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Author: Meg Costa

A Family Legacy of Leadership: The Staubachs Champion Reading Day and 40 Years of Tocqueville Impact

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

On Friday, March 6, nearly 1,000 volunteers will step into more than 700 classrooms across North Texas for one simple, powerful purpose: to read. 

Through United Way Reading Day presented by Atmos Energy, more than 13,000 pre-kindergarten and elementary students across 40 campuses and 11 school districts will experience the joy of storytelling—and the spark that reading can ignite in a child’s future. 

This year, we are especially honored to welcome the Staubach family as Reading Day Ambassadors: Jennifer Staubach Gates, Michelle Staubach Grimes, Amy Staubach Mentgen, Stephanie Staubach Phillips and Jeff Staubach—children of Roger Staubach and Marianne Staubach—whose deep commitment to early literacy reflects a legacy of leadership that spans generations. 

“Our parents taught us that giving back isn’t just something you do—it’s part of who you are,” Amy Staubach Mentgen said. “United Way has always been close to our family’s heart because it brings people together to create real, measurable impact. Early literacy, especially, changes the trajectory of a child’s life. Serving as Reading Day Ambassadors and helping lead the 40th anniversary of the Tocqueville Society is incredibly meaningful to us. It’s an opportunity to honor the legacy our father and mother built—and to help ensure that the next generation of North Texans has every opportunity to thrive.” 

A Legacy Rooted in Service 

Long before this year’s Reading Day, Roger Staubach was helping shine a light on United Way’s impact across North Texas. 

A legendary quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys, Staubach played 11 seasons in the NFL and became one of the most respected leaders in professional football. But in Dallas, his legacy extends far beyond the field. 

In the 1970s, he became a dedicated champion of United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, appearing in memorable public service campaigns that elevated awareness and inspired generosity. In one especially powerful 1974 PSA, Staubach appeared alongside a young heart patient, underscoring United Way’s life-changing work and the profound difference community support can make. 

For his extensive volunteer leadership and civic impact, he was honored with the prestigious J. Erik Jonsson Award—a testament to his enduring belief that leadership carries responsibility. Today, that same spirit of service lives on through his family. 

Reading Is a Foundation for Opportunity 

As part of the Aspire United Volunteer Series presented by Texas Instruments, Reading Day mobilizes volunteers, corporate partners and civic leaders to promote early literacy—a cornerstone of United Way’s Aspire United 2030 goals, which focus on expanding access to education, income and health. 

Reading at grade level by third grade is one of the strongest predictors of long-term academic success. When children reach this milestone, they are far more likely to graduate, pursue higher education and achieve economic mobility, which enables them to afford quality healthcare. 

Given the importance of early literacy, Reading Day is more than a volunteer opportunity. It is a strategic investment in the future of our region. 

This year’s theme—the future and its endless possibilities—reinforces that message. Volunteers will share books centered on dreaming big, innovation, perseverance and imagining what comes next, encouraging students to see reading as the key that unlocks opportunity. 

As Jennifer Sampson, McDermott-Templeton president and CEO of United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, shared, “As we kick off our second century of impact, Reading Day highlights the powerful role literacy plays in creating opportunity. Reading at grade level by third grade is a key milestone for student success. When our community comes together to share the joy of reading, we’re helping children build the skills and confidence they need to thrive.” 

Honoring 40 Years of Tocqueville Leadership 

Reading Day 2026 also carries special meaning as we approach the 40th anniversary of the Ruth Sharp Altshuler Tocqueville Society. 

Founded in 1986 by the late Dallas philanthropist Ruth Sharp Altshuler, the Tocqueville Society recognizes some of United Way’s most dedicated and generous investors—civic and business leaders who pair vision with action to create lasting results. 

In early 2027, we will celebrate four decades of extraordinary leadership and impact. Continuing their parents’ legacy as steadfast Tocqueville members, all five Staubach siblings and their spouses will serve as co-chairs of the 40th Anniversary Celebration—a powerful symbol of multi-generational commitment to ensuring that North Texas is the best place to live, work and raise a family—for all. 

A Family Tradition of Impact 

The Staubachs’ role as Reading Day Ambassadors beautifully connects two milestones: this year’s classroom impact and next year’s Tocqueville celebration. 

