United Way of Central Missouri builds a stronger Central Missouri.

When a single mother received the keys to her new apartment after staying in The Salvation Army’s transitional housing program, which is designed to transition people from homeless shelters into permanent housing, she stood on the threshold of hope. But one critical thing was missing: beds for her and her two children. She was uncertain what to do next, so she spoke with Brian Vogeler, director of The Salvation Army’s Center of Hope in Jefferson City. When Brian learned of her situation — and realized how common this need was for individuals transitioning out of homelessness — he knew something had to be done. So Brian did what dozens of local agencies often do when seeking to make lasting change — he called the United Way.

With support from United Way of Central Missouri, Brian was able to launch the Good Night Program, a collaborative initiative between the United Way, The Salvation Army, and the Rape and Abuse Crisis Service (RACS). The program provides mattresses and bed frames to families and individuals moving from shelters into permanent housing. The idea was born out of a simple, yet essential, need.

“Now, they know that at the end of the program, that’s one less thing they have to worry about,” Brian says.

The Good Night Program is just one of many examples that show how United Way operates to identify critical needs and develops collaborative, targeted solutions that create meaningful impact. The United Way of Central Missouri began its journey in Jefferson City in 1925 as a part-time committee of the Jefferson City Area Chamber of Commerce. In the late 1920s, it reorganized as the Jefferson City Community Chest, following a movement to streamline charity through local campaigns. Since then, 100 years to be exact, the organization has become a standalone nonprofit that has expanded its footprint to cover nine local counties with a volunteer-driven model that supports health, education, financial stability, and basic needs. United Way of Central Missouri now works with 26 local agencies to meet these needs. These agencies include organizations such as Little Explorers Discovery Center, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Jefferson City, Compass Health Network, Dreams to Reality, and the Senior Nutrition Council.

“We are a network of partner agencies,” says Lee Knernschield, president of United Way of Central Missouri. “We bring those agencies together to help address immediate needs and create greater stability for individuals and families.”

Take the Sneaker Project, for example. This initiative provides new shoes for students in kindergarten through 12th grade across Cole, Moniteau, Osage, and Miller counties. It primarily serves students who qualify for free or reduced-price lunch.

“Think about kids who don’t have properly fitting shoes,” Lee says. “Every kid deserves to walk into school with a pair of shoes they’re proud of.”

Programs like these help meet tangible needs while boosting confidence and long-term stability. To encourage collaboration, allowing for a faster response to emerging challenges, the United Way organizes monthly meetings with its partner agencies. By offering donors a way to contribute once and support dozens of local organizations, United Way ensures every dollar goes further. Roughly 90 cents of every donated dollar directly supports local programming — an impressive ratio in the nonprofit industry. This ethical use of funds builds trust and maximizes impact.

“We want to make sure that we’re addressing the health, education, financial stability, and basic needs of our community,” Lee says. “Through our fund allocation process, we review agencies every year and listen to what they see as growing needs.”

United Way’s approach is distinguished by its rigorous, community-driven evaluation process.

“It’s not just our staff that vets these agencies,” Lee emphasizes. “It’s volunteers from the community who represent different sectors and backgrounds. We meet with our partner agencies, tour their facilities, and carefully review how funds are used.”

Each year, approximately 90 local volunteers review agency applications, conduct site visits, and make funding recommendations. An additional 24-person board provides another layer of oversight.

“These are community members who are deeply invested in ensuring every dollar makes a meaningful impact,” Lee says. “While some needs have changed over the years, our core mission remains the same: to identify and respond to community challenges.”

In the Jefferson City School District, nearly 180 children are experiencing homelessness. Across nearby counties, that number climbs to nearly 350.

“If we can get families the help they need now, then hopefully, in 10 years, those kids are doing well — they’re not homeless or struggling,” Brian explains.

This long-term vision drives United Way’s comprehensive work, focusing not just on short-term relief but on breaking cycles of poverty and instability.

“United Way isn’t just a fundraising organization,” Lee says. “We are a way to mobilize the community to for one another. When you give to United Way, you’re helping your neighbors — and making our whole community stronger.”

Support the United Way
This year, our United Way is celebrating 100 years united. Support the annual community campaign and get involved at unitedwaycemo.org.

Give. Advocate. Volunteer. Live United!