Women United awards $94,450 to eight Siouxland non-profits

Haven House Family Services Center received a $2,256 Program Grant to provide for a therapeutic room where children can freely play while staff speak and advocate with their parents after a traumatic event has taken place. The goal is to break the cycle of re-traumatization by protecting them from hearing and reliving the event.

Siouxland Mental Health Center received a $2,496 Program Grant to help expand the non-profit group's Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) Program. The goal of the program is to help parents learn effective strategies to deal with their child’s dysfunctional behavior. 

Sleep in Heavenly Peace received a Brighter Futures Award of $25,000 to support local volunteers who build, assemble and deliver bunk beds to Siouxland children and families in need.

The Warming Shelter receiving a Brighter Futures Grant of $7,200 to provide classroom and hygienic supplies for sheltered children, along with age-appropriate toys and games. The items ensure children have educational access and enhanced developmental growth while staying at the shelter.

The Mary J. Treglia Community House received a $4,998 Brighter Futures Grant to provide preschool children with library lunchroom accommodations, which gives teachers more instruction time and frees up learning space. A privacy fence will protect children from observation by others while using the playground area.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Siouxland received a Brighter Futures Grant award of $18,000 to expand its Junior Bigs Mentoring Program at Hunt Elementary School. Students will benefit from mentoring with improved social and relationship skills, as well as problem-solving abilities. 

Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa received a $6,950 Brighter Futures Grant to allow girls to participate in educational and social experiences without the financial burden often associated with such experiences. The activities include opportunities for the development of STEM skills, improved social abilities, mental and physical health, along with greater confidence and decision-making.

Heartland Counseling Services received a $25,500 Brighter Futures Grant to provide at-risk youth with access to a mental health program designed to improve mental health and resilience, and the ability to form positive connections. provides quality mental health & substance abuse services to all ages in tri-state area, regardless of insurance or residency status. The program is also intended to reduce substance abuse and other high-risk behaviors, enhance school attendance, and prevent justice involvement.

Since 2006, Women United, part of the United Way of Siouxland, has awarded over $1.3 million dollars to local non-profit groups aimed at providing research-based, life-improving programs for Siouxland youth.