United Way of Central Iowa

Promise Barford and Zamiratu Dainkeh are two young leaders whose journeys were shaped through Oak Futures, led by Oakridge Neighborhood Services and supported by United Way of Central Iowa.

Through the Summer Youth Experience Program, they gained valuable leadership, workplace, and professional skills while exploring opportunities for their futures.

Support from the Principal Charity Classic helps make programs like these possible, creating pathways for young people to learn, grow, and achieve their goals.

We were proud to celebrate Promise and Zamiratu at this year's Principal Charity Classic and recognize the power of community partnerships to invest in the next generation of leaders. 💙

Just 30 minutes a week can make a lasting impact. 📚💙

Book Buddy volunteers help young students build confidence, strengthen literacy skills and discover the joy of reading. Through consistent encouragement and connection, they're helping create brighter futures, one story at a time.

Ready to make a difference for a local student? Become a Book Buddy volunteer today.

👉 https://www.unitedwaydm.org/get-involved/volunteer

From interest to impact!

Earlier this year, Abel attended United Way of Central Iowa’s Apprenticeship Readiness Program to explore opportunities in the skilled trades. Today, he officially signed at the Laborers' Local 177 Hall as a 1st Year Apprentice Laborer with Neumann Brothers and starts Monday!

Programs like this are about more than career exploration. Through partnerships with organizations like LIUNA Local 177 and local employers, they create pathways, build confidence and connect young adults to real opportunities that can change lives.

Congrats, Abel! We’re excited to see what’s ahead

Tone Roddy, Project Manager for Safe & Thriving Youth at United Way of Central Iowa, will be joining local leaders for an upcoming conversation focused on youth violence prevention and creating safer, more connected communities for young people across Greater Des Moines.

The panel will bring together leaders from across the community to discuss collaboration, prevention and the importance of investing in youth and families.

We’re grateful for Tone’s leadership and continued commitment to helping young people thrive across Central Iowa.

Register today: https://www.desmoinesfoundation.org/events/donorconnect-protecting-potential-keeping-youth-safe-and-thriving?event=4dc68bd2-9d10-4ab8-bec1-3b6277c5e7c3

The impact of after school support goes far beyond the classroom. 💙

For many students, these programs provide more than homework help, they create consistency, connection and a safe space to grow long after the school bell rings. Through partnerships with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Iowa, Icoach- Iowa Congolese Organization and Center for Healing and Perry PACES Before & After School Learning Center, young people across Central Iowa are gaining the support they need to thrive both in and out of school.

Read more about how these programs are making a difference in the lives of local youth: https://www.unitedwaydm.org/news/where-consistency-and-connection-continue-after-the-bell

Joseph Jones, Director of Community Impact at United Way of Central Iowa, was recently featured in the Des Moines Business Record “A Closer Look” series.

In the feature, Joseph shares more about his leadership journey, passion for community impact and the work that continues to help strengthen opportunities for families across Central Iowa.

We’re proud to see Joseph recognized and grateful for the leadership and perspective he brings to our community every day. 💙

Meet Joseph Jones, the chief community impact officer at United Way of Central Iowa: https://www.businessrecord.com/a-closer-look-joseph-jones-united-way/