April 2026
I'm still thinking about last week's Women United Breakfast and the nearly 140 members of our Story County community who came together to celebrate, connect, and learn – the energy in the room was unforgettable. Seeing so many of our friends, neighbors, and both new and longtime Women United supporters gathered to support a common cause made for an incredibly inspiring morning, and I want to thank everyone who joined us for that powerful start to the day.
The breakfast also marked the launch of an exciting new chapter for Women United – one focused on helping more Story County women and families move from surviving to stability to thriving. At United Way of Story County, our work and investments have always centered on providing financial education, tools, and resources – key components to support long-term financial stability for families. But we also recognize that the need in our community runs deeper than basic money management.
The Reality of the Gap
As shown in the Story County Community Health Needs Assessment, 1 in 4 Story County households do not have $400 on hand for an emergency. This means that for many of our neighbors, one unexpected car repair or medical bill isn't just an inconvenience: it's a full-blown crisis. Too many families are stuck in survival mode, unable to plan beyond the next paycheck.
As the needs of our community have evolved from foundational education to a requirement for long-term support, we've grown right along with them.
Introducing the Redesigned Women United Program
Over the past year, we've worked diligently to identify creative and sustainable solutions to specifically address and reduce the number of households living with little to no savings. Women United has always been committed to uplifting women and families – and these new offerings are designed to meet people wherever they are on their financial journey and help them take the next step forward.
I am proud to introduce two new facets of the Women United program designed to bridge that gap:
Financial Education Nights at The Hub: Hosted in the new Frankee Oleson Collaboration Hub, named for our former President & CEO, these free sessions bring together local financial institutions and other experts to help Story County women and families build new skills and work toward achieving short- or long-term financial goals.
Matched Savings Program: Eligible participants can open an Individual Development Account (IDA) – a special savings account that matches their own deposits dollar-for-dollar, up to $1,000. More than a financial boost, the program helps families build lasting savings habits as they work toward a life-changing goal: whether that's earning an educational credential, purchasing a reliable vehicle, or securing stable housing.
Join Us in This Mission
We're honored to bring these transformational opportunities to Story County – but we don't do this work alone. You can support our reimagined Women United program by spreading the word to a neighbor who might benefit, attending an upcoming Hub Night financial education event, or supporting the matched savings fund. Together, we're building a Story County where every family can thrive.