By reading to students, they are doing more than representing United Way. They are modeling what engaged philanthropy looks like: showing up, investing time and reinforcing the importance of early literacy at a moment when it matters most. 

For our Tocqueville members and broader community of supporters, the Staubach family’s commitment to United Way’s mission is a reminder that transformational change is rarely the result of a single moment. It is built through decades of leadership, generosity and shared purpose. 

As we launch into our second century of impact, we are grateful for families like the Staubachs, whose support of early literacy, volunteerism and United Way continues to strengthen the fabric of our community. 

female teacher reading an ABC book to preschool aged children

As Babies Born During COVID Enter Kindergarten, Educators Are Noticing New Challenges

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

Six years since COVID-19 shut down life as we know it, the first generation of children born during the pandemic has started kindergarten. According to new research, the stark challenges that these children experienced as infants and toddlers have had a lasting impact on their early literacy skills. 

At United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, supporting early literacy is just one of the many ways we improve access to education, income and health. From an early age, strong reading skills enable a student to succeed in school and, later, support their progress through college and into a career. Literacy skills even encourage health by enabling workers to afford high-quality care for themselves and their families. 

In the face of an event as consequential as the COVID pandemic, we must come together as a community to ensure local scholars can succeed. Let’s take a look at the latest research on post-COVID reading skills, as well as how you can support early literacy right here in North Texas. 

Reading Skills Have Suffered Since the Pandemic 

The disruption of the COVID years has had a lasting effect on many children’s learning abilities. According to a 2025 national survey conducted by Lexia, kids born during the pandemic are entering kindergarten with fewer school-readiness skills. Educators report that today’s 6-year-olds have less foundational literacy, attention and social-emotional development. 

The survey’s key findings include: 

  • Foundational literacy skills are lagging: 73% of teachers say kindergarteners are behind in early literacy. The biggest gaps include letter sounds, letter recognition, writing letters/names and vocabulary. 
  • Social-emotional readiness is lower: 82% say students are less socially-emotionally ready, especially with sharing, collaboration and emotion regulation. 
  • Attention spans are shorter: 89% report shorter attention spans during reading; two-thirds say much shorter. 
  • Confidence has declined: More than half say students are less confident participating in reading activities. 

In North Texas, educators have certainly had challenges with their students’ reading skills since the pandemic. However, the latest local research shows that third-grade reading proficiency has actually improved by 15% across our service area, signaling a strong recovery from pandemic learning loss. Luckily, our region has been laser focused on reading skills—and it shows. 

Early Literacy Is Foundational for Lifelong Success 

In the face of these troubling national trends, it’s vital for us to continue to work together to ensure North Texas students develop and maintain strong reading skills.  

At United Way, one of our key Aspire United 2030 goals is to increase by 50% the number of local scholars reading on grade level by third grade. That age is a pivotal time in a young reader’s life, because research shows that after third grade, almost all learning across subjects is done by reading. When a child can read proficiently, they are more likely to grow their learning and skills over time, in everything from math to history.  

Reading proficiency doesn’t only benefit students during their school years; it has a ripple effect throughout their entire life that directly supports our focus areas of education, income and health: 

  • Children who read proficiently by third grade are five times more likely to graduate ready for success in college or a career.  
  • College graduates can earn $36,000 more a year, enabling them to save for the future.  
  • Financially stable adults can access quality healthcare for themselves and their families.   

Together, We’re Improving Early Literacy in North Texas 

During the Lexia survey, researchers asked educators what they believe would improve early literacy foundations for today’s kindergarteners. They mentioned four steps that they think would help: 

  • Greater family engagement in reading 
  • More vocabulary and oral language development 
  • Focused phonics practice 
  • Increased small-group or one-on-one instruction time 

The good news is that by supporting early reading initiatives, we can meet these needs for local children.  

