Since 1961, United Way of Johnson County has organized caring people to identify and meet human needs across our community. What began as a small, volunteer-driven effort has grown into a trusted community hub that funds 15 local health and human service agencies and operates direct programs reaching families throughout all six Johnson County school districts.

Today, UWJC brings together donors, volunteers, businesses, and nonprofit partners around a shared goal: building a stronger, more resilient Johnson County. Our direct programs include Fast Track, which provides backpacks and school supplies to students at the start of each school year; Christmas Angels, which brings holiday gifts to children in need; Operation Bundle Up, our winter coat drive; No Place to Call Home, which supports homeless prevention and housing stabilization; and Helpline, a free information and referral service connecting residents to local resources. We are also piloting Young Leaders, Warm Neighbors, a new youth-led coat drive initiative.

Much of our work centers on ALICE households — families who are Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. These are our neighbors who work hard, often holding multiple jobs, yet still struggle to afford the basics: housing, child care, food, transportation, and health care. Because ALICE households earn above the federal poverty line, they fall outside many traditional safety net programs, even as a single unexpected expense can push them into crisis. In Johnson County, ALICE families represent a substantial share of our neighbors, and they are at the heart of why UWJC exists.

Through workplace giving campaigns, community partnerships, and volunteer efforts like Day of Caring, UWJC continues to organize resources where they are needed most.