United Way Partner Agency
Statistics and Stories
We hope that this document helps your business or organization tell the story of United Way and why
running an annual United Way campaign helps our local non-profit organizations continue to help those
in our community in need of the services they provide.
Please feel free to use the attached statistics and stories

 Through email communications for staff
In flyers or other documents that can be visible during your campaign
If you would like to schedule a presentation from one of our partner agencies, please contact
The United Way of Mahaska County at 641-673-6043 or by email at unitedway@mahaska.org
Agency: North Mahaska Community Schools
Program: Intensive Reading Interventions
The mission of the North Mahaska Community School District is to prepare students to positive,
productive citizens with the passion and skills for life-long learning. This grant provides a school tutoring
program for students who demonstrate an academic need.
Statistics: At the start of the 2011-2012 academic year, there were 37 students in grades 2nd through 6th
who are not proficient in reading comprehension on the Iowa Test of Basic Skills. The goal of the
program is to provide these students with additional intensive interventions targeted at increasing their
reading comprehension skills. The cost per client served is $182.43, includes 30 minutes of targeted
intervention 5 times a week for 18 weeks.
Success story: One of our 3rd grade students was struggling in math and below grade level proficiency.
The student said that he really wanted to be an accountant like his dad when he grew up, but said he
couldn’t because he was not good at math. After 15 weeks of tutoring, his math skills improved and he
tested at grade level. We were all so excited, but none as excited as he. He wrote us a thank you card for
helping him and inside was a picture of him and his dad. Both were sitting behind the father’s desk in
the office. Each had a name plate in front of them. One said his father’s name and accountant. The
other said future accountant and his son’s name.
Agency: Mahaska Hospice Auxiliary
Program: Palliative Care
Mahaska Hospice provides compassionate care to people with progressive and life-threatening illnesses,
support to their families, and education to the community for a deeper understanding of end of life
care. The Palliative Care Program’s main objective is to give patients the quality of life and care they
deserve during a very difficult time in their life, and the lives of their family or support system. With this
program patients are able to stay in their home setting by offering professional nursing and aide
services. They can stay in their home verses being forced to go to a care center or assisted living facility.
Statistics: The cost per client served is $45 a day. Last year, there were 7 Palliative Care patients in the
program. Currently there is no reimbursement for these services to be given to these types of patients
under Medicare and Medicaid guidelines, or the patient themselves is not ready to be admitted to a
hospice program.
Success Story: A 47 year old male was referred to our hospice by his significant other who was taking
care of him since he was diagnosed with lung cancer that had spread throughout his body. Due to not
having insurance, he was ineligible for any other home care services. When he declined further chemo
treatments, he was finally admitted to the full hospice program. The family states that they could not
have made the last moments of his left tolerable without the aid of the Palliative Care program.
Agency: Imagine the Possibilities
Program: IMAGINE Outreach
Our mission is to provide services to individuals with disabilities. We link these individuals to the
community by promoting education, independence, acceptance, and inclusion. Often these individuals
are faced with limited resources. Many times the things that can provide their quality of life are not
available to them due to a lack of personal resources. IMAGINE Outreach programs are designed to fill
the gaps left by other programs or to respond to crisis situations for these individuals.
Statistics: The average individual grant awarded to an Imagine client under this program is $115, with
approximately 160 individuals served last year (some duplication possible).
Success Story: “Kevin” is a young man with Down’s Syndrome in special education who also experiences
difficulty with communication. His educator suggested that the use of an Apple iPod with an app
specifically designed to assist in this situation would be beneficial. Funding for the actual iPod was
secured from another source and IMAGINE Outreach was able to purchase the needed application.
Agency: The American Red Cross
Program: Disaster Services
The Southern Prairie Red Cross will provide prompt, effective and compassionate emergency relief to
anyone in Mahaska County impacted by disaster.
Statistics: In 2011 in Mahaska County, the American Red Cross provided $166 in direct relief to each
individual that suffered a disaster related loss. 22 individuals were served. Disaster relief is a free of
charge service with no eligibility requirements.
Success Story: American Red Cross Disaster Action Team volunteers responded to a single family fire on
a cool September morning. Two adults and one teenage child lived in a farm home in the northern part
of Mahaska County. The early morning fire awoke the entire family from sleep and partially destroyed
their lifelong family home. Everyone escaped safely, but they were only able to escape with the pajamas
they were wearing.
