Community Stories

Coming Together to Make a Difference in the Metro

By bringing together gifts of all sizes – United Way of the Midlands (UWM) makes the most of every donated dollar. We keep our pulse on community needs and ensure all funds are awarded to programs making the biggest community impact. Keep reading below to learn why so many members of the Omaha-Council Bluffs community choose to support UWM.

I’m really proud to say that I donate to United Way because it is a rare point in time when you can see a community come together and unite behind a common vision. It really helps if that common vision is focused on those who are most in need.

Chris Leitner, Tenaska

Werner is proud to work with an organization who has focused on efficiency, impact and results for 100 years. United Way has the sound credibility and resources to help reach those in need and maximize the impact made by our dollars raised. It takes a team effort to support our neighbors and United Way of the Midlands serves as the perfect vehicle to unite our associates together for a meaningful cause.

Derek Leathers, Werner Enterprises

There are a couple of reasons Terri and I decided to be the chair for the UWM Annual Community Campaign. UWM is one of the most effective and efficient community organizations with over 95 cents of every dollar raised going back directly into the hands of those that need it! They also, through their CIRT process, use community leaders and volunteers to affirm the needs of the organizations requesting funds to support community needs. As one of our Board members said, “UWM restores the human dignity to those we serve.”

Tim Burke, Omaha Chamber of Commerce – 2018 & 2022 Campaign Chair

The old adage “to whom much is given, much is required” is something instilled in me at a young age and something I try to instill in my children. The be given is to give. I am lucky, I was born with my health and very few obstacles in my path.  If I can be helpful to anyone who wasn’t quite that lucky than it is my obligation to do so.  While I appreciate free will, I don’t believe everybody has the proverbial boot straps within their grasp, and to pretend otherwise is an arrogant and selfish disposition in my humble opinion.  I don’t know if I make a difference or not, but I sure as heck know I better try. 

Matt Dwyer

CEO, Greenslate Development

United Way reaches so many of the often-underserved families providing them with desperately needed assistance. It is the way we can directly help. I believe that those of us who have been fortunate have an obligation to help those who through circumstances, have fallen on difficult times. 

Rob and Stacie Reed

Physicians Mutual – Incoming 2023 Campaign Chairs

United Way has tremendous impact on the Omaha-Council Bluffs metro, a community we call home and Physicians Mutual has called home for more than 120 years. Being involved at this level is a way for us to help further this impact and show our gratitude to a community we care so much about. Stacie and I are honored to lead the United Way of the Midlands campaign this year – in its exciting 100th year.

John P. Nelson

SilverStone Group, a HUB International company

Greg and I chose United Way as one of our “charities of choice” because of their philosophy on how they serve our community. United Way supports a diverse portfolio of over 100 organizations and programs that keep donations local to our Omaha Metro community which is important to us. We are happy to assist in making Omaha a better place to live for all families and individuals in need.

Teresa McDermott

I have supported United Way for many years because they are experts on the most significant human needs in the community.  I know my donation will be used to make the greatest difference in the Greater Omaha area.

Scott Binder

Farm Credit Services of America

We want to make a difference in the community and United Way is a key part of doing that and helping others.

Mike Cassling

CQuence Health Group

I joined Women United because I knew this group of women were committed to building a better community.  By leveraging United Way’s connections, Women United has launched numerous initiatives that focus on improving the lives of young people at risk. It’s been a truly rewarding experience. 

Pam Beall Hill

Chair, Women United

At CyncHealth, we see the impact made by the United Way of the Midlands team every day thanks to our partnership in the 211 Navigator program. The 211 Navigator helps make sure that individuals in need are connected with resources that can help. The 211 Navigator at United Way of the Midlands makes it possible to increase case management capacity across the state and also helps ensure clients are receiving skilled navigation through a complicated safety net system.

Rachel Heinz

CyncHealth

At Metropolitan Utilities District, we support our customer-owners. And as a public utility, supporting our community – especially those most vulnerable – is crucial to our work of providing life-essential services. We are proud to partner with United Way of the Midlands to support the important work they do in our community.

Jessica Heidebrecht

MUD, Emerging Leaders Chair

We all know relationships are the heart and soul of any organization, but this is especially true at United Way of the Midlands. Today we are proud to say we work with more than 600 organizations and 40,000 individual donors who believe in the work we do and the impact we make.

If you’d like to join these individuals and organizations and get involved by supporting UWM, go to UnitedWayMidlands.org/Donate today.