COLLECTIVE WELL-BEING

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 ensure everyone has access to basic needs 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, housing, mental health, and other resources for everyone in Story County.

NOTE: Data from 2023 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.

Food and housing insecurity affects thousands of households in our community, as shown by these realities:

  • 19% of people live below the federal poverty line
  • 18% of people find it "very" or "somewhat" difficult to buy affordable fresh produce
  • 25% of children qualify for Free or Reduced Lunch
  • 30% of people in Story County are food insecure 
  • Over 20,700 Story County residents have low food access, meaning they do not live near a supermarket or large grocery store

Invest in programs that improve access to basic needs across Story County:

  • Promote 211 as the go-to resource for essential services
  • Host annual food drive to collect high-need items and distribute among 20 pantries before summer
  • Foster inter-agency partnerships through collaborations and coalitions
  • Provide grant funding for short-term projects and programs

These strategic investments deliver tangible outcomes for Story County households:

  • 10,533 individuals served through emergency food programs
  • 81,445 pounds of food distributed through local pantries
  • 75% of surveyed individuals reported an increase in healthy eating due to participation in a UWSC partner agency program or service
  • 92% of surveyed individuals reported improved access to needed services due to transportation programs
  • 95% of surveyed individuals reported improved knowledge of community resources to meet basic needs

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.

Well-being and connection are vital for a thriving community, yet many of our neighbors face challenges like these:

  • 31% of Story County youth reported two or more weeks in a row of poor mental health
  • 38% of Story County adults reported experiencing symptoms of chronic depression
  • Suicide mortality rates in Story County are 3 points higher than the national average
  • 66% decrease in annual volunteers since 2020 straining nonprofits and those they serve

Invest in initiatives that promote mental well-being and help people feel connected, including:

  • Mental health awareness programming (including domestic abuse, sexual abuse, and substance abuse)
  • Improving access to behavioral health services
  • Increasing opportunities to reduce social isolation and increase positive social interactions and experiences 
  • Expanding volunteer opportunities and making it easier for local agencies to connect with volunteers

These strategic investments deliver tangible outcomes for those living in Story County:

  • 8,314 participants in UWSC partner agency mental health awareness training
  • 81% of individuals reported they had improved access to social or emotional supports
  • 83% of individuals receiving services reported a better ability to cope
  • 87% of individuals reported improved quality of life
  • 984 participants in small group public edcuation activities (i.e., support groups, clubs, etc.)

LOCAL INVESTMENTS & INITIATIVES

Partner Agencies