At United Way of Story County (UWSC), we believe that when we are United together, we can find solutions that make long-lasting, positive change in the lives of individuals and families, which is why our 2017 LIVE UNITED campaign theme is United Together. Finding Solutions, Changing Lives. We do this because every person in our community has a right to have a good quality of life.
This month, we are sharing how donations made to UWSC are making a real impact by Changing Lives in the areas of education, income, and health. This week, we will focus on how United Way is making an impact and improving income for moderate to low-income women in Story County through its “You and Your Money Workshop Series” offered through the Women United program.
The multiple week workshop series is held several times a year in communities throughout Story County. Some of the topics covered include setting financial goals, creating spending plans, planning for savings, banking services, and understanding and using credit. The series is designed to help women learn money management skills and build their confidence through setting and attaining financial goals, while reducing debt and rebuilding credit.
Women who want support in putting what they have learned into practice are given the opportunity to work with a mentor after completing the series. The mentor provides encouragement and support in reaching the participant’s financial goals and priorities. In addition, booster sessions are offered throughout the year on a variety of topics to help enhance what they have learned. Topics for the booster sessions have included how to understand credit reports, how to create a healthy meal on a budget, gardening to stretch your budget, etc.
In an effort to help women attend the series, the program offers free services during the workshops. These include childcare, meals for the women and their children, assistance with transportation costs, and weekly gifts of household consumables, such as paper towels and laundry soap. Academic scholarships of up to $1,000 are also available for women who meet the application requirements and have completed the workshop series.
Next week, we will share another way in which UWSC funding is Changing Lives by supporting healthy lifestyles through The Arc of Story County’s Active LifeStyles program for people living with disabilities. With your support, UWSC can continue to fight for the education, income, and health of every person in our community.
To learn more about UWSC’s funding in local programs, visit www.uwstory.org or call (515) 268-5142.
United Way of Story County is a strategic leader in building countywide partnerships to identify needs and to develop, support and evaluate effective human services, especially in the areas of education, income and health, for our diverse community.