UNITED IS THE WAY WE ACHIEVE COLLECTIVE WELL-BEING
Focusing on well-being helps build communities that are safe, supportive, and full of opportunity.
In 2024, our investments and programs supported:
- 83% of students served reported feeling a sense of belonging
- 2,120 volunteers deployed throughout Story County
- 37,361 volunteer hours logged in children's programs
United Way of Story County will continue to meet basic needs while fostering 15,000 meaningful connections through:
- Mental health and meaningful connections
- Volunteerism promotion
- Nutrition and housing focus
- 211
COLLECTIVE WELL-BEING IN STORY COUNTY
We strive to enhance food security by implementing innovative programs and collaborative initiatives that address the specific needs of our community. By uniting our efforts, we can develop sustainable solutions that provide reliable access to nutritious food for all in Story County.
NOTE: Data from 2019 or most recent year available. While these indicators are not the only ways to assess food security in our community, these are data points that illustrate that there is a need in our goal area.
Nearly 20,000 people are food insecure in Story County
- 10.2% of people in Story County are food insecure
- 31% of Iowa State University students (low to very low security)
- 27.3% of children qualify for Free and Reduced Lunch
Increase access and awareness of healthy food programming
- Fund programs that provide meals and nutrition education
- Strengthen inter-agency partnerships through Story County Hunger Collaboration
- Host annual LIVE UNITED Food Drive to collect high-need items and educate the community about local needs
40% more people served through programs UWSC invests in
- 1,029 individuals participated in healthy food access/ nutrition programs
- 20+ food pantries serve people from all Story County zip codes
- 724,740 meals served annually through partner agency programs and services
Our mission is to foster a supportive environment through innovative programs and collaborative initiatives that address the unique needs of our community. By working together, we can create tailored solutions that enhance mental health and well-being for everyone in Story County.
NOTE: Data from 2019 or most recent year available. While these indicators are not the only ways to assess mental health in our community, these are data points that illustrate that there is a need in our goal area.
Limited resources especially for counseling services and crisis support
- 10% of all youth deaths in Story County were by suicide in 2022
- 14% of adults reported 14 or more poor mental health days
- 2,751 adults with independent living difficulty
- 420:1 ratio of Story County residents per mental health provider
Increase access and awareness of mental health services
- Invest in programs that provide mental health services and education
- Promote 211 resources for people in crisis
- Facilitate opportunities for social connection through collaboration groups and public events
298 mental health programs available to Story County residents
- 1,779 people were provided with mental health services
- 8,865 participants in mental health awareness programs
- 11,406 hours of counseling provided annually
- 84.9% of those surveyed reported improved quality of life
We strive to promote physical well-being by developing innovative programs and collaborative initiatives that address the distinct needs of our community and create pathways to improved health and fitness for every resident in Story County.
NOTE: Data from 2019 or most recent year available. While these indicators are not the only ways to assess physical wellbeing in our community, these are data points that illustrate that there is a need in our goal area.
12% of adults report fair or poor health
- 1,550:1 resident to primary care physician ratio
- 1,950:1 resident to dentist ratio
- 4.6% of Story County residents have no health insurance coverage
Increase access and awareness of local health services
- Promote safety
- Promote community health clinics
- Provide prescription cost-savings cards
+129% increase in individuals who received regular check-ups
- 473 community health clinics offered
- $14,264 saved through SingleCare prescription cost-savings cards
- 93% of individuals surveyed reported feeling increase physical safety
LOCAL INVESTMENTS & INITIATIVES
Partner Agencies
Indicators
Our Clear Impact Scorecard helps us keep track of how well the programs we fund are doing. By looking at this data, we can see what works and how to better support the community. This way, we make sure our efforts really make a difference.
Healthy Community Indicator #1
Story County residents have access to enough food and healthy food. - LEARN MORE
Healthy Community Indicator #2
Children, youth, and adults are emotionally/behaviorally and socially well - LEARN MORE
Healthy Community Indicator #3
Story County residents are physically well - LEARN MORE