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Author: Meg Costa

Where North Texas Families Can Find Free School Supplies and Other Back-to-School Resources

Written by Meg Costa on . Posted in News & Updates.

Back-to-school time in North Texas can be an equal mix of excitement and stress, for parents and children alike. 

For families on a tight budget, a new school year can mean even more pressure than usual – supplies, clothes, schedules, the worry about whether your kid has what they need to keep up.  

At United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, we offer support for more than 1.7 million North Texans every year who are facing exactly these kinds of stressors. Our programs and partnerships improve access to educational resources, financial stability and health coverage—because we believe every individual and family should have the opportunity to thrive. 

Our work includes offering resources that are especially helpful during back-to-school time. If your family needs extra support during this time, here’s where to start: 

Where can I get free meals for my kids? 

One in four children in our community doesn’t know where their next meal is coming from. That type of instability can have a huge impact on a child’s growth and development, so we work to make sure food resources are within reach for families in our community. 

To find free meals and food resources throughout North Texas, check out our list of local providers. 

How can I start saving for my child’s education? 

Dollars for College is a children’s savings account program that provides families with a safe, trusted and easy-to-access way to build long-term savings for their child’s postsecondary education. Through early seed deposits, incentives and community partnerships, Dollars for College helps families begin saving for the future—strengthening both educational and financial opportunities for the next generation.   

Here’s how it works: Parents and other caregivers can quickly and easily open an account for their child, even if they don’t make an initial deposit. Families can earn incentive deposits and can make their own deposits over time. By the end of the four-year program, an account can grow to $500—and it keeps growing all the way through high school. 

Ready to start saving? Sign up for a Dollars for College account.  

North Texas families can also save for their child’s future through Trump Accounts, which launched earlier this year. The program includes a free $1,000 seed deposit for children born between 2025 and 2028; however, you can open a Trump Account for any child under the age of 18. Read our blog to learn more about Trump Accounts and how they compare to Dollars for College accounts.  

Where can I get free children’s books in North Texas? 

Reading with your children from an early age sets them up for success, helping them develop curiosity, learning skills and an understanding of language that will benefit them in school and in life. 

Start building your home library today! Sign up for Once Upon a Month™, and we’ll provide free children’s books to your home once a month.  

What if I’m worried about my child’s development? 

Healthy early childhood development is extremely important for every individual’s future. During the first six years of a child’s life, they undergo an incredible amount of physical and mental development that creates a foundation for the rest of their life.  

Tracking and understanding your child’s development can be stressful at any time of the year. But during back-to-school, you may worry even more than usual about how your child is progressing compared to their peers.  

We want every North Texas parent to have access to the tools and resources their child needs to thrive. That’s why we create and invest in programs that support healthy early development for all North Texas children.  

Through Help Me Grow North Texas, we connect local parents to resources that include developmental testing and services, parental education and supportive services. To connect with a family navigator, call 844-NTX-KIDS (844-689-5437).   

Can my student get a free laptop in Dallas? 

In today’s fast-paced digital world, high-speed internet, digital skills and digital technology have become a necessity for accessing education, job opportunities and health resources. But laptops can be expensive, which makes it difficult for many North Texans to access the benefits of digital technology.  

Through our Digital Bridges partnership with AT&T, we distribute free laptops for students and young adults across Southern Dallas. We also offer two years of warranty and bilingual technical assistance and digital literacy classes so families can make the most of the technology. 

Register for our next computer giveaway. If selected, you will receive a text message with information on when and where to collect your computer. 

Where can I find other free school supplies? 

This summer, several community events will provide free school supplies, backpacks and more. These include: 

  • Dream Center Dallas Back-to-School – Aug. 1, 10 a.m.: An event at Dream Center Dallas providing backpacks, brand-new shoes, and school supplies. 
  • Drive-Thru Backpack Giveaway – Aug. 1, 10 a.m.: Pleasant Oaks Park is giving away 2,000 backpacks while supplies last.  
  • MLK Back-to-School Festival – Aug 8, 9 a.m.: A drive-through event at the MLK, Jr. Community Center handing out backpacks and supplies. Children must be present.  

Get Additional Support 

United Way of Metropolitan Dallas is here to ensure you have access to the education, income and health resources that you need to thrive. Visit our resources page to explore the community resources available through our programs or partner organizations.  

Rising Costs Are Forcing North Texas Families to Make Impossible Choices

Written by Meg Costa on . Posted in News & Updates.

The rising cost of living in North Texas is forcing families to make impossible tradeoffs as they balance necessities like feeding their kids, filling the gas tank and making rent.  

Energy costs in Dallas-Fort Worth jumped nearly 19% over the past year, and one in four Dallas County children faces food insecurity. United Way of Metropolitan Dallas works with more than 200 local partners to help families cover these basics. This summer, there are two ways you can help. 

While inflation may look different from household to household, one thing is clear: higher prices at the gas pump and grocery store are stretching family budgets to their breaking point. 

