Programs & Direct services
thanks to the generosity of donors like you,
united way of the midlands raised more than
to invest in our community!
FILLING THE GAPS TO HELP THOSE IN NEED THROUGH DIRECT SERVICES
By both investing in exceptional local partners and delivering direct services, UWM is creating a broad circle of supports and a safety net of essential services for our community.
United Way of the Midlands serves the Omaha-Council Bluffs metro by bridging the business and not-for-profit sectors to help our neighbors overcome difficult challenges and start building a better future. With United Way, a single gift goes further — helping organizations in every corner of the metro through direct services such as the 211 Contact Center, JAG Nebraska, the Court Referral Community Service Program (CRCSP) and Goodfellows.
Confidential & Free Assistance for Veterans, Military Members and their Families 24/7/365
The Military and Family Helpline is a dedicated support service for veterans, active duty personnel and their families, powered by United Way of the Midlands’ 211 Helpline. Available 24/7/365, veterans, military members and their dependents can connect to support services for a wide range of needs including housing, mental health, financial concerns and more.
JAG Nebraska is a for-credit, classroom elective for middle and high school that helps students develop their skillsets to overcome the many challenges they face – all while setting them up for success in the classroom, workplace and life. Powered by United Way of the Midlands, the program provides hands-on instruction, life skills, career development, leadership and more to help students graduate and find post-graduation success.
The 211 Contact Center is a one-stop source of information for people in need of assistance. Powered by United Way of the Midlands, 211 is a point of contact and referral source for thousands of health and human service programs, community services, disaster services and more for those looking for help. In addition, 211 also administers programs such as Save Our Seniors, Help Me Grow Nebraska, Unite Nebraska, the Military and Family Helpline and is an Aging and Disability Resource Center for Nebraska. For assistance dial 211, text 898211 or visit ne211.org or 211iowa.org.
UWM is proud to collaborate with OPPD and the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy on the Weatherization Assistance Program (Weatherization). This energy-efficiency program aims to help low-income households reduce energy costs while ensuring their health and safety. The services are offered to eligible households at no cost – thanks to funding from the U.S. Departments of Energy and Health and Human Services.
UWM’s 211 Helpline accepts Weatherization applications in Douglas County and determines eligibility as part of this new partnership – helping improve the lives of many low-income families in the metro.
Since 2020, UWM is proud to partner with the Omaha World-Herald to administer the Goodfellows program that provides help to those in our community who have fallen on hard times. This includes people between jobs, the elderly, individuals who have experienced abuse and those facing a personal crisis with nowhere else to turn. For the 2024-25 fiscal year, more than $650,000 will be invested in emergency services, holiday food vouchers and many additional programs to help individuals in the Omaha-Council Bluffs metro and throughout Nebraska.
In partnership with Douglas County and others in the court system, UWM’s Court Referral Community Service Program (CRCSP) serves 300+ justice-involved adults annually by referring them to nonprofit agencies for completion of community service hours, verifying they complete their hours and delivering reports to probation officers. This represents more than 2,500 service hours for our community and saves Douglas County taxpayers an estimated $450,000 annually.
volunteerism
UWM works with nonprofit agencies across the metro to organize meaningful volunteer opportunities for companies and individuals. This means less time looking for or organizing a volunteer project and more time helping those who need it most. Through the Good on the Go initiative, Shine Bright, Day of Caring and other activities – UWM engages with hundreds of organizations and volunteers every year.
