Our neighbors need YOU more than ever.
We know that COVID-19 has impacted the physical, mental and financial well-being of thousands of people across the Omaha-Council Bluffs metro. In these unprecedented times, Lamson Dugan & Murray is committed to doing all we can to assist Omaha-Council Bluffs metro residents. In the form below, you can choose to support neighbors directly affected by COVID-19 with food assistance, Basic Needs, Education or Financial Stability supports.
Lamson Dugan & Murray will match the first $3,000 raised between May 27th and June 5th!
Please click here to read more about why these areas are so important to fund.
According to the CARES Act, which was recently passed by Congress as part of the COVID-19 relief bill, your donation will make you eligible for a tax deduction of up to $300 if you do not itemize your taxes. The CARES Act applies to all donations made to nonprofits throughout 2020.
Why is Food Assistance Important?
During this critical time, food security is a major concern for many families. Local nonprofit agencies that provide food have been responsive to the ever-changing needs of the most vulnerable in our community and have deployed drive-up mobile units and established pick-up windows to ensure several access points to meals are accessible throughout the community.
Why is Basic Needs important?
Basic Needs are the essential things we all need to live: food, housing, healthcare and a safe environment. These things are the first stepping stones towards stability, health and success for families in the metro.
Helping individuals and families in crisis has been at the heart of UWM's mission since our founding in 1923. Because of the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, thousands more people are struggling to meet their basic needs for food, shelter and healthcare. We know that when their Basic Needs are met, they are able to stay on track in school and be more productive at work.
You can help us provide Basic Needs support today! When you donate to United Way of the Midlands, part of your gift provides emergency shelter, food and support to people in immediate need as well as access to physical, mental and behavioral health care, healthy food and family supports.
Learn more about Basic Needs and local programs your donation supports, here.
Why is Education important?
Because schools aren't in session and children have spent less time in the classroom, thousands of children are at a higher risk of falling behind. This can have dire consequences – children who don't read at grade-level by the end of third grade are more likely to drop out of school. United Way of the Midlands aims to reverse this statistic by providing education supports that help students succeed in school and life.
You can help us provide these supports today! When you donate to United Way of the Midlands, part of your gift provides pre-literacy support, academic support, life skill training and access to mentoring programs so that students are set up for success! It also supports Raise Me to Read, a collaborative effort by schools, communities, government agencies, business leaders, nonprofit leaders, and foundations to increase early reading proficiency in the metro area.
Learn more about Education and local programs your donation supports, here.
Why is Financial Stability important?
As the economy slips into recession, unemployment rates have reached new heights, leaving a staggering number of people without stable jobs. Providing financial stability supports is an important part of our work at United Way of the Midlands. We know when individuals earn a living wage income, they can meet basic needs, manage unanticipated obstacles and invest in a brighter future for themselves and their family – with impacts that will last for generations.
You can help us provide these supports today! When you donate to United Way of the Midlands, part of your gift provides adult employment, youth employment and assess development supports so people can work toward financial stability. It also supports our Opportunity Youth initiative that helps local 16-to-24-year-olds reconnect with education and employment.
Learn more about Financial Stability and local programs your donation supports, here.
What is the Circle of Support?
The Circle of Support is a group of more than 100 nonprofit programs that are funded by United Way of the Midlands (UWM) donors like YOU! These nonprofit programs provide three different things that are vital to helping families in need: Basic Needs, Education and Financial Stability. By providing these three types of support, UWM-funded programs form a Circle of Support around o ur neighbors in need that helps them regain stability during difficult times.
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, more than 100,000 people were living in poverty in the Omaha-Council Bluffs metro area. Now, COVID-19 has forced employers to make difficult decisions, creating an entirely new demographic: people who are newly in-need, out of work, taking care of loved ones…with no idea where to turn. Others are just one missed paycheck, broken down vehicle or health crisis away from being in need themselves.
People who are struggling often need many different kinds of help to get back on their feet. For example, someone may need help paying a utility bill after losing their job due to an illness they couldn't recover from because they don't have adequate access to healthcare. Someone else may be working to escape domestic violence, but also lacks the education and job training to be able to afford a safe, stable home for their family. The circumstances that lead to poverty are complex and interconnected.
Now, more than ever, our neighbors are struggling to get by. YOU can do something about that by giving to United Way of the Midlands and supporting 100+ local nonprofit programs that provide Basic Needs, Education and Financial Stability support for families.
CARES Act Charitable Deduction Changes for 2020
Learn more about charitable deduction changes here.
Meet Cass
She overcame addiction, homelessness and domestic violence with our donors' support.
Meet Luis
He learned how to cope with trauma and is thriving in preschool with our donors' support.
Meet Jabin
A young entrepreneur, he will be the first college graduate in his family with our donors' support.
Stay Informed About COVID-19
Protect yourself and those around you. Explore resources regarding COVID-19 in our community, how to prevent its spread and what to do if you believe you are sick or are showing COVID-19 symptoms.
Get At-Home Education Resources
Check out these educational resources and activities to keep your student occupied, entertained and most importantly, learning.