Why are low-income North Texans struggling to make ends meet? 

Rising gas prices and grocery bills are hurting lower-income residents across our region. In a recent Dallas Morning News article, Susan Hoff, chief strategy and impact officer for United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, described the difficult decisions many families face every day: “Can I feed my kids? Can I pay for gas? Can I make my rent payment?” 

Those choices are becoming more common as the cost of transportation and food continues to climb. For families already living paycheck to paycheck, even small increases in essential expenses can create significant financial hardship. 

This summer, transportation costs are a major source of concern for many Americans. According to a poll conducted by health policy organization KFF, rising gas and transportation expenses rank among the top affordability concerns for U.S. adults, tied with healthcare costs. Nearly two-thirds of respondents said they were either very or somewhat worried about paying for gas and transportation for themselves and their families. 

For North Texans, those concerns are especially significant. A study by Motley Fool Money found that the average Texan spends about $189 per month on gas. That adds up to nearly $2,400 each year—an expense that can be difficult to absorb for households already struggling to cover housing, childcare and other essentials.  

For families with limited financial flexibility, these increases can force painful tradeoffs. When transportation costs rise, getting to work, school, medical appointments and grocery stores becomes more expensive. And when food costs rise, families may be forced to purchase less food, choose less nutritious options or seek assistance from community organizations. 

United Way of Metropolitan Dallas works alongside more than 200 nonprofit partners to serve approximately 1.7 million people annually across Dallas, Collin, Denton and Rockwall counties. In recent months, our team and other local nonprofit organizations have seen increased demand for services like rental assistance, emergency financial support, and access to groceries and other basic necessities. 

Why is summer harder for struggling families? 

The summer months often place an even greater burden on struggling households. 

When schools close for summer break, many children lose regular access to federally funded school meal programs that help provide reliable nutrition during the academic year. As a result, families must stretch already tight budgets even further to cover additional meals at home. 

This challenge is particularly acute in Dallas County, where one in four children experiences food insecurity. For these children and their families, summer can mean increased uncertainty about where their next meal will come from. 

Combined with higher grocery prices and transportation costs, the loss of school-based meal support creates a perfect storm for many households. Parents and caregivers are left navigating rising expenses while doing everything possible to provide for their families. 

As economic pressures continue to affect communities across North Texas, we are seeing firsthand how rising costs are impacting residents’ ability to meet their most basic needs. The need for support, resources and community partnerships has never been greater. 

How much have gas and grocery prices risen in North Texas? 

At first glance, recent inflation data suggests North Texas is faring better than much of the country. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the annual inflation rate in the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington area was 2.6% as of May 2026, below the national inflation rate of approximately 4.2% during the same period. 

However, the overall inflation rate doesn’t fully capture the challenges many families are experiencing. While core inflation—which excludes food and energy costs—rose just 1.3% over the past year, some of the expenses that have the greatest impact on household budgets increased far more dramatically. 

Energy costs climbed 18.9% year over year, fueled largely by a 35% increase in gas prices. For families who rely on their vehicles to get to work, take children to school and activities, or access healthcare and essential services, those increases can quickly strain tight budgets. 

Food costs also continued to rise, increasing 2.2% over the past year. Although that growth is more moderate than energy costs, it comes on top of years of higher grocery prices.  

For many households, especially those living paycheck to paycheck, lower overall inflation offers little relief when necessities like gas and groceries continue to consume a larger share of monthly income. Families aren’t making financial decisions based on inflation indexes—they’re balancing real-world costs for goods that are non-negotiable to everyday life. And they’re feeling the pinch every time they fill their gas tank, shop for groceries or pay their monthly bills. 

How does United Way help North Texans with rising costs? 

For our neighbors who are struggling to afford necessities like gas and groceries, United Way of Metropolitan Dallas helps to bridge the gap. Together with supporters like you, we positively impact more than 1.7 million North Texans every year—which is more than 20% of our region’s population. 

Our mission in the Dallas area is to improve access to education, income and health—what we call the building blocks of opportunity. These three pillars create a foundation for lifelong health, success and stability. And through our programs and partnerships, together we can ensure our neighbors have the support and resources they need to afford everyday life. 

Here’s just a taste of the impact of our initiatives in North Texas: 

  • Last month, our Summer Meals Kickoff connected hundreds of families to free summer meals and other resources that prevent hunger in our community. We partnered with Dallas ISD to serve 750+ hot meals to kids and adults; distributed 400 take-home grocery packs; and hosted 20+ United Way community partners that provided information on free summer meals and year-round food assistance.  
  • Our Healthcare Navigators support families shopping for health insurance and connect them with additional resources, including CHIP and Medicaid coverage, food assistance programs and community-based support services. In the last year, our navigators had a significant impact on our community, fielding 21,000 client inquiries, assisting 7,680 individuals as they signed up for CHIP/Medicaid and supporting 2,316 consumers as they enrolled in a qualified health plan.   
  • Every spring, thousands of our neighbors access free tax help through United Way. With the support of IRS-certified volunteer tax experts, the average filer saves around $350 in tax preparation and filing fees, plus gets an average refund of $1,700 by claiming all their eligible tax credits and refunds. During our last fiscal year, 19,151 North Texans filed their taxes through our free services and received a total of $15.2 million in refunds.  

