The United Way of Story County’s Women’s Leadership Program started in 2008 to help women gain self-sufficiency and confidence through financial education. Originally called Women with Initiative, it was rebranded to Women United in 2017.
United Way of Story County is committed to helping families build long-term financial stability through education, tools, and resources that reduce debt and grow savings. Yet the need in our community runs deeper than basic money management — 1 in 4 Story County households don’t have $400 on hand for an emergency, leaving families one unexpected bill away from crisis.
As the need has grown from foundational education to long-term support, we’ve grown with it. In March 2026, we announced the redesigned Women United program, built to help families move from stability to true empowerment. The program still includes financial education, and has expanded to include a new matched savings program for eligible participants.
Budgeting 101
Presented by: BMO
Thursday, July 21
5:00 – 7:00pm
The Hub, 317 Clark Ave
Building long-term financial security is easier when you have the right team in your corner. Our Financial Education Sessions at The Hub bring together local financial institutions and community experts to deliver life-changing workshops. Come learn practical tools and strategies that make managing debt, building emergency savings, and achieving your financial goals completely within reach.
Budgeting 101
Presented by: BMO
Thursday, July 21
5:00 – 7:00pm
The Hub, 317 Clark Ave
Free to attend, registration is required
Building a savings cushion is one of the best ways to protect your family from life’s unexpected turns, and we are here to help you get there. Our Matched Savings Program matches your hard-earned savings dollar-for-dollar, putting your long-term goals within reach.
Our Matched Savings Program utilizes Individual Development Accounts (IDAs) to help you reach your financial goals faster by matching the money you deposit. These unique accounts are managed directly by you and a partnering financial institution, with United Way of Story County serving as the account custodian. Because this program provides high-impact, personalized support, it requires participants to meet specific eligibility criteria and is currently limited to ten participants.
Allegra Selzer
Associate Director of Community Impact
aselzer@uwstory.org
515-268-5142
Real change isn’t just measured in numbers—it is seen in the lives of the women right here in Story County who are rewriting their futures.
Hear directly from Women United participants as they share their journeys. These powerful firsthand stories and testimonials from Women United participants highlight the true impact of connection, resource access, and the confidence that comes from having a community in your corner.
By joining Women United as a donor, you become part of a dynamic network of leaders dedicated to uplifting women and families in Story County. With an annual contribution of $1,000 directly supporting Women United programming, members fuel life-changing initiatives while enjoying unique opportunities to volunteer, collaborate, and see their impact firsthand throughout the year.
Maggie King
Associate Director of Engagement
mking@uwstory.org
515-268-5142
The United Way of Story County’s Women’s Leadership Program started in 2008 to help women gain self-sufficiency and confidence through financial education. Originally called Women with Initiative, it was rebranded to Women United in 2017.
Women United, in partnership with Iowa State University Extension, has offered financial skills training through the Money Management Series and one-on-one mentoring. These sessions covered topics such as budgeting, saving, and understanding credit. The program also provided meals, free childcare, and transportation assistance for participants.
Women of all ages benefited from the program, and graduates were able to attend ongoing workshops on topics including cooking healthy on a small budget, budgeting for the holidays, interviewing and job-search tips, and guidance on completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.
