Celebrating Partnership and Impact: United Way of Central Iowa Receives Genesis Ubuntu Community Appreciation Award

On August 24, 2024, United Way of Central Iowa was deeply honored to receive the Genesis Ubuntu Community Appreciation Award at Genesis Youth Foundation's I AM Africa Gala. This meaningful recognition highlights the lasting impact of our collaboration with Genesis Youth Foundation and underscores our shared commitment to mobilizing the community to action so all can thrive.
 
The Genesis Ubuntu Community Appreciation Award is presented to organizations that make a significant contribution to the work of Genesis Youth Foundation. We are incredibly proud to be recognized for our role in this partnership.
 
During the gala, our Community Impact and Integration Officer, Kate Bennett, and Safe & Thriving Youth United Way Board Liaison, Jacquie Easley McGhee, accepted the award on behalf of United Way of Central Iowa (pictured left). Their participation reaffirms our dedication to empowering central Iowa’s youth and families.
 
Jacquie spoke to the heart of our mission, saying, "We understand that our community's greatest challenges are interconnected, and we are committed to bringing people and resources together to address them effectively."
 
Our partnership with Genesis Youth Foundation began during the 2019-2020 school year. It started with an after-school program at Indian Hills Junior High, designed to support culturally and linguistically diverse middle-school students. This initiative was modeled after a successful extracurricular project that Genesis had offered to immigrant and refugee children in Des Moines and Johnston since 2014. The goal was to reduce student absences, office referrals, and academic course failures, providing a pathway for success.
 
Since this initial collaboration, our partnership has expanded significantly. We now work together on key areas such as Economic Opportunity and Education Success and through the affinity group Educational Leadership Initiative (ELI). Genesis Youth Foundation, in turn, has continued to evolve its programming. They now offer young people opportunities not only in academics but also in arts, athletics, leadership, and technology. Their initiatives extend to adults as well, providing career pathways, computer literacy, English learning, and financial coaching. Genesis’ focus on family engagement and empowerment remains a cornerstone of their success, ensuring the entire household is part of the journey toward growth and stability.
 
The impact of our collaboration with Genesis is clear. According to FY24 data, 90% of Genesis students, as identified by Des Moines Public Schools, are on track to graduate—a remarkable testament to the power of strong partnerships and collaboration. Together, we’ve opened doors and expanded resources for youth in our community, paving the way for a brighter, more equitable future for all.
 
United Way of Central Iowa remains fully committed to addressing youth disengagement and ensuring that every young person has the support and opportunities they need to succeed. Partnerships like the one we’ve developed with Genesis Youth Foundation allow us to continue expanding access to essential resources, mentorship, and educational support for central Iowa’s youth.
 
However, this important work cannot be done alone. We invite you to join us in our mission to create a brighter, more equitable future for all. Whether through volunteering, donating, or advocating for youth programs, your involvement is crucial. Together, we can empower young people to overcome obstacles and reach their full potential.
 
Stand with us as we work to build a stronger, more empowered central Iowa where every young person has the opportunity to thrive. We are deeply grateful to everyone involved in this impactful partnership and look forward to continuing our work together to create lasting, positive impact in our community.