These are the types of programs that enable families to reduce their costs and save more money, which strengthens long-term stability across North Texas communities. 

Here’s How You Can Support Our North Texas Neighbors 

This month, there are two powerful ways to support families right here in our community:  

  • Donate to United Way: Every dollar raised here stays here to help more North Texans thrive. Just $25 can support grocery distribution pop-ups in Southern Dallas, bringing nutritious food to neighbors who lack access to grocery stores; $50 can enable our summer meal partners to reach more students during the hungriest season of the year; and $200 can provide 25 families with a week’s worth of food items to prevent hunger. 
  • Volunteer for Stock the School: It’s almost time for Stock the School, one of the best opportunities of the year to support local students and teachers! By volunteering to refresh and stock teacher workspaces or by donating supplies to our Amazon Wishlist, you help local families and teachers spend less of their own money on back-to-school necessities. Sign up to volunteer for our Friday, August 7 event, or shop our Wishlist anytime.   
Mother With Baby Working In Office At Home

Affordable Childcare Is Vital for Economic Success in North Texas

Written by Meg Costa on . Posted in News & Updates.

In North Texas, economic opportunity depends on whether families can work. And for thousands of parents in North Texas, the ability to work comes down to one thing: childcare. 

A new report from Texas Women’s Foundation, “Addressing the Texas Childcare Crisis,” confirms what United Way of Metropolitan Dallas sees every day—our childcare system isn’t meeting the needs of working families, and it’s holding back our entire regional economy. 

We know that access to affordable childcare is foundational for local families, supporting all three of our focus areas: education, income and health. By ensuring that all parents can afford childcare, we move closer to our Aspire United 2030 goals by enabling more workers to advance at work, more children to succeed in school and more families to afford quality healthcare.  

The Reality: Childcare Costs Are Outpacing North Texas Families 

Childcare is now one of the largest expenses facing North Texas families: 

  • Infant care exceeds $11,000 per year in Texas—nearly as much as in-state college tuition. 
  • Care for two young children costs more than $20,000 annually—higher than the average annual cost of housing. 
  • A minimum-wage worker must work 37 weeks full time to afford care for one infant. 
  • The state’s childcare subsidy system has a 12- to 18-month waitlist—which is longer than most working families can wait. 

This is not sustainable. And for many families, the cost of childcare makes work impossible. 

Childcare and the Summer Squeeze 

Unfortunately, the pressure on local families doesn’t ease when the school year ends—it intensifies. Summer break and out-of-school hours leave working parents scrambling to find safe, enriching places for their kids while they’re on the job. Affordable out-of-school and summer childcare in Dallas keeps children supported year-round and keeps parents working. 

The Impact: A Shrinking Workforce and Lost Growth in Dallas County 

When childcare isn’t available or affordable, parents—especially mothers—are pushed out of the workforce to stay home with their child. 

In Dallas County: 

  • 43,000 mothers with young children are not working due to childcare barriers. 
  • Local parents lose $1.63 billion in earnings each year. 
  • The total economic impact reaches $3.19 billion in lost output annually. 

For North Texas employers, that means a smaller pipeline of talented workers, higher turnover and slower growth. For our region, it means missed economic potential at a critical moment. 

The Opportunity: Invest Locally, Grow Regionally 

The data is clear: Lowering childcare costs would bring 1,700 to 6,900 mothers back into the workforce, generating up to $260 million in annual earnings in Dallas County alone. 

Childcare isn’t just an affordability issue—it’s workforce infrastructure. Companies lose out on talent and productivity when parents can’t stay in the workforce. And because childcare hits families so hard financially, it’s an issue that has an impact on every area of our neighbors’ lives. 

When our community invests in families by expanding access to childcare, kids are more likely to be college and career ready. Working parents—and particularly working moms—can keep building their careers and stabilizing their family income, which in turn supports good health for them and their children. Meanwhile, employers experience less costly turnover that hurts the local economy we all rely on.  

“Time and time again, the data bears this out,” said Hillary Evans, vice president of policy and advocacy at United Way of Metropolitan Dallas and part of the Dallas Childcare Works coalition. “We know childcare works for families who have it. Now we just have to do our part to invest in it.” 

A Defining Moment for Dallas County 

United Way of Metropolitan Dallas is proud to stand alongside families, providers, employers and community leaders as part of Dallas Childcare Works—a coalition working to expand access to affordable childcare and out-of-school programs across the county. Dallas County leaders are currently considering whether to give voters the opportunity to weigh in this November. 