At United Way, we encourage early literacy in several ways, namely: 

  • Reading Day: During this beloved annual tradition, we bring together change-seekers from across North Texas to read to children in hundreds of classrooms. At this year’s Reading Day presented by Atmos Energy, held Friday, March 6, more than 1,000 volunteers will read to 13,000+ students, sparking a love of reading and supporting early literacy. (Volunteer registration is closed, but you can still support Reading Day by making a donation or contributing to our book drive.) 
  • Once Upon a Month: This popular program provides children ages 0-5 with free children’s books and accompanying parent guides every month. By encouraging early reading, the initiative stimulates curiosity, language development and learning skills. In the last year alone, we distributed more than 140,000 books to local children, expanding opportunities for families to read together and practice key vocabulary and phonics skills. (You can make a donation to Once Upon a Month to ensure more local children have a home library of their own.) 

To reach our goal of 83% third-grade reading proficiency by 2030, we’ll need to maintain a 3% annual increase through 2030. We’re on track—and committed. And we invite all of North Texas to come together in support of early literacy. Because when our youngest readers are prepared for success, our entire region will benefit for generations to come.  

Strategies for Building Wealth and Economic Mobility for Children and Families

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

As tax season begins, families have new opportunities to save money and take advantage of tax-free investment tools that help build generational wealth. Here in North Texas, United Way of Metropolitan Dallas is paving the way for children and families to access these pathways to financial stability. Through initiatives like Dollars for College, we expand opportunities for families to establish meaningful savings early in a child’s life.

At the same time, federal programs—including enhancements to the Child Tax Credit and the launch of new Trump Accounts, supported by the Trump Administration and Texas philanthropists such as Michael and Susan Dell—are expanding long-term savings options nationwide.  

These complementary efforts provide families with more ways to plan for the future. Read more below on what families need to know to make informed decisions.  

Why College Savings Plans Are Important 

Families who can save are better positioned to build wealth and create pathways to economic mobility. Yet many North Texas families face significant barriers to saving, because low wages and the rising costs of childcare, housing and groceries leave little room for long-term financial planning.  

Unfortunately, this means many local students don’t have funds to dedicate to higher education once they graduate high school. This contributes to the fact that fewer than one-third of high school graduates in North Texas go on to finish college.    

At United Way, we work to improve college attendance rates because it directly supports our focus areas of education, income and health. Going to college opens doors that will benefit a student throughout their entire life, such as more job options and higher wages. Education leads to financial security for an individual and their family, and it improves the odds that they’ll be able to live a long and healthy life.  

Today, a growing number of jobs require higher education or certification, and our region needs a strong pipeline of workers equipped with a bachelor’s degree or higher. Building that pipeline is one of the ways we drive progress toward our Aspire United 2030 goals, which include increasing by 20% the number of North Texas young adults who earn a living wage by 2030. 

Saving for the Future through Dollars for College   

To improve college enrollment rates, we offer Dollars for College, a children’s savings account program that provides low- and moderate-income 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. Dollars for Colleges uses an innovative 529 plan—My529.com—in partnership with local K-12 districts and schools, community partners and funders.  

Individual change-seekers can seed a child’s college savings account by donating just $50. Then, families can earn incentive deposits and can make their own deposits over time. During the four-year program, one of these savings accounts can grow to $500, and it continues to grow during the child’s primary and secondary education, which helps set a high school graduate up for success in college. 

The program has grown over time and currently serves more than 1,100 families with more than $511,000 in deposits.   

What are Trump Accounts?   

At the federal level, there have been continued investments in child tax credits and other college and education savings incentives, such as 529 plans, to help families build resources for their child’s future while providing more immediate access to capital.    

Last July, Congress passed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which established Trump Accounts—federally created, tax-deferred accounts designed to help families build long-term savings for children. These accounts launch on July 5, 2026, and are supported by detailed IRS guidance.   

Who’s Eligible for Trump Accounts? 

To be eligible for Trump Accounts, children must be born in the U.S., have a Social Security number and be under age 18 when the account is opened. Those born between 2025 and 2028 receive a $1,000 federal seed deposit, giving every eligible child an early financial foundation.  

Families can open an account through their 2025 tax filing or online. The easiest way is to file IRS Form 4547 online at trumpaccounts.gov. The form will ask for dates of birth, Social Security numbers and contact information.  

Families may contribute up to $5,000 per year, with additional contributions allowed from employers, charities and community organizations. Funds are invested in low-cost U.S. equity index funds, and accounts convert to a traditional IRA when the child turns 18.  

