Meeting Local needs

The Maui Wildfire Disaster stands as the deadliest natural catastrophe in Hawaii's history. On August 8, deadly wildfires, fueled by a combination of land and atmospheric conditions, including a drought and powerful winds, devastated the Hawaiian island of Maui.

Shine bright! Be you, be great! Volunteers shared these encouraging words for students around the DC, Virginia, and Maryland area at United Way of the National Capital Area (United Way NCA) annual Stuff the Bus signature event. On August 2, 2023, individual volunteers and volunteers from partner organizations came together to fill backpacks with school supplies for students who need it most. As they counted notebooks and folders, volunteers also took time to write personal messages of hope and inspiration.

Alice stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed, and refers to households earning above the Federal Poverty Level yet struggling to afford basic expenses. Research has shown a relationship between poverty and educational outcomes, with many children in low-income families lacking the necessary school supplies. This situation created a specific need in the community that required attention.

Many families in Tarrant County, Texas, face financial hardship. This is especially true during tax season. But an army of dedicated volunteers is transforming lives through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. This initiative, spearheaded by the United Way of Tarrant County (UWTC), is changing the financial future for households earning $60,000 or less.

Recent data suggests that 25% of Texan veterans could not afford their basic needs. United Way of Tarrant County (UWTC) has taken a stand with its Mission United initiative, partnering with Combined Arms through the Texas Veterans Network (TVN). Their shared focus: support veterans like U.S. Army Vietnam veteran Betty Moreland, enabling them to rebuild their lives after overcoming adversities like homelessness.

“This is what it takes. It takes a village,” said Darnell Shields, executive director for Austin Coming Together, the community quarterback agency for United Way of Metro Chicago’s Austin Neighborhood Network. “That’s what it takes to be able to transform, to make it right, to rebuild your community. This is what moving forward together looks and feels like.”