It’s a pragmatic, locally driven response to a regional challenge—one that aligns families, businesses and communities around a shared goal: a stronger North Texas economy. 

To follow the coalition’s work, visit the Dallas Childcare Works website. And to learn how United Way is supporting early childhood education in North Texas, explore our work. 

At The Showcase, the Power of Social Innovation Took Center Stage

Written by Meg Costa on . Posted in News & Updates.

For more than a decade, bold ideas and community-driven solutions from our social innovation programming have been reshaping North Texas—often behind the scenes. On June 18, we opened the doors for the first time and brought it all to life. 

The Showcase wasn’t just an event—it was a full-sensory experience, showing more than 250 attendees what social innovation looks like in action. The result was an evening filled with energy, connection and a shared commitment to building a stronger North Texas. 

From Curiosity to Connection 

From the moment guests arrived at The Astoria, The Showcase delivered on its promise to move people from observers to participants. 

Attendees didn’t just learn about social innovation—they experienced it firsthand. Interactive zones, live demonstrations and hands-on workshops invited guests to step directly into the work, creating a space where curiosity quickly turned into connection. 

Antoria Gillon, founder of From Ordinary to Extraordinary, was inspired to watch students from her organization wowing Showcase attendees at the event’s barber shop area. These clients are survivors of domestic violence, and From Ordinary to Extraordinary helps them gain independence and enter the workforce in a way that is empowering and sustainable.  

“The Showcase didn’t just highlight talent; it created space for growth and hope to be seen in action,” she said. “The smiles in the barber chairs, the conversations around the beauty stations, the confidence on the faces of our students and the genuine excitement throughout the room reflected something much bigger than a showcase. Our students weren’t practicing. They were professionals. They were building trust, serving clients and demonstrating the skills they have worked so hard to develop.”  

In addition to enjoying a variety of distinct experiences, attendees also had opportunities to connect with founders as they shared candid stories about their journeys—the wins, the pivots and the perseverance it takes to tackle complex challenges in education, income and health. Those honest conversations sparked deeper understanding and, in many cases, new partnerships. 

An Experience That Engaged All the Senses 

The Showcase came alive through immersive activations designed to challenge perspectives and inspire action. Highlights included: 

  • Founder-led workshops spanning hip-hop songwriting, etiquette training and other creative experiences 
  • From Ordinary to Extraordinary’s live barbershop, which offered styling, shaves and touch-ups 
  • A pop-up farmers market and cooking demos featuring local culinary entrepreneurs 
  • VR empathy simulations and hands-on activations that made complex social issues tangible 
  • Food trucks and light bites representing the diversity of North Texas 

Every element of the evening was designed to show—not just tell—how innovative solutions are taking shape across our community. 

Social Innovators in the Spotlight 

At the heart of The Showcase were the founders and organizations redefining what impact looks like in North Texas. 

Attendees connected with dozens of our social innovation alumni, including Dotted (2026 Social Innovator of the Year), CardiacFITT, Cornbread Hustle, Teen Writers Project, Restorative Farms, Urban Arts Collective, Healthy Hip Hop, Black to the Lab and many more. 

The evening also featured powerful insights from leaders and speakers such as: 

  • Janet Collinsworth, Founder of Jericho Village 
  • Matthew Porter, Mayor of the City of Wylie 
  • Dejenae Parkman, Founder of Dotted 
  • Van Parker, Managing Director of Housing Connector 
  • Cheri Norris, Founder of Cornbread Hustle 

We were also proud to recognize the next wave of changemakers during our Social Innovation Incubator fellow recognition ceremony, celebrating emerging leaders who are already driving meaningful impact. 

From Inspiration to Action 

For many attendees, the most powerful part of the evening was the opportunity to take the next step. 

At the Impact Tree, more than 150 guests made visible commitments—to mentor, volunteer, invest or deepen their involvement in social innovation. Those who pledged unlocked access to the Pollinator Speakeasy, where conversations continued in a more intimate setting with live music, a signature adaptogenic cocktail and space for deeper connection. 

The Impact Tree was a clear reminder that real change happens when inspiration turns into action—and when individuals see their role in something bigger. 

Why It Matters 

The challenges facing North Texas are complex, but The Showcase proved that so are the solutions—and the people behind them. 

By bringing together founders, supporters and community members in one place, the event highlighted the strength of our region’s social innovation ecosystem and its role in advancing our community-wide Aspire United 2030 goals. 

Social innovation is about finding more sustainable, more effective ways to solve problems. Our inaugural Showcase made one thing clear: That work is already underway, and it’s gaining momentum. 

What’s Next 

The Showcase may have been the first event of its kind, but it’s only the beginning. 

Guests left with more than inspiration—they left with connections, ideas and concrete ways to get involved. Whether through mentorship, partnership or participation in future programs, the path forward is clear: This movement is growing, and there’s a place in it for everyone. 

