Our Mission:

To provide leadership by assessing needs, raising funds, and allocating resources to enrich lives and to build stronger communities in South Central Nebraska.

Our Vision:

To improve the quality of life in the four-county area by forming partnerships with donors, agencies, and volunteers to build stronger, healthier, and more compassionate communities.

2021 Year in Review

Our Staff

Jodi Graves
Jodi GravesExecutive Director
United Way of South Central Nebraska
301 S. Burlington Avenue
Hastings, NE 68901
402-461-8414
jodi@unitedwayscne.org
Cassie Stenka
Cassie StenkaCommunity Coordinator
United Way of South Central Nebraska
301 S. Burlington Avenue
Hastings, NE 68901
402-461-8412
cassie@unitedwayscne.org

Our Board

Jason Ackles – GTA Insurance Group
Cameron Brei – Principal Financial
Valerie Bren – Central Community College
Pierce Fiala – Skalka & Baack Law Firm, LLC
Kaleena Fong – OneDigital
Mark Funkey (President) – Central Community College
Kim Graviette – Hastings College
Lisa Hubl – Nebraska Department of Labor
Allison Kern – Hastings Family Dental
David Long – Mary Lanning Healthcare
Shannon Nepple – Adams Central Schools
Doug Ourada (Vice President) – Eaton
Angie Pinkerman – Bank of Doniphan
Kristi Rippe – Queen City Interiors
Teena Kucera – Paperworks
Jeff Schneider (Treasurer) – Hastings Public Schools
Colleen Schukei – NTV
Brian Strom – City of Hastings

Financial Information

Our financial information can be downloaded below.  Please contact us if you ever have any questions or concerns about United Way of South Central Nebraska.  We are happy to provide any information you need.

Form 990 is an annual reporting return that certain federally tax-exempt organizations must file with the IRS.  Form 990 provides information on the filing organization’s mission, programs, and finances.

Our booklet from our annual meeting is intended to give interested persons information about the organization’s activities and financial performance and is a comprehensive report on our activities from the preceding year.

Our History

For over 80 years, we have been serving our area to make it a better place for all.

1941 – Sr. Chamber of Commerce voted unanimously recommending the organization of a Community Chest. On September 22, 1941, the first meeting was held. The first campaign was held for one week and raised $14,065. Partners included YWCA and Boy Scouts, both still today.

1945 – Campaign raised $42,354.

1954 – Red feather adopted as the national symbol of the Community Chest.

1976 – Hastings Community Chest became Hastings United Way. Campaign raised $102,000.

1985 – Campaign reached $197,075. Largest increase recorded at 63%.

1986 – Campaign reached $227,445.

1987 – Hastings United Way name change to United Way of the Hastings Area.

1990 – Campaign raised $318,000.

1995 – The “Inez C. Peterson Citizenship Award” was established. The first Annual United Way Golf Classic was held at Lochland Country Club.

1997 – United Way of the Hastings Area name changed to United Way of South Central Nebraska.

1998 – Campaign raised $406,000.

2002 – The Endowment Fund was created at the Hastings Community Foundation. The Community Partnership Award was established.

2009 – Born Learning Trail established at Libs Park with Hastings College Future Teachers.

2011 – Campaign raised $454,500. First United Way Day of Service was held.

2012 – The United Way moved to the Hastings Area Chamber of Commerce building.

2013 – The Get Connected program started. United Way was awarded the Non-Profit Business of the Year by the Hastings Area Chamber of Commerce.

2015 – Campaign raised $508,074. Dolly Parton Imagination Library begins providing books to local children.

2018 – Campaign raised $533,870.00.

2019 – This Campaign not only exceeded our goal, but hit a record $534,302!