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Since 1965, United Way of Wapello County has been bringing people and organizations together to solve our community’s toughest challenges.
We unite businesses, nonprofits, government agencies, and individuals to create lasting change—because we know that real impact happens when we work together.
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We fight for the education, financial stability, and health of every person in Wapello County.
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We envision a thriving community where every resident has the opportunity to learn, earn, and live healthy lives.
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We are guided by the values of Integrity, Results, Collaboration, Excellence, Accountability, and Diversity in everything we do.
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At United Way, we believe lasting change starts with listening—and ends with measurable results.
Here’s how we work:
🔹 We listen to the community.
We talk with local residents and partners to understand the issues—and the solutions—that matter most.
🔹 We build solutions together.
We bring people and organizations together to create strategies that tackle root causes and drive long-term impact.
🔹 We turn ideas into action.
We invest in programs, mobilize volunteers, and inspire community support to put those strategies to work.
🔹 We use resources wisely.
Every dollar, every hour, every effort is invested with care to achieve meaningful outcomes.
🔹 We track progress and keep improving.
We measure results, share what we learn, and adjust to make an even greater difference—together.
When you support United Way of Wapello County, you’re part of a movement. United is the Way to improve lives and strengthen our community for generations to come.
UPCOMING EVENTS
GARDENERS WANTED!
You’re invited to a community roundtable for everyone who grows things!
Whether you've been gardening for forty years or killed your first tomato plant last summer, you have something worth sharing, and something you'd love to ask.
Join us for an open round table discussion. No lecture, no experts at the front of the room. Just gardeners trading questions, hard-won advice, and the occasional cautionary tale.
Bring a few questions. Bring a success story, or the one that got away. Everybody leaves with new ideas for next season.
Monday, November 16 · 6:00 PM
United Way of Wapello County
224 E Second St, Ottumwa, IA 52501
Register online https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/Qp46CvxRnZ
or
RSVP to Brenda
641-682-1264 · b.jones@wapellocouw.org
Free and open to the public
A program of the Community Food Pantry Gardens
Way Poster & Essay Contest
United Way of Wapello County invites third-grade students to show us how they help make our 2026 Kids community a better place.
Using the theme UNITED IS THE WAY, students draw an original picture of something kind they have done for their family or community, then write one or two sentences describing it. Pencil, pen, crayon, marker, or paint — all welcome.
Entries are judged on understanding of the theme, creative use of the theme, design, neatness, and spelling.
Who can enter
Any 3rd grade student who lives in Wapello County, regardless of which school district they attend. Students at Ottumwa, Cardinal, Eddyville, and Pekin schools are all eligible, as are homeschool students.
Awards
· Every participant receives a certificate
· One winner is chosen from each classroom, receives a special prize, and advances to the final round
· 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners are selected from the classroom winners and receive Grand Prizes
· Winning entries may be featured during the 2027 United Way Campaign
Deadline
All entries are due by December 1, 2026.
How to enter
Print the entry form and have your student complete the drawing and description. Students should fill in their name, teacher, school, and grade on the form — including students turning entries in independently.
Completed entries can be turned in two ways:
· Give it to the student's teacher
· Drop it off at the United Way office, 224 E Second St., Ottumwa, Monday through Wednesday, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm
Questions? Contact Brenda Jones at 641-682-1264 or b.jones@wapellocouw.org.