You can support the grassroots impact of local social entrepreneurs by investing in United Way of Metropolitan Dallas. A donation of any amount can expand the collective impact of our social innovation programs, creating positive change that our community will feel for years to come. 

Invest in Social Innovation 

Combating Childhood Hunger: United Way’s Summer Meals Event Reached 850 Dallas Neighbors

Written by Meg Costa on . Posted in News & Updates.

More than 850 Dallas neighbors gathered at Albert C. Black Jr. STEAM Academy on June 10—and went home with free meals, free groceries and a safety net for the long summer ahead. 

Our Summer Meals Kickoff is an annual tradition that celebrates the start of summer with family-friendly games and crafts, snow cones and smiles—while also taking a stand against food insecurity in North Texas. 

Serving Dallas Families: Free Meals, Free Groceries and Summer Fun 

The Summer Meals Kickoff is an important component of our mission to improve access to education, income and health—the building blocks of opportunity. Hunger limits a child’s ability to learn, a worker’s ability to advance and a family’s ability to stay healthy. Food security initiatives are foundational to our work and directly support our Aspire United 2030 goals. 

This year’s event provided lots of fun and support for our neighbors, including: 

  • 750+ hot meals served to kids and adults, prepared and served in partnership with Dallas Independent School District 
  • 400 take-home grocery packs, each containing about 8 pounds of mixed produce, two gallons of milk, a watermelon and a snack box 
  • 20+ United Way community partners were on-site with information on free summer meals and year-round food assistance 
  • 100+ volunteers came out to directly benefit our North Texas neighbors 
  • 2,000+ giveaways, including visors, sunglasses, fans, snack packs and STEM kits 
  • Raffles for prizes including an iPad, AirPods, bikes and movie gift cards 
  • A visit from Dallas Trinity FC’s mascot, Boots, and a performance by the Mavs ManiAACs 
  • Snow cones, games, temporary tattoos, music and inflatables for kids of all ages 

Thank You to Our Partners 

Events like the Summer Meals Kickoff demonstrate the power of our collaborative approach to community impact, as we work together to ensure that children have access to the nutritious food and support they need all summer long.  

We’re deeply grateful to the sponsors who made this event possible: 

  • Aspire United Volunteer Series Sponsor: Texas Instruments 
  • Event Sponsors: PepsiCo, Vistra, Rocket Mortgage and DN Tanks 

Food Security Is a Challenge in North Texas 

During the summer, when federally funded school meal programs are paused, many local children become susceptible to food insecurity. Each year, our Summer Meals Kickoff unites hundreds of volunteers and corporate and community partners around a single belief: No child should have to go hungry in North Texas.  

Hunger is a significant challenge in Dallas County, where one in four children face food insecurity, meaning they don’t know where their next meal will come from. This summer, the situation is especially stressful for many local families, as their budgets are being stretched by rising food and gas prices. 

Hunger and food insecurity can be devastating to a child. Kids who don’t eat regularly may experience developmental delays and are more likely to fall behind in school, miss more class days and carry health consequences into adulthood. 

Food access is at the core of our mission to improve access to education, income and health. This summer—and throughout the year—it’s important for United Way, our supporters and partners, and the community as a whole to step in and fill the gap. 

As Ashley Douglas, vice president of the Southern Dallas Thrives initiative at United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, shared: 

“Being able to bring awareness about the accessibility of meals during the summer, especially during those key out-of-school times, is so important. To be able to serve families and have some sort of economic impact on their household, especially as we see increases in the cost of food, the cost of fuel—it’s really important. I hope that kids are able to have a fun and active and exciting summer, without having to worry about where their next meal will come from.”  

For volunteers like Stephanie, the Summer Meals Kickoff is a chance to see the direct impact of donating their time.  

“I volunteer with United Way because of all that they do in the community,” she said. “They’re so deeply involved and they have so many different programs, and I love to be involved in this community that they serve.”  

A big thank you to each volunteer and partner who helped connect local families with nutrition education, local resources and enrichment opportunities, strengthening the safety net for those facing food insecurity during the summer months. 

Help Keep North Texas Families Fed 

Together, we can build a North Texas where every child has the opportunity to grow, learn and succeed. Donate today to support food security programs that help children and families thrive—all year long. 

Give Now 

Step Inside 12 Years of Social Innovation at The Showcase

Written by Meg Costa on . Posted in News & Updates.

For more than a decade, bold ideas and community-driven solutions from our social innovation programming have been reshaping North Texas—often behind the scenes, driven by founders who are deeply committed to tackling our region’s toughest challenges in education, income and health. Now, for the first time, we are bringing it all together. 

On Thursday, June 18, The Showcase invites you to step inside 12 years of social innovation—experiencing the work, meeting the founders and engaging directly with the ideas transforming our community. 

