United Way of Midland Breaks Ground on New Conference and Training Center
The United Way of Midland took a monumental step forward with the groundbreaking of its new Conference and Training Center, a dynamic facility designed to strengthen collaboration among local nonprofits and elevate community engagement. The event was attended by key community leaders, donors, and supporters who have made the vision a reality.
The idea for a dedicated space to promote community collaboration began during the United Way’s 2022 Strategic Planning meetings, where the organization identified a need for a centralized hub to support the nonprofit sector. The vision gained momentum in Spring 2023, when a transformative estate gift from the Charles Moody Moffett estate was communicated to United Way Executive Director Kari Hennagin by Jack Swallow. This generous contribution, combined with a decision by the United Way board of directors to allocate $500,000 from reserve funds, launched the project into motion.
“We are thrilled to celebrate this important moment in our history, and we are incredibly grateful to the many organizations and individuals whose generosity has helped make this possible,” said Kari Hennagin, Executive Director of the United Way of Midland. “This center will be a game-changer for Midland, providing local nonprofits with the resources they need to collaborate, grow, and better serve the community.”
The new facility, which will be completed by Fall 2025, will serve as a vibrant hub for the United Way and local nonprofits. Designed with state-of-the-art technology and versatile meeting spaces, the center will host a variety of events, including leadership training sessions, workshops, and strategic planning meetings. These gatherings will be tailored to address the unique challenges faced by Midland’s nonprofit sector and will create opportunities for organizations to come together, share knowledge, and develop joint programs.
“Our community thrives when we work together, and this center will foster the kind of collaboration that makes a real difference,” said Morris Williams, Chair-Elect of the United Way of Midland. “It’s inspiring to see so many come together for the greater good of Midland, and the United Way is proud to facilitate our future opportunities.”
The United Way’s initiative has been generously supported by several key sponsors, whose commitment to the project has been instrumental in its progress:
• Abell-Hanger Foundation
• Henry Foundation
• Mabee Foundation
• Scharbauer Foundation
• Warren Charitable Foundation
• Jack & Julia Swallow – Executors of the Charles Moffett Estate
“These organizations and individuals have shown tremendous leadership and generosity in supporting this transformative project,” said Emily Holeva, Board Chair of the United Way of Midland. “Their contributions will have a lasting impact on Midland, and we are grateful for their belief in the power of collaboration and shared community vision.”
The new Conference and Training Center will facilitate a variety of collaborative initiatives, including networking events where nonprofits can share best practices, exchange ideas, and tackle pressing community challenges together. By offering a centralized space for these activities, the center aims to build nonprofit capacity, strengthen partnerships, and create sustainable solutions that will benefit Midland for years to come.
“As we look to the future, this center will serve as the foundation for countless initiatives that will help make Midland a stronger, more connected community,” Hennagin added. “We are excited to watch this vision take shape and to see the positive impact it will have on our local nonprofits and the individuals they serve.”
The United Way of Midland invites the community to stay engaged and support the project as construction progresses. A grand opening celebration will be held upon the completion of the center in Fall 2025