Heartland AEA Staff – Let’s Live United! Consider Donating to United Way at the All-Staff Meeting

Central Iowa LIVES UNITED year-round, but United Way is extra special during the fall, when organizations like ours across the community run campaigns to raise money for the fight—the fight for the health, education and financial stability of all central Iowans. 

Heartland AEA and United Way are so grateful to you for the courage and compassion you’ve shown in the past toward this fight. You are truly an impact-maker for so many central Iowans in need! As a donor or volunteer, or as someone who wants to learn more about United Way’s work, you are joining the effort to ensure that everyone in Central Iowa gets a chance at a quality life. 

So, as you read a few examples below of how United Way has assisted those in need, consider filling out a pledge card at our All-Staff Meeting on Sept. 28. 

Refugee, Graduate, Future Nurse 

Tara still talks about her graduation day with excitement three months later. As everyone filed out of the auditorium and her family waited to take photos outside, Tara stayed, holding onto the moment. “I just couldn’t believe it,” she says. 

Five months earlier, Tara felt stuck. At night, she worked as a nursing assistant at an assisted living facility but couldn’t earn enough to save for a car or cover all her family’s expenses. During the day, she juggled catching up on sleep with taking her dad and brother to doctors’ appointments. She wanted a better-paying job, but every job opening she saw required a high school diploma to apply. 

Read more… 

The Power of High School Girls 

The middle school girls clustered up on the starting line in their matching purple T-shirts. They had been practicing for weeks, running around and around the block. When the 5K began, the girls took off, but this was no normal race. 

No one surged ahead, and when someone fell behind, or a girl stopped to tie her shoe, the whole group waited for them to catch up. They shouted encouragement at each other and pushed one another to keep going. No one intended to win. The goal was to finish together, as a group. 

Read more…