2024-2025 Campaign Letter from Executive Director
Kendra Sorensen
Dear Community Members,
2024 marks the 94th year of Marshalltown Area United Way’s annual campaign and this year, the ambitious goal is $900,000 which is over $70,000 more than was raised last year. The total we need to raise is reflective of the amount required to sustain existing programs. My hope is that after reading this letter and viewing the data you will be inclined to join us in mobilizing our community to action so all can thrive!
For over nine decades, Marshalltown Area United Way (MAUW) has partnered with local entities to co-create solutions to people's most pressing challenges. We take a comprehensive approach, listening and responding to local needs. With our community partners, MAUW creates pathways to promote healthy lifestyles, leverage educational opportunities, strengthen financial security, and build community resiliency. Last year, a total of 5,870 young learners received educational support services; more than 3,060 people participated in health initiatives and received preventive and mental wellness support; and more than 3,780 individuals accessed job training or financial planning assistance to help build the foundation for a brighter future. Every day, our communities show that when people unite to take action, change is possible. Together, we're creating a future where everyone, everywhere, can reach their full potential.
Entering this year, 211 data is quite similar to last year and illustrates that more than half of individuals and families served are faced with food insecurity, housing/shelter needs, utility, and transportation assistance. Additionally, in 2024 the new ALICE reports were released. The project is led by the ALICE Research Team from United Way of Northern New Jersey and a team of researchers called the Research Advisory Committee (RAC) made up of local state members from academic institutions, social and human service organizations, hospitals, government agencies, etc.
To properly introduce you to ALICE, it is an acronym standing for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. “ALICE” are the working poor, households that are employed but whose income is still not sufficient to meet their basic needs of housing, childcare, food, transportation, health care, and more. These workers often struggle to keep their own households from financial ruin, while keeping our local communities running.
The data reflects that of Marshall County's 15,288 households in 2022:
- 12% earned below the federal poverty level (FPL) and 25% were ALICE, in households that earned above the FPL but not enough to afford the basics.
- Together, 37% of the households in Marshall County were below the ALICE threshold (poverty + ALICE divided by the total households).
The research demonstrates compelling data that challenges are ongoing, and I ask you to show your support by donating to the 2024/2025 Annual Campaign. On average 12,000 – 13,000 are positively impacted annually by the programs and services that 27 local Partner Agencies provide.
I’m thankful for the generosity that Marshall County has shown over the years, and I thank you in advance for your charitable gift! Remember 99% of your contribution stays here in Marshall County.
There are several ways to donate: mail your gift, or stop by our office at 709 S. Center St., Suite 135 or visit our website www.unitedwaymarshalltown.org and click on the donate button in the upper right corner.
Sincerely,
Kendra Sorensen, Executive Director