Philanthropic Investment and National Participation   

Beyond federal investment, a historic wave of philanthropy is dramatically expanding the reach of the Trump Accounts program. In December 2025, Texas philanthropists Michael and Susan Dell committed $6.25 billion, providing an extra $250 deposit to 25 million children in moderate-income ZIP codes. They were soon joined by New York philanthropists Ray and Barbara Dalio, who pledged $75 million to seed accounts for an additional 300,000 Connecticut children. These gifts—part of a national “50State Challenge”—ensure that millions more children, particularly in low- and middle-income communities, begin life with a real financial asset.  

The Trump Administration held a Trump Account Summit last month to advance national participation in the Trump Accounts initiative. The summit showcased major corporate commitments and philanthropic contributions from America’s leading companies, each pledging to match seed funding, broaden employee participation or develop innovative channels for account growth.  

Comparing Trump Accounts and Dollars for College 

For families, Trump Accounts represent an opportunity to save for education, homeownership, retirement and other long-term goals—offering a complement to community-based initiatives like United Way’s Dollars for College program.  

 

Feature   Trump Accounts   Dollars for College  
Primary Goal   Long-term wealth-building for children   Increase college enrollment & completion for local families  
Seed Deposit   $1,000 federal (for 2025–2028 births)    Typically $50 from district/partners   
Contribution Limits   $5,000/year (family) + $2,500/year employer    No fixed limit; flexible deposits   
Target Populations   All eligible U.S. children born 2025–2028   Low/moderate-income Dallas-area families  
Use of Funds   Withdrawals start at 18; becomes IRA   Qualified education expenses (K-12 & higher education)  
Program Scope   National   Local/regional (Dallas + partners)  

1,000 Volunteers Will Support Early Literacy by Reading to 13,000 Students

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

For change-seekers in North Texas, finding the best way to make an impact can sometimes feel challenging. There are plenty of volunteer and donation opportunities in our community—but identifying those that will actually make a difference can take time. 

At United Way Reading Day presented by Atmos Energy, held Friday, March 6, in classrooms across North Texas, the impact of every volunteer and every donation is immediately clear. Each time a volunteer reads to a classroom full of eager students, and each time a donated book is presented to a child, you can see the spark of excitement in their eyes.  

That was the experience for Sylvia, a volunteer at last year’s event, who says the children’s enthusiasm made a lasting impression. 

“Being in the classroom was amazing,” she said. “The children were so interactive. They asked questions, paid attention and were genuinely excited about the story. It was such a good feeling to be there with them.” 

This is the type of impact you can make by volunteering for United Way Reading Day. This year, the beloved tradition will once again bring together more than 1,000 volunteers to read to over 13,000 students in 1,000 elementary classrooms across North Texas. We invite anyone who is passionate about the region’s future to share their love of reading and help inspire a new generation of learners. 

Read on to learn more about the impact of Reading Day and why you should get involved. 

We Can All Work Together to Improve Early Literacy 

Reading Day is a uniquely fun and inspiring day, when individuals just like you get to spark a love of reading in local students. But the impact of the event goes well beyond that day. As a key part of our Aspire United Volunteer Series presented by Texas Instruments, Reading Day is a unique volunteer opportunity that enables supporters to have a direct impact on early literacy, which is foundational to the success of our region as a whole. 

Research indicates that by the end of third grade, 74% of struggling readers won’t ever catch up. That’s why it’s so important for children to have literacy opportunities and exposure as early as possible. Reading Day is just one way that we can expose students to fun reading experiences, together. 

The annual event directly supports our Aspire United 2030 goal to increase by 50% the number of North Texas students reading on grade level by third grade. This is a key milestone in every student’s life, because research shows that after third grade, most learning—up to 85%—is done by reading. When a child can read proficiently, they are equipped to grow their learning and skills over time, across all subjects.   

As a result, early literacy is foundational to long-term success in all three of our focus areas—education, income and health. Children who develop strong reading skills early are better prepared to learn, thrive and contribute as adults.  

Research shows the connection between education and other key areas: 

  • Children who enter school ready to learn are more likely to read proficiently by third grade.  
  • College graduates can earn $36,000 more a year, enabling them to save for the future. 
  • Financially stable adults can access quality healthcare for themselves and their families.  

