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United Way is and always has been a volunteer-driven organization. The
Board of Directors, comprised of 13 community members and two agency
representatives, sets policies and oversees operations. With other
community volunteers serving as committee members, they also decide how
funds are distributed. Volunteers are the backbone of the annual
community fund drive.
Before 1990 the fund-raising was conducted only by volunteers. At that
point UCS began contracting a part-time director for a few months each
year to coordinate campaign efforts. Then, in 1994, a full-time director
was hired and an office was established. Since then our staff has varied
from one full-time person to three part-time people.
It was in 1995 that the Board decided to join with United
Way of America
and change the organization's name to United Way
of Mahaska County.
UWA is a center for research, training, information and support, but each
United Way is a local
organization serving local needs. UWA does not in any way dictate the way
we serve our community. Only 1% of the funds raised here go to United
Way of America
for their services.
With the hiring of year-round staff and the change to United
Way, the success of our fall campaigns has
increased significantly. As a result, we've been able to better support
our member agencies and provide opportunities for special grants that
address specific needs.
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