LIVE UNITED 2025: Recognizing Progress, People, and Possibility

Each spring, United Way of Central Iowa brings together our incredible network of donors, volunteers, advocates, and partners to celebrate the power of community. At this year’s LIVE UNITED Celebration, we looked back at the progress we’ve made, shared what’s ahead in our 2025 Community Report, and honored some of the amazing changemakers who help make it all happen. Click here to view photos from the event.

A Snapshot of Our Community – and Our Work
Central Iowa is filled with hardworking people, strong families, and generous hearts—but that doesn’t mean life is easy for everyone. In fact, 35% of households in our region are ALICE—Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. These are our neighbors who work hard but still struggle to meet basic needs.

The 2025 Community Report sheds light on the most pressing challenges our community faces and the ways we’re working together to create solutions in five key areas:

• Essential Needs: From food insecurity to housing costs, many Iowans are making impossible choices. Our initiatives like OpportUNITY and LINC are focused on removing barriers to food and housing so families can focus on building a better future.
• Economic Opportunity: Did you know 40% of Iowa’s 20 most common jobs pay less than $20/hour? We’re investing in job training, career coaching, and financial literacy programs to help central Iowans earn more and build wealth.
• Early Childhood Success: With so many caregivers in the workforce, access to quality, affordable childcare is a must. We’re working to ensure every child starts school ready to learn and grow.
• Education Success: Chronic absenteeism remains a challenge, with 24% of students in our region missing school at concerning rates. Through mentorship, career readiness programs, and postsecondary support, we’re helping young people stay engaged and on track.
• Health & Well-Being: 1 in 4 Iowa adults and 21% of youth experience mental health challenges. United Way's investments in health advocacy and coalition work, such as CAMHI4Kids and Oral Health Iowa focus on connecting people to the care they deserve.

Honoring Local Changemakers
A big part of the LIVE UNITED Celebration is recognizing the people and organizations going above and beyond to make central Iowa a better place to live for everyone. This year’s LIVE UNITED Award winners include:

Spirit of Central Iowa Award:
Holmes Murphy – for their unwavering commitment to philanthropy and volunteerism

LIVE UNITED Leader Awards:
Honoring individuals who lead by example through giving, advocating, and volunteering:

• Chris Costa, Knapp Properties
• Jacquie Easley McGhee, MercyOne
• Pastor Eugene Kiruhura, Shalom Community Impact Center
• Glen Hall, honored posthumously, retired from Athene

• Athene
• Casey’s
• Des Moines Public Schools
• Federal Home Loan Bank
• F&G
• Farm Bureau Financial Services
• John Deere
• Hearst Corporation, dba CDS Global and KCCI-TV
• Knapp Properties
• Merchants Bonding Company
• McGill Junge Wealth Management
• SHAZAM
• Wellabe