As Red Cross volunteers comforted the family, arrangements were being made for temporary lodging, a
weeks’ worth of food, as well as new clothing and shoes. Three days after the fire, the Red Cross
contacted the family and was told that they were staying at an Oskaloosa hotel, which we had arranged.
Further, they had purchased new clothing and food with the funds Red Cross provided. Their insurance
company by that time was assisting them with repairs to their home and a friend was going to let them
stay in an available rental property until they could return home. As the conversation ended, the mother
began to cry and said, “Thank you for everything you have done for me and my family. We cannot tell
you how much your help means to us.”
Agency: Oskaloosa Free Medical Clinic
Program: Free Clinic
Free Clinic’s of Iowa’s mission is to facilitate the initiation, operation, and collaboration of free clinics in
the state of Iowa. FCI member clinics provide basic healthcare services through volunteer physicians,
nurses and other health professionals, at no cost to patients.
Statistics: In 2011, the clinic utilized 71 volunteers, donating 571.45 hours of service. There were 296
patients treated at the Free Clinic in Oskaloosa in 2011, with an average cost per client served of $50.88.
Success Story: Patient FW was seen in the Free Clinic, as he was dependent on insulin to treat his
diabetes and was out of work and had no insurance. When he came to the clinic, his diabetes was out of
control and he was at high risk for further medical complications. Dr. Matt Whitis and MHP Diabetes
Nurse Educator Sharon Ferguson (also a volunteer) helped FW to apply for assistance to receive his
insulin for free through another source that Sharon had (a drug company). He has been able to keep his
blood sugar in a controlled range and avoid further complications that would result from poorly
managed diabetes.
Agency: Mahaska County Homeless Coalition
Program: Housing Assistance: Temporary, Permanent and Sustainable
The mission of the Homeless Coalition is to bring hope, valuable resources, and assistance to those
affected by homelessness or poverty while bringing awareness to the community of the dynamics of
homelessness.
Statistics: In 2011, there were 144 applications submitted for assistance and 40 calls were taken where a
referral to another agency could be made for assistance. The average cost per client served was
$133.88. Some homeless are transients from another community, some choose to be homeless, and
others have a situation that lead them to needing assistance (no or low income, loss of home, etc.)
Success Story: We were able to help one young man (24 years old) who was sleeping in a dumpster in
Oskaloosa and contemplating breaking the law to get back into prison instead of sleeping only 1-2 nights
in a hotel. The man was put up in a hotel, and the first night was to get warm, sleep, eat and relax. The
following day he came into the office and we discussed possible solutions for him. After the second
night, he had contacted extended family in Ottumwa about staying with them until he could be enrolled
in school and change his future.
Agency: Love in the Name of Christ (Love INC)
Program: Basic Needs
The mission of Love INC is to mobilize churches to transform lives and communities in the Name of
Christ.
Statistics: 714 clients were served in 2011 (can be duplicated), with a variety of services.
Success Story: We received a call from another agency about concern for a family’s particular situation.
A mother was near death and the grandmother was now caring for the grandson. They were living in an
almost condemned house and the utilities were going to be turned off soon. Love INC paid the first
month’s rent at a new place and also helped to pay on the utility bills. A Love INC partner church helped
to move them to their new place. The mother did pass away, but the grandmother and grandson are
doing pretty well now.
Program: Capacity Building and Innovation
Description: United Way awarded dollars to Love INC to help with the “Managing Your Money” classes
to help teach residents how to get a handle on their finances, and help with financial stability. Money
was also awarded to purchase new answering machines, purchase a client tracking database, and for
additional training opportunities for their staff. These extra resources were helpful for Love INC to
update their computer systems, receive their messages from clients, and to learn and educate
themselves on the best ways to help those in need.
Agency: Iowa Legal Aid
Program: Mahaska County Advocacy Project
Iowa Legal Aid makes hope, dignity and justice available to low-income Iowans through legal assistance
and education that protects fundamental rights, basic necessities, and access to the judicial system;
challenges policies and practices that harm low-income persons; and empowers clients to advocate
effectively for themselves and their communities.
