United is the way

2024/2025 Annual Report
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A message from our board chair and ceo

A note from our Board Chair and CEO about this past year’s successes, learnings and proud moments.

Paul Maas

Paul Maass
Board chair

Chief Executive Officer

Scoular

Shawna Forsberg

President & CEO

United Way of the Midlands

United Way Friends,

Every day in the Omaha-Council Bluffs metro, families are doing their best to build stable, healthy lives. Yet many face challenges that make it difficult to meet even their most essential needs — whether it’s keeping food on the table, finding safe housing or accessing mental health support. These challenges can feel overwhelming, but thanks to your generosity and partnership, help is within reach and families are moving forward.

At the same time, the nonprofit sector that serves these families is navigating a rapidly changing landscape. Rising demand for services, limited resources and increasing complexity mean that organizations must do more with less, even as the needs around them grow. That is why your support of United Way of the Midlands is so vital — ensuring that critical programs remain strong, responsive and accessible when our neighbors need them most.

Last year, your generosity helped United Way of the Midlands raise more than $30 million to support our community. We are especially grateful to our 2024 Campaign Chairs, Randy and Candace Wood, and the team at Lindsay Corporation, for their inspiring leadership, and to our Board of Directors for their thoughtful guidance.

We are proud of new ways your support is meeting urgent needs. The 211 Helpline expanded with the creation of the Military and Family Helpline, placing our first-ever navigator directly on base to support service members and their families. Volunteers United now makes it easier than ever for people to serve our community with passion and purpose. And JAG Nebraska grew its reach to 87 programs, opening new pathways for students to graduate with the skills and confidence they need to succeed. These are just a few of the ways we’re expanding partnerships and making a difference together.

This work is only possible because of your trust and shared belief in caring for one another. As you read through this annual report, you’ll see the financial stewardship, impact data and inspiring commitments that make this possible. 

We’re proud to serve as your partner for community impact.

Your care fuels results that strengthen our community

Across the Omaha–Council Bluffs metro, individuals and families are working hard to build stability, opportunity and a better tomorrow. Thanks to your caring spirit, many have access to the support they need — whether they’re facing an urgent crisis, seeking a fresh start or striving for long-term stability.

Your generosity brought people together this year. It connected neighbors to resources, strengthened essential programs and built a dependable network of care that thousands rely on every day.

Because of you, help was there when it mattered most.

thanks to the generosity of donors like you, we raised more than

$30 million

to invest in our metro!

Fiscal Stewardship

UWM invests more than 93 cents of every dollar back into the community.

United Way of the Midlands maintains a strong financial position thanks to the leadership of our board, and our staff’s can-do spirit​.

Results that make a difference

your support creates lasting impact for families across the metro

Thanks to your investments, United Way and our partners surpassed our annual goals by providing:

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United is the way we

Healthy community

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Youth Opportunity

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your partner for local impact

Connecting you with the causes you care about

Community impact fund investments

Signals and trends

Leaders in Action

Leadership rooted in care. Guided by community. Focused on results.

Board of Directors

They steward the vision of UWM and provide strategic guidance to move our organization forward.

Campaign LEADERSHIp

Thank you to 2024 Campaign Chairs, Randy and Candace Wood

Thanks to the leadership of Campaign Chairs Randy and Candace Wood, we raised more than 30 million dollars this past year

Last year, our campaign chairs, Randy and Candace Wood, along with the fantastic team at Lindsay Corporation, demonstrated how intentional leadership can turn generosity into lasting impact. Their dedication helped inspire a wave of giving that continues to ripple through our community. 

Current leadership

Thank you to our 2025 campaign chairs, Jeff & Lisa Russell

We are so grateful to Jeff & Lisa and the entire Blue Cross Blue Shield team for stepping up and leading our 2025-2026 campaign.

Upcoming Leadership

2026

Paul and Julie Maass

CEO

Werner Logo

2027

Derek and Nicole Leathers

Chairman and CEO

2028

John and Amy Henderson

President and CEO

Neighbors Helping Neighbors

Here in the Omaha-Council Bluffs metro, giving back isn’t just something we do — it’s part of who we are.

our mission:
United Way of the Midlands unites our community’s caring spirit to build a stronger tomorrow.