Connecting the community VIA United Way

Tara sits down across the desk from a couple who legally immigrated last year with their young son to file their taxes for the first time. As she leads them through the paperwork during her regular volunteer shift their anxiety grows and its then that she explains how tax credits work in their favor. At the end, the couple is overjoyed to know they will be receiving a refund and declare they can put part of it toward paying off their car. High-fives, big smiles, and connection are just part of the impact felt.

This is just one example of how United Way has impacted our community through VITA, our Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program.

Despite our community seeing more complex challenges such as the need for economic security or accessing affordable healthcare services in the recent past, our strong sense of coming together and continually raising each other up has prevailed time and time again. What’s inspiring is despite challenges like natural disasters and pandemics, we see and hear the need and want for human connection rising. We all want a community we belong to and call home.

Every day at United Way of East Central Iowa, we rise to this challenge of creating a sense of belonging for everyone. While able to exist on their own, when you, me, and our neighbors connect through V olunteering, I nvesting or A dvocating in our community, our community grows. As we bring the community together VIA United Way, we build stronger individuals and stronger communities. And we can’t do it alone.

Healthy community consists of many elements such as a robust workforce, future-focused education, access to basic needs and healthcare, a sustainable environment, and strong neighborhoods. It takes the nonprofit sector, for-profit businesses, county government and municipalities, and community members all living out the characteristics of volunteering, investing, and advocating for our community so we can take on our toughest challenges and move the needle.

What’s neat is, we’re doing it right here in East Central Iowa. Our educational, healthcare, city and county governments are working together to understand the greatest needs and support solutions. Our nonprofit sector is working at a pace that far outreaches the scope of their resources and employee well-being over the last few years. Our local companies and employees are more than willing to learn, volunteer their time, and invest in our community. Together we’re building a better community.

United Way is ready and dedicated to living our mission of uniting the caring power of communities to invest in effective solutions that improve people's lives. We believe that when each one of us has a role through volunteering, investing, or advocating in building community, we create the impact needed for everyone to thrive. It’s the perfect moment to come together VIA United Way, as each of us holds a unique role and a path to becoming a community builder.

At United Way of East Central Iowa our message is very simple: we care about you, and we care about our community. Join us at United Way and work together to build a community that is strong and interconnected on every level. Together, we can create lasting positive impact and a thriving community for everyone. We look forward to seeing you.

Kristin Roberts is president and CEO of United Way of East Central Iowa.