United Way of South Texas
by Thelma Garza (President)
published August 2015
Mission:
To improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of our community to advance the common good.


In 1887, the predecessor to United Way was started by 4 clergymen in Denver, who asked their local community to pool their resources together to support 20 health and human service organizations in that city. The "Community Chest" concept worked, and now 128 years later, United Ways across the country raised a combined total of 9 billion to benefit their communities.

There are 1800 United Ways throughout the country, each lead by local volunteers and each meeting critical social service needs. United Way of South Texas has transformed to a Community Impact organization targeting the core areas of education, health, financial stability and basic safety programs. We fund programs that demonstrate clear outcomes on service recipients. We have developed meaningful relationships resulting in solutions to community needs. Through collaborations, we have made strides in increasing resources to address issues of hunger (pantries at 5 school districts); after school programs for youth (at youth centers and Boys & Girls Clubs), and a transportation voucher program with public entities, faith groups and individuals.

Our goal is to develop and invest in solutions that have a positive impact on the lives of our neighbors.

We are seeing results. We are helping individuals and non profits remove transportation barriers that kept services from much needed medical appointments, working citizens from getting to employment sites, families from applying for support services. This innovative program has kept our friends and neighbors from hospitalizations, people employed and their children and families healthier. We have helped veterans with vouchers as they go seek employment and other services while they strive and achieve self-sufficiency.

United Way of South Texas supports over 100 programs thru 22 partner agencies in Hidalgo and Starr counties. These programs provided assistance to more than 250,000 residents here at home; they provide a helping hand during challenging times.

For more information, visit our website:
www.unitedwayofsotx.org
If you would like to contribute and be part of the Live United Movement, please call (956) 686-6331.