Our Focus
United Way advances the common good by creating opportunities for all. Our focus is on strengthening Health Community, Financial Security, Youth Opportunity, and Community Resilience — the building blocks of a thriving community and a better quality of life for every individual and family.
Explore our Focus Areas
United Way fights for healthier communities for all.
Supporting programs and partnerships that improve physical, mental, and emotional well-being for individuals and families across our community. Together, we’re expanding access to care, promoting healthy lifestyles, and creating a stronger, healthier future for all.
Family Crisis Center:
Family Crisis Center promotes safety, healing, and hope for individuals and families impacted by domestic violence. Through advocacy, support services, and community education, FCC empowers survivors while working to build a healthier, more compassionate community free from violence. This partnership supports our Healthy Community pillar by improving emotional well-being, strengthening family stability, and ensuring access to critical resources for those in need.
Mahaska County YMCA:
The YMCA strengthens our community by promoting healthy lifestyles, personal growth, and overall well-being for individuals and families of all ages. Through wellness programs, youth activities, and community-centered services, the Y creates opportunities for people to improve their physical and mental health while building meaningful connections. This partnership supports our Healthy Community pillar by encouraging healthy choices, expanding access to wellness resources, and fostering a stronger, more connected community.
United Way fights for stronger, more resilient communities.
Community Resilience focuses on strengthening the systems and supports individuals and families rely on during times of hardship. Through access to crisis response services and legal assistance, this work helps address urgent needs related to safety, housing, and stability while ensuring people can navigate difficult situations with dignity and support. By meeting immediate needs and protecting access to essential resources, these efforts build a stronger, more resilient community.
Iowa Legal Aid:
Iowa Legal Aid provides free civil legal assistance to individuals and families facing challenges related to housing, safety, income, and access to basic needs. Through legal guidance, representation, and education, the program helps people navigate complex situations and protect their rights during times of hardship. By ensuring access to justice and critical protections, Iowa Legal Aid strengthens community resilience and helps individuals move toward greater stability.
Crisis Intervention Services:
Crisis Intervention Services provides emergency housing support and crisis assistance for individuals and families experiencing urgent needs related to safety, health, and financial stability. Through rapid response and coordinated services, the program helps stabilize difficult situations and connect people with essential resources in moments of crisis. By addressing immediate needs and preventing further instability, Crisis Intervention Services helps strengthen community resilience and support safer, more stable futures.
United Way fights for financial stability and opportunity for all.
United Way of Mahaska County works to build a stronger community by helping individuals and families achieve financial stability and long-term self-sufficiency. Through partnerships with local organizations, we support programs that provide access to basic needs, workforce development, education, job training, and essential support services that empower people to build secure and sustainable futures. By connecting residents with opportunities, resources, and pathways to economic success, we help create a community where everyone has the chance to thrive. Strengthening financial security for individuals and families leads to greater independence, healthier communities, and a more resilient Mahaska County for all.
Imagine the Possibilities:
Imagine the Possibilities is committed to empowering individuals with disabilities through quality community-based services that promote independence, opportunity, and long-term financial security. Through individualized support, skill development, employment services, and community engagement, the organization helps people build the tools and confidence needed to achieve personal goals and improve their quality of life. By fostering environments rooted in dignity, respect, and inclusion, Imagine the Possibilities helps strengthen pathways toward greater self-sufficiency and a more secure future for individuals and families in our community.
Mahaska County YMCA:
Mahaska County YMCA offers adaptive membership opportunities that increase access to wellness and community programs for individuals of all abilities. By reducing barriers to participation, the Y ensures more people can engage in healthy routines, social connection, and supportive community environments. This access helps strengthen overall stability and quality of life within the community.
Crisis Intervention Services:
Crisis Intervention Services provides immediate support for individuals and families facing urgent needs such as housing instability, safety concerns, and other crisis situations. Through emergency assistance and coordinated support, the program helps people stabilize during critical moments and connect with essential community resources. This support helps prevent short-term crises from becoming long-term barriers to stability and well-being.
United way fights for all young people to have the support, resources, and opportunities they need to reach their full potential.
We partner with local organizations that help youth build confidence, develop leadership skills, succeed academically, and prepare for future careers. By investing in children and young adults today, we are helping create a stronger future for our entire community.
Oskaloosa Elementary PTO
Oskaloosa Elementary PTO supports students and teachers at Oskaloosa Preschool and Oskaloosa Elementary School by helping provide enriching educational opportunities and classroom resources that enhance student learning and development. Through funding for field trips, classroom equipment, educational tools, and a book for every student each year, the PTO helps create meaningful experiences that encourage curiosity, literacy, and academic growth. By supporting both students and educators, the PTO helps strengthen educational opportunities within the community.
Oskaloosa Community School District – Oskaloosa Elementary & Middle School
Oskaloosa Community School District supports literacy growth for elementary and middle school students through the Reading is Fundamental initiative, a K–6 program focused on increasing the number of students reading at grade level. By embedding trained paraprofessionals directly into classrooms, the program provides targeted reading instruction and small-group support that aligns with classroom learning while keeping students engaged in daily instruction. This approach strengthens foundational literacy skills, expands access to reading support, helps prevent future learning gaps, and promotes equitable educational opportunities for all students.
4-H Youth Development:
4-H empowers young people to build confidence, develop leadership skills, and explore new opportunities through hands-on learning experiences. Youth participate in programs that encourage personal growth, community involvement, teamwork, and career readiness. By helping young people discover their strengths and potential, 4-H is preparing the next generation of leaders in our community.