UNITED WAY OF CENTRAL MISSOURI SERVICE AREA
United Way of Central Missouri serves Camden, Cole, Maries, Miller, Moniteau, Morgan, Osage, Phelps, and southern Callaway Counties.
GET TO KNOW US EVEN BETTER
The United Way of Central Missouri is a local, volunteer-driven organization that improves lives by mobilizing the caring power of our community.
United Way of Central Missouri envisions a community where all individuals and families achieve their human potential through education, income stability, and healthy lives.
Integrity
We resolve to maintain the highest standards of personal and organizational honesty in all our activities.
Accountability
We are responsive to our stakeholders, at all levels, and act as good stewards of their investments of time and resources.
Responsibility
We are compelled to advocate for positive social change in the communities we serve.
Leadership
We spearhead efforts to build a better life for all and create a stronger Central Missouri.
Collaboration
We join with individuals, groups and businesses in our communities to work together toward common goals.
Inclusivity
We involve and unite the local community, knowing that respect, diversity and inclusiveness make us stronger.
Commitment
We are devoted to serving individuals and families in our communities in the most efficient and innovative manner.
Intentionality
We strive to deliver relevant services and quality outcomes through thoughtful, deliberate actions.
We began as a part-time committee of the now Jefferson City Area Chamber of Commerce in 1925. We split from the Chamber and became known as the Jefferson City Community Chest in the late 1920's. Nationally, the Community Chest had its beginnings in the late 1880’s when Denver businesses expressed exasperation at the difficulty in deciding which charities and agencies to support. Community Chest groups around the nation solved that problem by holding single campaigns for groups of local agencies – similar to how the United Way operates its fundraising today.
Our Pillars
United Way works to build a stronger community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. We bring people, organizations, and resources together to address our community’s most pressing needs and create lasting change in four key areas.
HEALTH: Helping People Live Healthier Lives
Everyone deserves the opportunity to live a healthy, safe, and fulfilling life. We connect individuals and families with resources that support physical and mental health, expand access to care, and help people navigate difficult circumstances, including mental health and substance use challenges, abuse, lack of insurance, and other barriers to well-being.
EDUCATION: Helping Every Child Reach Their Potential
A strong future starts with a strong foundation. We connect children, families, and educators with the tools, resources, and opportunities that help young people succeed in school and in life.
Our Early Childhood Initiative supports children from birth through age five by strengthening early learning opportunities, equipping parents and caregivers with positive parenting strategies, and helping children make a successful transition into kindergarten. The initiative also provides Conscious Discipline training and resources for those who care for and educate young children.
FINANCIAL STABILITY: Creating Pathways to Financial Security
Financial stability gives individuals and families the foundation to meet their needs today and build toward a stronger future. We connect people with education, resources, and opportunities that can help them overcome financial barriers, strengthen household stability, and move toward greater independence.
By working alongside community partners, we help individuals and families build greater financial security and create opportunities for the future.
BASIC NEEDS: Helping Our Neighbors Through Times of Crisis
When people face a crisis, access to the essentials can make all the difference. We help ensure our neighbors can turn to trusted community resources for food, safe shelter, clothing, emergency assistance, disaster response, and other critical needs.
By strengthening our community’s safety net, we help people through immediate challenges while creating opportunities for greater stability and well-being.
The Process
Each spring, community volunteers from a variety of backgrounds come together to take part in the United Way Fund Allocation Process. These volunteers carefully review the operations, programs, and financial information of United Way partner agencies and make recommendations for how funds should be allocated for the coming year.
Funding recommendations are then presented to the United Way Board of Directors for review and final approval.
This community led process helps ensure donor dollars are invested responsibly and where they can make the greatest impact. It also strengthens United Way of Central Missouri’s commitment to accountability, transparency, and thoughtful stewardship of every contribution.
How It Works
Volunteers are assigned to one of six review panels. Each panel typically reviews four to five United Way partner agencies or initiatives. Over the course of five weeks, volunteers meet once a week to review information, learn more about the services each organization provides, and evaluate its impact in our community.
The process runs from late February through the first week of April and requires approximately 10 to 15 hours of each volunteer’s time. More than 70 community volunteers participate each year, helping guide investments across United Way’s four impact areas of health, education, financial stability, and basic needs.
Get Involved
Serving on a Fund Allocation panel is an opportunity to learn more about local needs, see the work of United Way partner agencies firsthand, and play a direct role in strengthening our community.
If you are interested in serving on a Fund Allocation panel or have questions about the Fund Allocation Process or Online Grant Management System, please contact Hannah Gerard at 573-636-4100 or hannah.gerard@unitedwaycemo.org.
Contact Information
205 Alameda Drive
Jefferson City, MO 65109
P: 573-636-4100 | Email: info@unitedwaycemo.org
