From strengthening local resilience to advancing health, youth opportunity, and financial security, Heartland United Way is mobilizing communities to action so all can thrive.
- Health & Wellbeing – Improving access to physical and mental health services for all.
- Financial Security - Helping individuals and families achieve economic independence.
- Youth Opportunity - Ensuring every child has the support to succeed in school and in life.
- Community Resiliency - Addressing urgent needs and building long-term solutions for vulnerable populations.
In the most recent year, Heartland United Way programs and partnerships impacted local lives more than 42,000 times. Of the individuals we serve:
68% live at or below the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), meaning they face significant barriers in meeting basic needs like housing, food, and healthcare.
An additional 29% fall between 101% and 150% of the FPL, often earning just above the threshold to qualify for many forms of assistance but still struggling to achieve financial security.
These figures reflect the critical importance of our work in supporting nearly all of our clients (97%) who are living in or near poverty.
We ensure that donor dollars stay local, supporting effective programs that respond directly to these needs. Our work is grounded in measurable outcomes, transparency, and collaboration—because United is the Way. When we come together to take action, we create stronger families, stronger communities, and a brighter future for all.
Our Programs
The Community Investment Process helps to ensure that the community-raised dollars are invested in local programs that change lives and align with Heartland United Way’s mission. Volunteers ensure the sound investment of funds by reviewing the programs the Heartland United Way invests in, evaluating each program, and make investment recommendations, which United Way’s Board of Directors approves. 20 Community Partners receive funding through this process.
Dolly Parton launched the Imagination Library program in 1996 because she wanted to make sure that children have books in their homes, regardless of family income. This program sends one brand new, age-appropriate book in the mail each month to an enrolled child until their fifth birthday. In the Heartland United Way area 3,449 children received books in 2024.
During the holiday season, Heartland United Way provides necessities, gift items, and food vouchers to individuals experiencing extraordinary needs through three programs – Holiday Toy Program, Holiday Adopt a Family Program, & Christmas Cheer. The Heartland United Way works closely with our community, local school social workers, United Way community partners, and the U.S. Marine Corps & their Toys for Tots program to make these programs possible.
