It’s occurring through people’s increased understanding of our work in the community. Realizing how we start by researching the top issues. Then, bringing people around the table to brainstorm and create solutions to address those issues. And finally, working with our community to begin implementing the solutions. Volunteers, investors, and advocates are seeing the impact of our work and are motivated to join.

In this annual report, we hope you enjoy the stories of three people who have contributed to building community through volunteering, investing, and advocating. These are just three individuals of the thousands we work with who believe in our community and are committed to making it a place for everyone to belong.

Their impact is undeniable. Their stories are heartwarming. Their passion is inspiring.

Thank you for standing beside them and us as you support UWECI in your own way. We are grateful for your dedication and the impact you have had over this past year. We hope you connect with and find a piece of your own story in the following pages.

And once again, thank you.

Kristin Roberts
President & CEO

Teri Gibson
Board Chair

Volunteers make a daily difference, helping others and experiencing the fulfillment of giving back.

That’s certainly been the case for Mark Polking, a longtime community volunteer and mentor.

Mark has volunteered for four years and is a vital part of our Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, a free tax preparation service that helps increase financial stability in Eastern Iowa.

Last year, thanks to the hard work of volunteers like Mark, VITA brought more than $2.6 million back into the community through tax refunds.

Mark fosters connections and brings people together around a common goal. By ensuring that every client feels comfortable and confident in every appointment, Mark and other volunteers help individuals navigate the tax season with ease. This empowers clients to take control of their financial responsibilities and leads to some heartwarming moments.

“One of the most rewarding moments I’ve had as a VITA volunteer involved a family who legally immigrated to the United States and needed to prepare their taxes for the first time. It’s a nerve-wracking process for those new to tax season, and at the end, the couple was overjoyed to know there would be a solid refund to put towards paying off their car. The impact I felt was tremendous.”

“The impact
I felt was
tremendous.”

Mark Polking
Longtime community
volunteer and mentor

Explore volunteer opportunities at uweci.org/volunteer.

Wendy Nielsen

Invest in a better
Eastern Iowa at uweci.org/donate.

Fostering civic engagement is the key to effective advocacy.

Stephanie Stulken has experienced this firsthand in our Civic Circle program. Civic Circle brings together local professionals and organizations to meet the community’s greatest needs. As the Development Director at the Zach Johnson Foundation, Stephanie joined the program to discover how to make a difference on a greater scale.

Bonding with other people through shared passions strengthened Stephanie’s resolve to champion for kids and families.

“Choosing to be involved with the Civic Circle program allowed me to achieve a personal goal to connect with the community and the non-profit community as I shifted my career from education to the Zach Johnson Foundation. It quickly became much more than that. It allowed me the opportunity to reflect on my beliefs and impact while meeting some incredible individuals in our community that wanted to do the same.”

“Choosing to be involved with the Civic Circle program allowed me to achieve a personal goal to connect with the community and the non-profit community.”

Stephanie Stulken

Ready to make an impact in Eastern Iowa?
Visit uweci.org/advocate.