United Way of Story County Announces 2030 Community Impact Agenda
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 16, 2025
AMES, Iowa – United Way of Story County (UWSC) is pleased to announce the launch of its 2030 Community Impact Agenda, a bold roadmap designed to address critical local needs and improve lives across the county. Shaped by data and informed by community voices, the 2030 Community Impact Agenda sets clear goals in three priority areas: Bright Futures, Financial Empowerment, and Collective Well-Being. Together, these goals will help close gaps in key areas such as third grade reading proficiency, access to affordable and quality childcare, homelessness prevention and housing navigation, financial education and coaching, access to basic needs and mental health support.
“The needs across our county are rising and changing, and United Way is committed to addressing our most pressing needs head-on through collaborative action and community-driven solutions,” said Ashley Thompson, president and CEO of United Way of Story County. “The 2030 Community Impact Agenda gives us a focused path forward to make sure every child has the chance to succeed, every family has access to tools for stability, and every individual feels connected and supported here in Story County.”
UWSC’s ambitious 2030 goals include:
• Deliver 12,500 high-quality early childhood education opportunities annually
• Invest in tools to build long-term financial stability for 1,000 people annually
• Meet basic needs while fostering 15,000 meaningful connections over five years
This transformative agenda reflects UWSC’s deep commitment to ensuring everyone in Story County has the opportunity to thrive. Rooted in the new United is the Way campaign from United Way Worldwide, this local initiative emphasizes that lasting impact is only possible when the entire community takes action together.
“No single organization can solve these challenges alone,” said Thompson. “True transformation happens when we — neighbors, businesses, nonprofits, and volunteers — unite around shared goals. With this agenda, we can build a Story County where opportunity, belonging and well-being are within reach for child, individual, and family.”
The complete 2030 UWSC Community Impact Agenda is available at uwstory.org/2030-community-impact-agenda. UWSC invites the community to get involved, take action, and work together to create a connected and thriving Story County.
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About United Way of Story County
United Way of Story County mobilizes our community to create lasting change. Founded in 1953, we unite people, ideas, and resources to transform lives across Story County, working toward our vision of a connected and thriving community.
As a trusted leader and convener, our approach is simple yet powerful: we believe transformation happens when neighbors, businesses, nonprofits, and volunteers unite around shared goals. Through strategic investments in Bright Futures, Financial Empowerment, and Collective Well-Being, we tackle root causes of community challenges while building the connections that make Story County stronger.
True to our founding spirit, whenever there is a need in our community, United Way of Story County is there — listening, responding, and creating solutions that last. Learn more at www.uwstory.org.
Media Contact:
Allee Wengert
Marketing Director, United Way of Story County
515.268.5142
awengert@uwstory.org