Statistics: Non-attorney volunteer hours in 2011 were 118. Attorney volunteer hours totaled 30 hours.
There were 161 cases closed in Mahaska County, which impacted 391 household members, 173 whom
were children.
Success Story: “Marcy” contacted Iowa Legal Aid after she obtained a domestic abuse order against her
ex-boyfriend “George”. She asked us for representation at her permanent protection order hearing. She
also has a one year old child from another relationship. George would tease Marcy’s child until he would
cry and then would punish the child for crying. On one occasion Marcy found George swinging her son
above his head in a pillow case. George was abusive to Marcy by hitting her in the stomach. He
threatened to kill her, her brother and her friends. Iowa Legal Aid appeared as Marcy’s counsel at her
hearing, where George agreed to the protective order and the judge ordered the same.
Agency: Mahaska County 4-H Foundation
Program: 4-H Youth Development
4-H empowers youth to reach their full potential working and learning in partnership with caring adults.
Statistics: Total number of volunteers in 2011 was 176, donating over 1500 hours. 770 youth clients
were served in Mahaska County in 2011. The costs per clients served were: $125-4H members, $50Clover Kids members, $10-afterschool participants, $20-$45-day camps
Success Story: 4-H helped me to become a great leader. When I first joined 4-H, I lacked the confidence
to speak to groups of people and today I am in college and speak with many people on a regular basis. I
have used the skills I gained in 4-H to achieve goals that I have set for myself in school and as I work
toward my career goals. The things I love the most about 4-H are: being able to work with adults and
knowing that my voice was being heard, and being able to share my knowledge with other youth in and
out of the program. The skills I have gained in 4-H will be with me forever. –Clayton Hester, Alum
Agency: Food Bank of Southern Iowa
Program: Feeding the Hungry
Our objective is to provide the food to the hungry in the Southeast Iowa area. By feeding the hungry, we
hope to increase the quality of life of the needy families, senior citizens and children. Proper nutrition
will help to provide healthier minds and bodies. With healthier bodies, the adults will be more successful
in obtaining and keeping employment. Children will be more attentive to teachers in the classrooms if
they are not hungry.
Statistics: In 2011, the Food Bank of Southern Iowa served 20 agencies in Mahaska County, distributing
over 152,703 pounds of food products.
Success Story: One of the agency’s we serve reported that a set of grandparents were raising their 3
grandchildren. The grandparents were under employed and financially unable to buy good wholesome
food. By receiving food from the agency, they are now able to feed their grandsons good balanced meals
and prevent hunger.
Agency: South Central Iowa Center for Independent Living
Program: U Can Succeed
SCICIL assists individuals with disabilities to live in an integrated community by: providing information
that assists people in making informed decisions; educating people with disabilities about their rights
and responsibilities; advocating the breakdown of physical, attitudinal, and communication barriers to
full community inclusion of individuals with disabilities; and providing peer-based, self-directed supports
for persons with disabilities that encourage personal responsibility and self-sufficiency. The U Can
Succeed program helps individuals access the resources and programs which will help them gain and
maintain employment, by obtaining their GED.
Statistics: The cost per client served is $99.40, and 88 clients were served by the program in 2011. 17%
of the people over the age of 25 in Mahaska County do not have a diploma or GED.
Success Story: A consumer came to us to inquire about our services after spending years struggling with
depression, not being able to do their own resume or fill out a job application, and struggling with
literacy skills as well as money management skills. After working with us, he is working towards his GED
once we helped him with building his self-esteem, money management and literacy skills. He receives
one on one tutoring and is progressing well.
Agency: Seneca Area Agency on Aging
Program: Senior Center/Meal Site: Capacity Building
The Agency on Aging serves those who have made the community what it is today, by vowing to 1)
provide the seniors of our community a sources of balanced nutrition in a family atmosphere or in their
own home if needed; 2) provide a safe environment for the senior community to gather; and 30
promote the well-being of all seniors in Mahaska County.
Statistics: in 2011, 24 volunteers donated over 2,000 volunteer hours. The total clients served by the
senior center was 351 (can be duplicated), with an average cost per client served of $181.52.
*United Way of Mahaska County provided grant assistance to help fix a leaky roof in 2011. This roof had
been leaking for quite some time into their kitchen area, causing health concerns and additional costs to
the center.