The Showcase 

Thursday, June 18 

6:00 – 9:00 PM 

The Astoria
3216 Royalty Row, Irving, TX 75062 

Get your tickets now for just $25. 

  

From Curiosity to Connection 

The Showcase is a uniquely immersive experience designed to move you from observer to participant. 

During our inaugural event, you’ll explore interactive zones, engage in live workshops and demonstrations, and connect directly with the innovators behind some of North Texas’ most impactful solutions. This is your opportunity to go beyond surface-level understanding and see firsthand how change is built—through persistence, creativity and a willingness to evolve. 

You’ll hear directly from social entrepreneurs about their inspiring origin stories, powerful examples of impact and refreshingly honest insights—not just about wins, but about pivots, tough decisions and the breakthroughs that come from staying committed to the work. 

Who Is The Showcase For? 

Regardless of what kind of change-seeker you are, you’ll find something inspiring at The Showcase. 

If you’re a funder, you’ll get to connect directly with ventures that are actively looking for partners and see where your dollars have already gone to work. If you lead a nonprofit, you can trade notes with innovators who are navigating the same path. If you’re a corporate partner, you’ll find concrete ways your organization can plug into work already underway. And if you’re a student or other curious mind, you’ll get an honest look at what building social change actually involves.  

What You’ll Experience at The Showcase 

Throughout the evening, you’ll have the chance to challenge your thinking, engage your senses and experience some of the innovative organizations that are making an impact across North Texas. The event will include: 

  • Founder-led workshops ranging from hip-hop songwriting to etiquette training, body scrub making, and more 
  • A live barbershop offering shaves, styling and makeup touch-ups 
  • A pop-up farmers market and cooking demos featuring local culinary entrepreneurs 
  • VR empathy simulations and hands-on activations that bring complex challenges to life 
  • Food trucks and light bites from across the community 

At the heart of it all will be meaningful connections with founders who are redefining what impact looks like right here in our community. 

Meet the Changemakers 

The Showcase brings together an inspiring group of innovators and organizations working across the social impact ecosystem, including Dotted (the 2026 Social Innovator of the Year), Cornbread Hustle, Teen Writers Project, Restorative Farms, Urban Arts Collective, Healthy Hip Hop, Dwell with Dignity, Black to the Lab and many more. 

You’ll hear directly from standout leaders and speakers like: 

  • Janet Collinsworth, Founder of Jericho Village  
  • Matthew Porter, Mayor of the City of Wylie  
  • DeJenae Parkman, CEO and Founder of Dotted and 2026 Social Innovator of the Year 
  • Van Parker, 2025 Social Innovator of the Year from Housing Connector 
  • Cheri Norris, Founder of Cornbread Hustle (who will be sharing a major announcement for the first time) 
  • Crystal Dobson, Founder and CEO of CardiacFITT 

Plus, join us in celebrating the next wave of leadership during our Social Innovation Incubator fellow recognition ceremony. 

Go Deeper: The Pollinator Speakeasy 

When you’re ready to move from inspiration to action, The Showcase offers a unique opportunity to find your niche in the future of social innovation in North Texas. You can pledge to become a mentor or volunteer, apply for the Accelerator or Incubator, and more.  

Then, make your commitment visible by planting it at the Impact Tree—and unlock access to the Pollinator Speakeasy, an exclusive experience within The Showcase. 

Inside, you’ll enjoy: 

  • Live music 
  • An adaptogenic Pollinator cocktail 
  • A space designed for deeper connection with fellow changemakers and supporters 
  • A taste of what happens when ideas turn into action 

Why Social Innovation Matters in North Texas 

The challenges facing North Texas are complex—but so are the solutions. As we unite the community to improve access to education, income and health, social innovation is one way that we drive progress toward our Aspire United 2030 goals. 

Social innovation simply means finding new solutions to social problems that are more effective, efficient, sustainable or just than current solutions. This creative approach to improving our community is at the heart of everything we do.  

For the first time ever, The Showcase offers a rare opportunity to see the full social innovation ecosystem at work: founders, supporters, programs and ideas all connected by a shared commitment to impact. 

You’ll leave with inspiration, excitement and a deeper understanding of what it takes to drive change and where you can play a role. 

Join Us 

Whether you’re a long-time United Way supporter, a community leader, or simply someone who believes in the power of innovation to solve real problems—The Showcase is your invitation to engage, connect and invest in what’s possible. 

Get your tickets now and be part of the movement shaping North Texas’ future. 

Healthcare Costs Have Increased for Millions of Americans. How Are North Texans Being Affected?

Written by Meg Costa on . Posted in News & Updates.

At the end of 2025, Congress failed to extend subsidies that made health insurance more accessible for millions of Americans through the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Now, we’re starting to see the fallout of that decision, as people across the country face sudden and significant increases in their premium and deductible costs—leading many to lose their insurance coverage altogether.  

