News

United Way of the Midlands Awards $50,0000 to Firefly

Grant to Fund Early Head Start Program and the Mobile Wellness Unit

Firefly is pleased to announce it was recently awarded a $50,000 grant from United Way of the Midlands’ (UWM) Community Impact Fund for its Early Head Start and Mobile Wellness Unit program. Thanks to the generosity of UWM donors, enable Firefly to continue the work of their programs and enhance current program offerings ensuring the youngest learners have the best possible start in life. Funding from United Way will allow Firefly to purchase items to meet the basic needs of enrolled families, such as car seats, strollers, and baby gates, for which the federal funds may not be used, and allow Firefly to expand outreach, offering more services, and ensuring that no one is left without access to the care they need.

This funding was awarded thanks to a dedicated group of community volunteers who meticulously reviewed applications and highlighted our program’s vital role in fostering a thriving community. Their commitment and insight underscore a collective effort through UWM to address pressing local needs, ensuring that this funding will directly contribute to meaningful, positive change.

The Early Head Start program at Firefly is dedicated to providing comprehensive early childhood education, health, nutrition, and parent involvement services for low-income children and families.  The program provides home visits for families that are prenatal or raising children up to 3 years old in Pottawattamie County.  Home visitation is provided by degreed and certified home visitors. 

The Mobile Wellness Unit is a crucial part of Firefly’s commitment to accessible healthcare. By bringing essential health services directly to underserved communities, removing barriers to care, and improving health outcomes, Firefly can work towards achieving greater equity in healthcare access and better overall well-being for all individuals. The Mobile Wellness Unit travels directly to those children who need care, providing them with the accessibility they need to manage oral health, hearing/vision screenings, developmental and social-emotional screenings, and primary care for women (including pregnant people), children, and adolescents in Pottawattamie and in additional counties across Western Iowa.

The Mobile Wellness Unit organized a free screening event as part of a monthly parenting program. During the event, two children, aged 1 year and almost 3 years, received oral health screenings. It was discovered that neither child had ever been to a doctor or dentist, and they were not up to date on their immunizations. Later, it was revealed that the family had experienced interpersonal violence, and as a result, they had not been able to see healthcare providers previously. The Firefly team members assisted the family in applying for Medicaid, finding medical and dental care, and starting to catch up on routine childhood immunizations as per the EPSDT (Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic and Treatment) recommendations.

“Firefly is truly grateful for the investment the United Way of the Midlands is making in the future of our community,” stated Kimberly Kolakowski, Executive Director, “by supporting our organization with a 2-year investment for each program, the United Way is helping Firefly shine our brightest and we, in turn, are passing that spark of potential on to those we serve to ensure all children in western Iowa are given the very best chances at success, regardless of family circumstances or income!”

About United Way of the Midlands:

Since 1923, United Way of the Midlands (UWM) has served the Omaha-Council Bluffs metro by bridging the business and not-for-profit sectors and raising money to support our community’s most impactful health and human service programs. UWM’s funded programs and direct services – like 211 and JAG Nebraska – focus on four key areas to improve health and well-being for all, build financial stability and strength, help young people realize their full potential and address urgent needs today to advance a better tomorrow. Learn more at UnitedWayMidlands.org.

About Firefly
Firefly is a nonprofit organization that provides public health and family support services to women, children and families in Western Iowa. It is Firefly’s primary goal to assist parents in becoming their child’s first and most influential teacher through education, empowerment, and wellness. 

---