Success Story: A widow, who used to look forward to the home delivered meals at our facility with her
husband, now comes to the center and appreciates the interaction with volunteers even more than
before. She appreciates the option to order weekend meals, coming to the center, and keeps her more
healthy and engaged in the community than she anticipated after her loss.
Agency: The Ecumenical Cupboard
Program: Basic Needs
The Ecumenical Food Cupboard provides food and basic hygiene necessities to qualifying people in
Mahaska County to the extent possible through donations and volunteers.
Statistics: The estimated total volunteers in 2011 were 2912, donating over 4004 volunteer hours. 2,206
households were helped, representing over 6,531 people-more than half of the population of Oskaloosa.
The value of each bag of food and hygiene items is approximately $40.
Success Story: The cupboard helps fulfill requirements for Promise Jobs and community service workers,
as volunteers are always needed to help. These workers show noticeable and increasing improvement in
their people skills and courtesies as they help those who come for food. During 2011, a Promise Job
worker has completed her certification and is working full time at the North Mahaska Care Center. It is
wonderful to see these folks become employable and more self-sufficient. It is also great to see some
come back and help out for awhile.
Agency: Kids Corner Daycare, Mahaska County YMCA and SIEDA HeadStart Collaborative Partnership
Program: ECEC Financial Feasibility Study
Details: A grant was awarded (through Kids Corner) to help fund a financial feasibility study to help
determine the next steps in the early childhood’s group efforts to create one combined child care center
in Oskaloosa. The group began working in 2001, a facility location has been identified, and in 2008, the
group was awarded a USDA grant and Community Development Block Grant to construct the center. As
building plans matured, the study was necessary before proceeding with the construction of the facility.
This study was required by the USDA and provide recommendations for enrollment and fee structuring
to ensure that operations and construction costs are feasible and that the program will be viable long
term.
Agency: Kids Corner DayCare
Program: Basic Needs-Capacity Building
The mission of Kids Corner Early Childhood Learning Center is to serve the families of the community.
We do this by providing quality care for their young children in a childcare center with a safe and
nurturing environment by enhancing each child’s social, emotional, physical and intellectual
development. We provide quality care regardless of race, religion, economic status or developmental
level.
Statistics: 85 children were served in 2011 (can be duplicated), with 13 children being in the infant
rooms. Average cost per client served is $4,187.16
*United Way of Mahaska County granted Kids Corner funds to purchase new cribs for their infant room,
as the CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) determined that cribs purchase prior to June 28,
2011 did not meet current standards, and centers have until the end of the year to replace all cribs.
Program: Kids Corner Scholarships
Statistics: This program helps families that are unable to afford child care in an early childhood learning
environment, yet income is too great to qualify for funding through potential sources. Families
qualifying for the 186-200% poverty level are eligible for 25% of their bill paid by scholarships.
Success Story: As a single mom, I had limited funds to begin with, and when I lost my daycare assistance
from the state, I was not sure what I was going to do. The Kids Corner staff had been the only people
that had ever cared for my daughter besides her parents, and I was afraid that switching providers
would have underlying effects on my daughter in the future. Then, a woman at Kids Corner told me of
this program the United Way offers which provides scholarships to parents in need. I applied for this
scholarship and thankfully was accepted. Due to this program, my daughter has been able to continue to
be a part of the Kids Corner daycare program, and I do not have to worry about the level of care she is
receiving. This program has also relieved the stress I had about how I would be able to cover the cost of
daycare. I am thankful every day that my daughter is in an environment where she is so loved and cared
for. I would like to thank the United Way from the bottom of my heart for giving my daughter and I a
second chance. This scholarship has been a blessing to the both of us. -Erin DeGoey & Maysen Brunt
Agency: Mahaska County YMCA
Program: Capacity Building
The mission of the Mahaska County YMCA is to put Christian principles into practice through programs
that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all. The Mahaska County YMCA is a cause driven organization
strengthening community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.
Statistics: In 2011, 3,930 clients were served
*United Way of Mahaska County granted funds to assist the YMCA in the purchase of new equipment,
replacement of infant room cribs (same problems as Kids Corner Daycare), a new bus for travel, and
money towards maintenance & facility improvements.
