September 2025
September was nothing short of extraordinary for United Way of Story County. I was inspired time and time again by the deep generosity, energy, and commitment to community expressed all month long.
We launched our 2025 Campaign Season with our annual kickoff breakfast with a packed house at Cornbred BBQ. The morning carried a palpable sense of momentum, especially when our 2025 Campaign Chair, Chuck Winkleblack, announced that early giving and fourteen pacesetter campaigns have already raised $762,583. That number isn’t just impressive—it represents hundreds of people and organizations stepping up early to say, “We believe in this work, and we believe in this community.”
Equally exciting was the unveiling of our 2030 Community Impact Agenda. Grounded in data and guided by the voices of Story County leaders and community members, the agenda charts a clear path in three priority areas: Bright Futures, Financial Empowerment, and Collective Well-Being. These priorities are about more than metrics—they’re about every child walking into school confident and prepared, every family having access to safe housing and long-term financial stability, and every individual feeling that they belong and have what they need to thrive.
Our bold commitments reflect this vision:
- 12,500 high-quality early childhood education opportunities annually, building the foundation for lifelong success.
- 1,000 individuals annually equipped with financial stability tools, open pathways from just getting by to truly getting ahead.
- 15,000 meaningful connections fostered over five years, because when people are connected, our community thrives.
And of course, September also brought one of my favorite traditions—Day of Caring. Nearly 300 volunteers fanned out across Story County to complete 40 projects for 25 nonprofit partners. The impact was immediate: projects completed, spaces transformed, and people encouraged. But the ripple effects go far beyond a single day. Every brush stroke, every bag of yard waste, every moment of service is a reminder that when we roll up our sleeves together, we create lasting change.
As I reflect on September, I see a community not just moving forward, but moving forward with focus, compassion, and boldness. Let’s carry that spirit with us as we continue building a Story County where opportunity, belonging, and well-being are within reach for every child, individual, and family.