A Note from our President and CEO

Rooted in Connection.

Each month, as I sit down to write this article, I’m often struck by a theme that seems to ripple through our organization. These themes aren’t always intentional or even discussed openly by our staff or board. Instead, they emerge naturally, reflections of what is moving us as an organization in that moment as we carry out our mission.


This month, the theme is connection.


I often say that the word “united” in our name isn’t an accident, it’s at the heart of who we are and what we do. United Ways across the country are frequently called upon to bring people together: to unite and connect businesses, civic leaders, nonprofit partners, and individuals to help solve community challenges. At Heart of Missouri United Way, that work of connection is central to everything we do.

Just a couple of examples from this month are connecting additional Give 5 participants with meaningful volunteer opportunities across our community and collaborated with partners on important childcare initiatives. I’m continually fueled by the people and organizations we work alongside to address complex issues. Those connections give me energy, optimism, and excitement as we continue this work together.

Sincerely,

Talia

President & CEO

Strengthening Child Care 
Through Community Collaboration

Heart of Missouri United Way is proud to serve as the team leader for our community’s Early Childhood Education (ECE) Community Planning initiative—an important, collaborative effort focused on strengthening access to affordable, high‑quality child care and early education.


This work is part of a Kids Win Missouri–led process that has been successfully implemented in communities across the state. At its core, the initiative recognizes that limited access to child care and early education places real strain on families, while also creating challenges for employers and weakening the overall economy. It is essential that communities like ours are prepared to clearly understand their needs, leverage their strengths, and strategically align those resources for the greatest impact.


Since the beginning of the year, a diverse group of stakeholders—including child care providers, nonprofit organizations, civic entities, businesses, representatives from school districts and Head Start, economic development officials, and community leaders—has come together to examine our local child care and early education landscape. Through data analysis and cost modeling, we are now in the final stages of Phase 1, which focuses on creating, prioritizing, and assigning initiatives to address the community’s most urgent needs. These priorities include stabilizing and growing infant and toddler care, closing the affordability gap for working and low‑income families, strengthening the child care workforce as essential infrastructure, engaging employers as partners in expanding access, and improving system navigation for families with complex needs.

This work also includes the implementation of Missouri Child Care Works in Boone County. Through this innovative, community‑based model, Heart of Missouri United Way helps coordinate resources (as available) from the public sector, philanthropy, employers, and families to reduce the cost of child care while ensuring stable funding for providers. By sharing financial responsibility, the program is designed to create a more sustainable pathway to quality child care for working families.

This ECE Community Planning initiative reflects the power of collaboration—and our shared commitment to helping children, families, and our community thrive. To learn more about this work, reach out to Talia Jackson: tjackson@uwheartmo.org.

Judi's Give 5 Story

Meet Judi Bloss.

After three meaningful years as a CASA volunteer, my case came to a close, and I began wondering where I might serve next. A friend gently nudged me toward the Give 5 program at Heart of Missouri United Way, designed for adults over 55, where local nonprofits share their stories through presentations or through welcoming site visits. I had volunteered in many corners of our community over the years, so I wasn't sure what I might discover. But on the day we visited City of Refuge, a troublesome back kept me from joining the tour, and I found myself sitting quietly at the front desk, chatting with the volunteer there. That simple conversation changed everything. By the time volunteer coordinator, Lauran Walter, returned, something in my heart had already settled; I had found my place.


Six weeks in, I can say that Give 5 didn't just help me find a volunteer role; it helped me find a community. The days I spend at City of Refuge are full of life: English classes, cooking classes, neighbors coming in for support, and warm faces around every corner. Lauran was a patient and wonderful guide as I learned the ropes, and I've genuinely come to love the staff, the visitors, and my fellow volunteers. The cohort I journeyed through Give 5 with became a treasured bonus; several of us still gather monthly for coffee. Volunteering gets me out of the house and helps me do something good for Columbia, and Give 5 gave me the confidence to find exactly where I belonged.

Photo credit: City of Refuge

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. The 211 community resource connection service provides those in need with a centralized contact point to identify local resources that may be able to provide assistance.

Should you, a loved one, or someone you know ever be in need of support, please dial 2-1-1 anytime or send a text to 1-800-427-4626 between 9am and 5pm Monday through Friday to be connected with a trained specialist that may be of assistance. You may also access an online directory of services at www.211helps.org.



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.

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