A Celebration of Community

2026 Annual Report
$. 0

Efficiency Ratio

0 +

nonprofit programs

0

volunteer hours

0 +

partners

A message from our board chair and ceo

Chris Leitner

Christopher Leitner
Board chair

President & CEO

Scoular

Shawna Forsberg

President & CEO

United Way of the Midlands

United Way Friends,

There is a strong tradition of generosity and leadership across our community — and a shared understanding that we can accomplish more when we work together.

Over the past year, our community contributed more than $30 million through United Way of the Midlands, supporting more than 150 impactful programs and partnerships. We’re grateful to our Campaign Chairs, Jeff and Lisa Russell, whose leadership helped inspire that generosity, and to our Board of Directors, donors, corporate partners, volunteers and nonprofit leaders who continue to make this work possible.

Together, we’re directing those resources with a clear focus on evolving needs and proven results. UWM’s latest Community Impact Fund cycle established new two-year investments to support effective programs and provide greater stability and planning for nonprofit partners. We are also expanding direct services and scaling programs to address broader needs. The 211 Helpline continues to expand with additional community programs, including the Nebraska Warmline, while JAG Nebraska is growing to 90 programs and expects to serve 5,500 students while maintaining a 99% graduation rate.

Our local insight and broad perspective allow us to connect resources and expertise, strengthen what is working and help effective efforts reach more people. It’s a role United Way is uniquely positioned to play — and one that is only possible through the collective commitment of everyone who works alongside us.

Throughout this report, we celebrate the generosity of our community and the impact we are making together because of the people and organizations helping our community thrive.

You’ll also see the research guiding our work, the results of our investments and our commitment to strong financial stewardship. Thank you for your generosity and confidence in United Way of the Midlands.

We are proud to be 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 across the 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:

Healthy community

0 million

meals

0

health services

0

shelter nights

Youth Opportunity

0

youth served

0

youth services

0

academic + employment achievements

financial security

0

education and training hours

$ 0 MILLION

IN DIRECT SERVICES

community resiliency

0

volunteer hours

0

information and referral services

0 million

FAMILY ESSENTIALS DISTRIBUTED

your partner for local impact

Connecting you with the causes you care about

Community impact fund investments

Thanks to the generosity of individual and corporate donors, the Community Impact Fund invests contributions into metro-area community programs. We provide detailed information about the process, the agencies funded, and the programs they provide.

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 2026 Campaign Chairs, Jeff and Lisa Russell

Thanks to the leadership of Campaign Chairs Jeff and Lisa Russell, we raised more than
$30 million this past year

Last year, our campaign chairs, Jeff and Lisa Russell, along with the fantastic team at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska, 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 2027 campaign chairs, Paul and Julie Maass

We are so grateful to Paul & Julie and the entire Scoular team for stepping up and leading our 2027 campaign.

Upcoming Leadership

2028

Derek and Nicole Leathers

2029

John and Amy Henderson

2030

Christopher and Michelle Leitner

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.