By encouraging early reading as a community, together we can advance our mission to create access and opportunity for all North Texans to thrive.  

Last Year’s Reading Day Impacted 15,000 Students 

During our Centennial Anniversary Reading Day, we united with volunteers from across our community to make meaningful change—together:  

  • More than 1,000 classrooms participated 
  • 1,000 volunteers read to local students 
  • 15,000 scholars discovered beloved children’s books from the last 100 years, in honor of our Centennial Anniversary 
  • 47 elementary campuses celebrated across 12 school districts 
  • 2,900 literacy kits were prepared by our corporate partners 
  • 5,000 books were donated to local schools 

In addition to thousands of dedicated volunteers, we were also honored to welcome last year’s honorary Reading Day chair, Charlotte Jones, chief brand officer and co-owner of the Dallas Cowboys. We appreciate Charlotte for supporting early literacy in North Texas and for helping to bring attention to this great cause.  

We’re Launching into Our Second Century of Impact 

At this year’s event, volunteers will share engaging, future-focused books designed to inspire imagination, confidence, and a love of learning. 

This year’s Reading Day theme—the future and its endless possibilities—aligns with the start of our next 100 years, as well as the promise and potential of the road ahead for local students.  

Reading Proficiency in North Texas 

Our main Aspire United 2030 education goal is to increase by 50% the number of students reading on grade level by third grade. We’re proud to report that thanks to your support we are on track, with recent data showing that third-grade reading proficiency has jumped more than 15% in our service area.  

Our community wide Aspire United 2030 goals are our set of 10-year benchmarks guiding our impact in the areas of education, income and health now through 2030. Together with our independent external evaluator, the Parkland Center for Clinical Innovation (PCCI), we closely track progress toward our Aspire United 2030 community goals.   

Support Early Literacy in North Texas 

Ready to make a difference right here in our community? Here are three ways you can support early literacy: 

  1. Volunteer: Sign up as a Reading Day volunteer, and read to a classroom of elementary students on Friday, March 6. Hurry! Spots are filling up fast, and March 1 is the deadline to register. 
  1. Give: Make a donation to support programs like Once Upon a Month, which delivers age-appropriate children’s books to North Texas children every month to encourage language development and spark a love of reading. 
  1. Advocate: Join us in advocating for our legislative priorities, which include strengthening early literacy policies. Sign up for our Advocacy Alerts and Policy in Brief newsletter today. 

CBRE Supports Workforce Development through United Way’s Social Innovation Incubator

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

At United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, we’re proud of the impact of our corporate partnerships, which help enable us to change more than 1.7 million lives every year. 

One example of the power of partnership is CBRE’s Community Partner Program, a grant initiative focused on developing the workforce of tomorrow in major cities across the country, including Dallas. Since 2024, the initiative has provided vital funding to our Social Innovation Incubator program, enabling us to support local startups that are driving meaningful impact in our focus areas of education, income and health. 

Together, We’re Building the Workforce of Tomorrow 

CBRE, the world’s largest commercial real estate services and investment firm, is dedicated to supporting workforce development within communities across the U.S. 

CBRE’s Community Partner Program focuses on identifying and funding workforce development programs that achieve the following goals: 

  • Provide mentorship to small and/or diverse-owned businesses 
  • Address barriers to employment 
  • Provide skills training, mentorship programs, vocational training, career transition programs, alternative education programs, career counseling, etc. 

The United Way of Metropolitan Dallas Social Innovation Incubator fits the bill by providing professional mentoring to startup social innovation organizations, many of which focus on improving North Texas’ workforce and expanding the pipeline of living-wage jobs. 

The Incubator Supports Grassroots Impact 

At United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, social innovation is at the core of our mission to improve access to education, income and health. Since the launch of our Social Innovation Accelerator, we’ve become a leader in this space, championing social entrepreneurs who deliver measurable results. 

Launched in 2022, our Social Innovation Incubator is a 14-week program tailored to early-stage social ventures. The Incubator is an innovative way to bridge gaps in opportunity and resources to supercharge local startups and drive transformative change. 