The loss of the ACA subsidies is starting to hurt many of our North Texas neighbors, at a time when other costs—including fuel and food—are spiking. In the face of these challenges, it’s important for us to work together to ensure every individual and family has access to the health resources they need to thrive.  

Why We’re Concerned About Health Insurance Changes 

Industry analysts estimate that 20% of Americans who previously had health insurance coverage through the ACA will be forced to drop their insurance this year due to rising costs, according to reporting from The New York Times. That means Texas—which already has the lowest healthcare enrollment rates in the nation—is likely to see even lower enrollment rates, as the progress of the last few years is quickly undone. 

At United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, health is one of our three focus areas—along with education and income—because we know that good health creates a foundation for every aspect of a person’s life. One of our Aspire United 2030 community goals is to increase to 96% the number of North Texans with access to affordable healthcare insurance.  

Why Cost-Saving Health Insurance Subsidies Ended 

For the last several years, enhanced subsidies made health insurance more affordable through the ACA, by increasing the amount of financial assistance available and expanding eligibility to people with higher incomes. As a result, coverage became more affordable for millions of Americans, and we saw a significant increase in health insurance enrollment nationwide. 

The impacts in Texas were especially noteworthy. Most years, our state has the lowest healthcare enrollment rates in the nation, with 21.6% of all residents not enrolled in healthcare coverage. That includes nearly 14% of Texas children, compared to 6% nationally, who are uninsured.    

Thanks to the subsidies, Texas was the No. 1 state for new ACA signups for several years in a row, in part because 97% of Texans signing up through the Marketplace received subsidies for their premiums. The average premium was $60 a month, but many people paid $10 or less after tax credits.  

Unfortunately, the ACA subsidies were scheduled to expire at the end of 2025. Despite months of debate and an extended government shutdown directly related to this issue, Congress failed to reach an agreement that would extend the policy.  

How People Are Being Affected 

With the subsidies gone, all 24 million Americans who buy their insurance through the ACA Exchange saw their costs increase at the beginning of 2026. In fact, most people’s premiums doubled, while deductibles rose more than they ever have before, by an average of $1,000, according to research by the nonpartisan nonprofit health policy organization KFF.  

Initial ACA sign-ups for 2026 plans fell by about 1.2 million people to 23.1 million people during the 2026 Open Enrollment Period, according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. KFF estimates that as many as 5 million people who buy health insurance on the ACA marketplaces may drop their coverage this year.  

Not surprisingly, research has found that Americans are extremely concerned about healthcare costs right now. A KFF survey reported that ACA enrollees are worried about affording their monthly premiums, as well as out-of-pocket medical expenses. And already, healthcare costs are hurting people’s budgets, with 55% of ACA customers saying they are cutting back on spending for food and other household necessities. 

What This Means for North Texas 

Prior to the subsidies ending, health insurance coverage stood around 83% in the United Way of Metropolitan Dallas service area (Dallas, Collin, Rockwall and southern Denton counties). That number is poised to decrease this year, as many of our neighbors are forced out of overly expensive ACA plans.  

For our neighbors from lower-income households, increased healthcare costs will have a ripple effect. North Texans are already struggling with increased prices for food, housing and daily essentials. As health insurance premiums spike, we are likely to see an increase in food insecurity—which our neighbors are already struggling with—as well as other challenging situations like evictions.   

Meanwhile, higher premiums and loss of coverage could destabilize insurance markets nationwide and put greater strain on hospitals and the healthcare system. 

The Live United Movement Is Improving Access to Healthcare 

Now more than ever, programs that ensure greater access to health insurance are vital to the health and economic vitality of our region. When more of our neighbors have access to affordable, quality health insurance, we all benefit in the form of a stronger workforce, lower overall healthcare costs, more successful students and better life outcomes. 

To meet our goal of 96% health insurance coverage across North Texas, we must improve access to health insurance by more than 2% annually.  

The good news is that Texas’ rapid increase in ACA enrollment over the last several years indicates that people in our state want access to affordable, quality insurance. 

Our Healthcare Navigators initiative is one key to expanding healthcare access in North Texas. Our team of Navigators assists uninsured North Texans as they compare and enroll in plans through the Health Insurance Marketplace, CHIP or Medicaid.  

Navigating the Health Insurance Marketplace or applying for CHIP or Medicaid can be confusing and stressful. Many people avoid signing up for health insurance because the process is overwhelming or they have language barriers. Now that the ACA subsidies have expired, initiatives like Healthcare Navigators are vital for ensuring more North Texans can maintain their coverage while keeping costs under control.   

Importantly, our Healthcare Navigators also addressed broader family stabilization needs. Navigators routinely connected families to additional resources, including CHIP and Medicaid coverage for children and pregnant women, food assistance programs, and community-based support services. By combining health insurance enrollment with access to integrated supports, United Way strengthens long-term health stability across North Texas communities.  

