Women United

Women United LogoWE IGNITE CHANGE

We tackle the issues that matter most to the people. We empower other women to use our passions, our ideas, our expertise and resources to transform the very conditions in which people live. We don't stand by. We're raising our voices, rolling up our sleeves, and establishing a legacy of change that benefits everyone. We ignite the power of women - who bring the passion, expertise, and resources needed to get things done - to create lasting change in their communities.
 

WE NEED YOU

Our communities need champions who understand these problems, see the potential for change, and will offer tangible solutions that will make a difference. By joining Women United, you'll become part of a community of like-minded women who contribute their personal passions, inspired ideas, and unique strengths to the mission of building thriving communities. 
 

JOIN US

Women United focuses on empowering women to create real and lasting improvement in people’s lives.
 
Membership is open to women who are at an annual giving level of at least $500 to Cedar Valley United Way (includes household giving) or financial commitment of employer of at least $1,000 annually. 

Started as an endeavor of Cedar Valley United Way in 2008, this group strives to increase contributions to Cedar Valley United Way.

WOMEN TO WOMEN CAREER MENTORING

Located in the Hawkeye Center at Hawkeye Community College the mission is to assist non-traditional female students attending HCC in attaining their career goals and paths they are pursuing.

The Women to Women Career Mentoring Program is for students to receive guidance, support and resources to help improve their lives.

Support resources include:

  • Access to information on child care, housing, transportation, financial assistance, substance abuse, personal counseling, parenting, nutrition, personal finances, and health care
  • "Women to Women Career Mentoring"—a program that matches volunteer mentors with students based on an application process

Women United Success:

As the new semesters begin at Hawkeye College, we would be thrilled to add more mentors to the program. That’s where YOU come in…

Here’s what it takes:

  • Attend one training session (45 minutes)
  • Fill out an application that will be used in matching to a student mentee
  • Have a monthly in-person meeting with your mentee (most of these average 30 to 45 minutes), and a quick phone call or text between monthly meetings helps you stay in touch 
  • Most mentoring pairings last for 12 to 18 months
  • You won’t be helping with homework, but you will be helping a woman understand how important connections and networking can be made in their chosen career field, what skills are necessary to succeed and how to present themselves in an interview

It is important to know that you may or may not have the same career as your mentee. You can be retired from the workforce, still active working or a stay-at-home mom -- what you are offering are life experiences and connections that will make it easier for your mentee to succeed once they go out to the everyday work world.

Please consider becoming a mentor in our program and contact us.

Contact program coordinator Jaclyne Heller at jheller@kwwl.com or unitedway@cvuw.org for additional information!

PHOTOS FROM WOMEN UNITED EVENTS:

“When you look at the needs of a community, it can seem overwhelming. Where do I begin to help? How do I help? How do I know my gift is going to be used for the best results? That’s what United Way does—it helps us help.” -- Dee Vandeventer

VIDEO FROM WOMEN UNITED'S VIRTUAL MENTAL HEALTH PANEL:

Friday, May 21, 2021, Women United hosted a Virtual Mental Health Lunch and Learn moderated by Abby Turpin from KWWL. Panelists included:

  • Alyssa Fruchtenicht, LISW, UnityPoint Health - Black Hawk Grundy Mental Health Center

  • Troy Belmer, Gordon Flesch Company / Alive & Running Iowa

  • Lindsay Stack, LMHC, CADC, Pathways Behavioral Service

  • Brooke Hollohan, House of Hope

  • Pam Delagardelle, UnityPoint Health - Allen Hospital

For more information about Women United, contact unitedway@cvuw.org, 319-235-6211 or Jaclyne Heller at jheller@kwwl.com.