WATERLOO, IA – Having seen first-hand the work made possible by Cedar Valley United Way’s investments in our community, 2013 United Way campaign chairs Geof Grimes and Joe Vich are on a mission to help the organization do more.
“Geof and I have heard many stories from people who have received help at some point in their lives from the programs United Way helps fund,” said Vich, vice-chairman of Community National Bank. “United Way’s work is empowering these individuals and their families to get back on their feet. These stories are the best reminder of why we are asking people to give.”
“We are excited about the good work and progress that is happening in the Cedar Valley,” said Grimes, a community volunteer leader. “Our goal in the 2013 campaign is to provide the financial resources to enable United Way to make a bigger impact.”
A new report, findings from Cedar Valley United Way’s 2013 community needs assessment, shows the organization’s funding grants are making a real difference in the community. The study, prepared by Strategic Marketing Services, is conducted every five years and provides a guideline for how United Way invests in the Cedar Valley.
“The very good news is the investments United Way has made in education, income and health programs are seeing positive results and improvement,” said Sheila Baird, Cedar Valley United Way president.
Data indicates that families are more stable, teen pregnancies are down, and child abuse has decreased. However, the study also noted areas of concern:
- Since 2008, there was a 10.5 percent growth in the number of children who were eligible for free or reduced-price lunches at school.
- Iowa’s population over age 65 is projected to increase by 52 percent during the next 20 years, an additional 226,973 older adults. As one in five older adults does not drive, about 45,400 Iowans will need alternative transportation options in coming decades.
- The graduation rate for Black Hawk County is 84 percent, four points below the state average of 88 percent.
- 25.62 percent of the homeless population in Black Hawk County is employed but unable to afford housing.
“A family-sustaining income, access to health care and a quality education are all vital to maintaining a good quality of life,” Baird said.
Key conclusions of the community needs assessment presented by Strategic Marketing Services include:
- The Cedar Valley needs to come together as a community
- Accept that poverty is a local issue
- Realize the current ways of dealing with poverty often perpetuate it
- Involve those living in poverty to find solutions
- Understand the difference between public relations, media hype and reality
- Be honest with ourselves
- Wholeheartedly embrace and support education for all ages
- Businesses accept more responsibility for training to meet their needs
- Redefine what a good paying job is
“Going forward, the Board of Directors will continue to invest in the areas of education, income and health,” said Vicki Grimes, Cedar Valley United Way Board chair. “In addition, we will now begin funding a Community Assessment Response (CAR) to address root causes in the hope of solving community issues rather than providing a band aid solution.”
Baird noted that new CAR innovation funded requests will likely involve several community partners and, like all funded programs, must be able to document a desired outcome and measurement. Currently Cedar Valley United Way funds 76 programs through 42 partner agencies. Funds for grant investments come through contributions from individuals, companies and organizations who donate to Cedar Valley United Way’s annual campaign. The 2013 campaign is currently underway, and runs through January 31, 2014.
“To reach goals of this magnitude requires collaboration across our community—businesses, elected officials, nonprofits, academia, professionals, the faith community, the labor movement, the media, parents and neighbors,” said Geof Grimes. “United Way can’t make strategic investments in our community without the financial support for the campaign.”
People interested in contributing to the 2013 campaign can do so through their workplace campaign, online at www.cedarvalleyunitedway.org or by calling 319-235-6211.
Cedar Valley United Way is committed to leveraging resources, including financial contributions, community expertise, in-kind contributions and partnerships, to fuel impact here in our community. Its focus is to improve and promote education, income and health within the Cedar Valley. For more information about Cedar Valley United Way and how you can give or to view the 2013 community assessment report and all its findings, visit www.cedarvalleyunitedway.org.