United Way of Mahaska County Helps Families “On the Edge”
United Way of Mahaska County
For just a moment, put yourself in the shoes of a family living below the poverty line. You have $2,000 a month to feed your family of four. You pay your rent, your utilities, make a car payment, insurance, food, a small birthday present for your child. It’s tight, but you’re able to make it work.
Then, a catastrophe hits.
“When you’re living paycheck to paycheck, a small hiccup can have devastating consequences,” said Amy Meyer, executive director of United Way of Mahaska County.
It doesn’t have to be something huge, maybe the family car breaks down. But you don’t have the money to fix it, and you start missing work because you can’t find another ride.
“It’s a situation we see frequently,” said Meyer. “A car breaks down, someone gets sick, or a job cuts back hours, and overnight they can no longer support themselves.”
But that’s why, Meyer said, she’s happy to be a part of the Mahaska community.
“There are people here who care. People who are willing to step up in a big way to support their neighbors. United Way of Mahaska County supports 11 agencies who are helping people on a daily basis.”
Every fall, United Way of Mahaska County holds its fundraising campaign, meeting with individuals and presenting to local businesses about what United Way and their partner nonprofits have been up to this year. This year’s goal is to raise $400,000.
“It’s great to get the opportunity to meet with people once a year and tell them about all we have going on – about new programs and growing needs.”
Meyer said it’s a time to share stories of people helped through United Way and its partner agencies.
“We made an amazing video this year telling four stories. There’s a young man with down syndrome who’s getting fit at the Y and a mother teaching her daughter about healthy eating at New Hope’s community garden. They’re touching stories.”
The video shows the wide range of help United Way provides, and not just with issues of poverty.
“Giving just a dollar or two a week can help a kid with special needs get sporting equipment, help a person with a terminal disease stay in their home for longer, or help a child attend 4-H summer camp.”
You can catch the video on Youtube by searching “The Faces of United Way of Mahaska County.” To be a part of United Way’s campaign, go to their website unitedwaymahaska.org and click on the GIVE button, or for more information, you can call Amy Meyer at 641.673.6043.