Program: After School Fun Club
Statistics: 57 students were served with the after school program in 2011, and approximately 50% of the
families registered for the program are eligible for Child Care Assistance through the Iowa Department
of Human Services.
Success Story: A young family in our community has several barriers to self-sufficiency. The parents are
going to college and doing everything they can to become self-sufficient while trying to raise three
young children. One of the children has special needs and the other two have behavior problems. The
level of care required for these children is intensive. The oldest child requires a one-on-one associate to
participate in ASFC and summer camp while his parents work. The YMCA will not refuse care for any
child in need. Faculty and William Penn University assisted us with finding a student interested in
volunteering their time to support this child in care. The volunteer worked with this boy for a semester
as a volunteer enabling this child to successfully finish the school year with us.
Agency: Crisis Intervention Services
Program: Basic Needs-Survivor Assistance Program
The mission of Crisis Intervention Services is to provide prevention and life skills education, intervention,
and outreach services to empower persons, families, and the community to end all forms of domestic
violence and sexual abuse.
Statistics: 84 volunteers donated over 3,279 hours in 2011. 465 unduplicated clients were served from
Mahaska County, and 303 of those clients returned at least once for an additional service. This program
provides assistance with prescriptions, rent, food, utility bills, housing deposits, change of locks, change
of vehicle registration, mental health services, new drivers license, birth certificates, and much more
usually due to the need to move away from an abuser quickly and leaving things behind.
Success Story: We received a call from an employee at Hy-Vee. They had an individual and her son there
that had been kicked out of their home by the son’s abusive father. She was from out of state and had
left her family behind only 2 months ago to be with him. Without knowing where to go, she went to the
grocery store and an employee knew to call us. After checking into the shelter, we were able to get her
belongings back, including her and her child’s birth certificates from the previous residence. Her main
goal was to return to her family and the reservation where she had a job and residency lined up.
Through financial assistance in this program, we were able to by an Amtrak ticket for her and her son to
return home.
Program: Shelter, Housing and Outreach for Client Assistance
Statistics: According to the Uniform Crime Report of 2009 (last data available), there were 937
incidences of crime in Mahaska County ranging from forcible rape to assaults. In FY 2011, CIS provided
critical services for 253 survivors of domestic abuse, sexual assault, stalking, elder abuse, child abuse,
robbery and assault in Mahaska County. 772 clients were served, with an average cost of $379.00.
Success Story: A client who entered the transitional housing program after staying at the crisis shelter
after fleeing a dangerous domestic situation from out of state. She and her three children started off
slowly with small goals for her and her family to complete. The family’s mental stability was our main
priority initially after the abuse they had endured. We worked on setting up family counseling which we
provided transportation to and kept communication open about how each were feeling. As the family’s
mental health grew stronger, we were able to work on more elaborate goals in order to help her family
gain self-sufficiency. The mother went back to school, found work that she enjoyed, and ended up in a
relationship where she got engaged.
Agency: New Hope Community Center
Program: Youth Programming
The mission of New Hope Community Center is to strengthen families through education, development
opportunities, and supports within the transforming circle of Christian care.
Statistics: This program serves children before and after school, with approximately 100 children
enrolled. 90% report eligibility for free and reduced lunch, but all the services in this program are free of
charge. Cost per client served is 10 paid man hours at $9 per day, equaling $90 per day. There are 65
kids on average per day=less than $1.40 per child.
Success Story: A girl who is in middle school, carries heavy responsibilities for care giving to many
younger siblings and extended family. She looks forward to Wednesday nights because it is her “night
out” at New Hope after school for her jewelry and beading class. She says it is her only relief and chance
to “just be a kid”.
Program: Nest Program
Statistics: The Nest Program is designed to promote healthy families through parent education,
incentives for making healthy life choices, and provide free basic child care needs through an incentive
plan. 22 families were served in 2011 at a total cost of $5,406, or $245.72 per family.
Success Story: During a class on nutrition, one of our fathers expressed surprise about the information,
and said he had never heard of this before. He was quite serious and concerned that the junk food that
he predominately consumes could cause heart attacks and other health problems. He stayed after class
and wanted to know more, stating that he had never heard this before. He was very concerned to learn
that he would not necessarily know it or feel it if he was unhealthy-developing heart disease or diabetes,
for instance.