Each year, our certified enrollment experts assist tens of thousands of North Texans, helping more people access the health coverage and other supports necessary to thrive. In the last year, our navigators had a significant impact on our community, fielding 21,000 client inquiries, assisting 7,680 individuals as they signed up for CHIP/Medicaid and supporting 2,316 consumers as they enrolled in a qualified health plan.  

Together, We Can Ensure Every North Texan Can Get Covered 

As many of our North Texas neighbors face rising health insurance costs and the prospect of losing their coverage altogether, we know we must unite as a community to ensure that access to healthcare continues to expand, despite the challenges we face. 

Donate to United Way now to support programs like Healthcare Navigators, which simplifies health insurance for tens of thousands of our neighbors and ensures more families get the coverage that they need to thrive.  

When School Lets Out, Hunger Doesn’t Take a Break—Here’s How We’re Helping

Written by Meg Costa on . Posted in News & Updates.

Summer is a time for fun, freedom—and for far too many families in North Texas, uncertainty about where the next meal will come from.  

In Dallas County, one in four children face food insecurity, meaning they don’t know where their next meal will come from. The situation is growing even worse for many local families, as their budgets are being stretched by rising food and gas prices—a challenge that is hitting lower income people the hardest, according to recent research by the New York Federal Reserve Bank.  

At United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, we understand the importance of food access—because without it, families and individuals aren’t able to reach their full potential. That’s why next month we’re bringing the community together for one of our most impactful events of the year—the Summer Meals Kickoff sponsored by Vistra, DN Tanks, PepsiCo Foundation, Rocket Mortgage and Dallas Independent School District. This vibrant, family-friendly celebration—which is part of our Aspire United Volunteer Series presented by Texas Instruments—is designed to ensure children have access to the nutritious food and support they need all summer long. 

Summer Meals Kickoff 

Wednesday, June 10, 2026
10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Albert C. Black Jr. STEAM Academy (4200 Bonnie View Road, Dallas) 

Interested in being part of the fun? We’ll provide you with helpful resources on how to get free meals throughout the summer. You’ll also enjoy free meals during the event, free groceries to take home, snow cones from Kona Ice, music and inflatables, and resources focused on nutrition, wellness and healthy living. 

Register here to secure your spot. 

A Celebration with a Purpose 

Our annual Summer Meals Kickoff is an inspiring reminder of what’s possible when a community comes together. 

This high-energy morning will provide support to local families by offering: 

  • Free meals from Dallas ISD Food and Nutrition Services that will include brisket sandwiches, vegetables, loaded baked potatoes and milk  
  • Resources on how to access free meals throughout the summer 
  • Free groceries to take home 
  • Snow cones from Kona Ice 
  • A craft station, fun temporary tattoos, DIY pinwheels and a soccer themed painting craft 
  • A soccer challenge game, football, baseball batting, a carnival booth, a Connect 4 basketball game, bubbles, Jenga, cornhole and a soccer relay race 
  • Music and inflatables 
  • Resources focused on nutrition, wellness and healthy living 

But the real work happens after the inflatables come down: connecting families to year-round food programs, school district resources and community partners who can help when the next tough month rolls around.   

Childhood hunger doesn’t just mean an empty stomach. Kids who don’t eat regularly fall behind in school, miss more class days and carry health consequences into adulthood—which is why food access sits at the center of United Way’s work across education, income and health. 

Why Summer Matters So Much 

During the school year, thousands of children rely on school-based meal programs. When summer hits, those reliable meals disappear—and food insecurity rises. 

Our team works year-round with supporters like you to close that gap by expanding access, strengthening partnerships and raising awareness across North Texas. Last year, our Summer Meals Kickoff served around 1,200 of our neighbors, distributing more than 670 hot meals and about 400 boxes of produce to improve food security. 

“Summer should be a time for kids to grow, play and thrive—not worry about where their next meal will come from,” said Jennifer Sampson, McDermott-Templeton president and CEO of United Way of Metropolitan Dallas. “The Summer Meals Kickoff is an opportunity for our community to come together, point families toward the resources available and make sure no child in North Texas is left hungry.” 

Powered by Partnership 

Events like this demonstrate the power of our collaborative approach to community impact. We’re deeply grateful to the sponsors who made this event possible: 

  • Aspire United Volunteer Series Sponsor: Texas Instruments 
  • Event Sponsors: PepsiCo Foundation, Vistra, Rocket Mortgage and DN Tanks 

Support Food Access for All  

With hundreds of families expected to attend, the Summer Meals Kickoff is a powerful example of what community action looks like in real time. Volunteers, partners and neighbors come together to create a welcoming environment where families can access the resources they need—and kids can simply be kids. 

Your support makes it possible for United Way of Metropolitan Dallas to expand food access programs, connect families to critical resources and ensure children have the nutrition they need to live healthy, fulfilling lives—not just in the summer, but all year long. 

Donate today to support our food access initiatives and ensure no child in North Texas goes hungry. Together, we can turn summer into a season of opportunity—for every child.