Trust. 
• Mitzi Clayton as Past Chair. Clayton serves as director of community relations and NCAA compliance for the University of Missouri Department of Athletics. 
• Brittani Secundino as Treasurer. Secundino is a managing consultant for Forvis Mazars, a firm specializing in non-profit financial management solutions. 
• Laura Gerding as Secretary. Gerding is the corporate communications strategist for MEM a workers compensation insurance company in Columbia. 
• Jennifer Gordon as Community Impact Committee Chair. Gordon is the chief mission officer for Woodhaven, a community of individuals meeting the needs of individuals with disabilities and neurodiversities in residential facilities and settings. 
• Claire Owen as Marketing Committee Chair. Owen serves as general counsel at Columbia Insurance. 
• Kerrie Bloss as Resource Development Chair. Bloss leads marketing and community engagement efforts for Nothing Bundt Cakes and provides support services to the Community Foundation of Central Missouri and COMO Companies. 

Three new additions to the Board include: 

• Danny Hill. Hill is a Columbia-based small business owner operating Big Hitters and elite skills training facility and coaching operation. 
• David Christian. Christian is a retired executive from State Farm Insurance and graduate of the Heart of Missouri United Way Give 5 program. 
• Camryn Coleman. Coleman is a sophomore at the University of Missouri studying strategic communications who is serving as the first Student Member of the Heart of Missouri United Way Board. 

“Heart of Missouri United Way is growing and these leaders are fundamental to setting the trajectory of our future success. United, we are planting the seeds for growing impact and outcomes for our mid-Missouri community,” Jackson concluded. 

Call 2-1-1 for Local Community Resources

Heart of Missouri United Way works collaboratively with other United Way organizations across Missouri to provide local community connection services for those in need across our state. Recent tornadoes and storms across Missouri have again demonstrated the need for community connection services.

Should you, a loved one, or someone you know ever be in need of support, please dial 2-1-1 or 1-800-427-4626 find local resources that may be of assistance

Agency Spotlight

MISSION: Our mission is to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.

United Way Support: The Boys and Girls Club of Columbia receives United Way Impact Investments in support of the Great Futures Start Here Program. The goal is to support youth who need assistance the most in overcoming risk factors and to reach their full potential as productive, caring, and responsible individuals. This goal is accomplished by utilizing our Formula for Impact program model, evidence-based prevention programs, and mental and behavioral support in an affordable, safe and positive place led by highly trained staff. The overall issue being addressed by the program is providing a safe, accessible out of school programming to combat youth risk factors, including poverty, food insecurity, risky behaviors, academic issues, substance abuse, exposure to violence, abuse, neglect, racism, prejudice, and mental health stigma or access.

Board Member Spotlight

Leigh Anne Haun

Leigh Anne Haun joined the Heart of Missouri United Way Board in 2024, jumping right into the work of the resource development committee which aims to increase revenues so that United Way can continue to expand its impact and effectiveness in our local communities.

She is no stranger to hard work, fundraising, or passionate advocacy in service to those with unmet needs.

Leigh Anne attended the University of Missouri at Columbia where she earned both her bachelor’s degree in communication and her Master of Public Affairs with a focus on non-profit management. She had also studied at the University of Tubingen in Germany. Her educational experiences provided her a solid foundation for the professional path in non-profit organizations that was to come.

Leigh Anne began her career as a volunteer coordinator for Jumpstart, a national early education organization focused on preparing youth for successful entry into kindergarten. In this role she managed compliance efforts across a portfolio of more than 200 volunteers. Looking for additional responsibility, Leigh Anne transitioned employment to the University of Missouri School of Health Professions, where she ultimately served as a advancement and development officer responsible for growing relationships that lead to annual gifts in support of initiatives of the School’s Dean and the Alumni Association. Throughout this experience, Leigh Anne continued to foster her passion for non-profit service to individuals in the community with developmental disabilities.

Leigh Anne joined the ranks of Woodhaven, a community-based services provider that operates rehabilitation facilities for individuals with developmental disabilities. She served as the Development Director for nearly five years, executing fundraising events, cultivating donor relationships, and stewarding efforts on major and planned gifts.

With this experience bolstering her understanding of the systemic needs of individuals with developmental disabilities, Leigh Anne joined the Missouri Disabilities Council working as a project and policy coordinator. Her role has continued to grow and develop into her current responsibility as director of policy advocacy in which she oversees a staff that is focused on engaging policy makers and advocating for the needs of individuals with developmental disabilities.

Leigh Anne is married to Kendall Haun and the mother to two children.

Cohort Eight Begins

Community Service Effort

Heart of Missouri United Way operates the GIVE 5 civic matchmaking program for those nearing or at retirement by hosting fun, informative opportunities to learn about volunteering with local non-profit organizations.

On May 15, the eighth cohort of the Give 5 program began its orientation program to learn more about our mid-Missouri non-profit sector. For five weeks, the program visits various non-profit organizations to learn about their efforts to impact our community and improve outcomes for those with unmet needs.

Click the link below to learn more.

ASPIRES Quarterly Class Improves

Non-Profit Organizations

Heart of Missouri United Way's ASPIRES recently convened non-profit leader from across mid-Missouri to build skills and capabilities within their organizations aimed at empowering and activating organizational Boards to engage with impact.

Participants gathered at Woodhaven to attend the session facilitated by Jessica Macy and Kasey Hammock of Partner for Better. The session, entitled "How to Develop an Annual Board To-Do List" was the latest in a series of free quarterly non-profit classes hosted by Heart of Missouri United Way through ASPIRES, a partnership with the city of Columbia.

The next free quarterly non-profit class will be held on June 25th and will focus on 'How to Have Hard Conversations'.

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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