By partnering with early-stage innovators, the Incubator allows us to broaden our network of community impact partners whose work aligns with our Aspire United 2030 goals: 

  • Increasing third-grade reading proficiency 
  • Improving access to living-wage jobs 
  • Expanding enrollment in affordable, quality health insurance plans 

The Incubator is ideal for social entrepreneurs who are new to community impact work. The program equips participants with the tools necessary to create validated business plans and launch impactful ventures, cultivating a stronger community of social innovators across North Texas while also building a pipeline for our Accelerator program and fostering sustained growth and innovation. 

“We’re thrilled that CBRE has chosen the Social Innovation Incubator as a Community Partner Program grant recipient for the second year in a row,” said Frank Santoni, vice president of Innovation and Design at United Way of Metropolitan Dallas. “Thanks to the support of corporate partners like CBRE, the Incubator is helping to build a stronger, more diverse network of social innovators in our community, which enables us to drive greater progress in our focus areas of education, income and health.” 

In just the last year, the impact of the Incubator and its participants has grown exponentially: 

  • 15 participants completed the program 
  • 100% graduation rate 
  • 226 hours of mentoring and coaching provided 
  • $85,000 invested in Incubator ventures 
  • 16,456 clients served by Incubator alumni 

Be Part of the Live United Movement 

Now is an exciting time to step up and be part of our community’s social innovation movement. We’re launching into our second century of service to North Texas, and together we can drive meaningful change by supporting social innovators who are making a grassroots impact in our community. 

We invite you to be a part of the change by supporting the Social Innovation Incubator, which in turn supports innovative organizations that are changing lives in their communities. Donate today to support our social innovation programs. 

Let’s Support Affordable, High-Quality Early Childhood Education in North Texas

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

At United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, we are focused on making our region the best place to live, work and raise a family. Early childhood education that supports North Texas families and our regional economy is an important component of our work.  

Because of our advocacy efforts in part, the Live United movement is helping drive real progress in early childhood education—but we know lasting change requires strong federal, state and local investments to expand quality, access and affordability. Here’s why. 

Access to high-quality, affordable early childhood education remains a critical barrier to work and economic stability for many North Texas families. When reliable childcare is unavailable or unaffordable, low-income working parents are often forced to reduce their work hours or leave the workforce altogether—heightening their risk of unemployment, housing instability and financial hardship. The national economy loses $57 billion annually when workers do not come to work because of lack of childcare. Texas loses nearly $10 billion each year as a result of parents leaving the workforce.  

The good news is that there is a bipartisan effort to increase public funding for early childhood education. Read on to learn how childcare is funded in Texas and to discover some of the current initiatives aimed at improving the early childhood education system. 

How is childcare publicly funded in Texas? 

The majority of public childcare funding in Texas comes from the federal Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF), authorized by the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) Act. CCDF dollars are used to: 

  • Provide childcare subsidies (known as “scholarships”) to low-income working families 
  • Improve childcare quality and safety 
  • Support workforce stability in the childcare sector 

Texas receives CCDF funds through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and administers them through the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC). TWC manages the statewide Child Care Services (CCS) program, which provides childcare scholarships. Local Workforce Development Boards administer those funds to local Workforce Solutions Offices, which partner with childcare resource and referral agencies, Headstart and childcare providers to help eligible parents find quality care in their community while working, in school or in training.   

Who receives childcare scholarships? What are the eligibility criteria?  

To receive publicly funded childcare in Texas, families must generally: 

  • Have income below 85% of state median income (about $92,000 annually for a family of four)  
  • Be working, in school, in job training or on an approved job search 
  • Have a child under 13 (or under 18 with a disability) 

Eligible parents receive a scholarship that is paid directly to the childcare provider.  Families pay a co-payment based on income.  These childcare scholarships can be used at licensed centers, home-based providers and faith-based programs.  

Texas provides limited ongoing state general revenue to expand childcare scholarships. As a result, there are large, persistent waitlists, exceeding 90,000 children across the state. Around 9,000 children are on the waitlist in North Texas.  

During the pandemic, Texas received large onetime federal childcare relief investments, most of which expired in 2024. More sustained funding is needed to meet the unmet need and reduce the number of eligible families on the waiting list.  

What has been the state response?  

During the 89th Texas Legislative Session, United Way prioritized access to affordable, high-quality childcare and early childhood programs that resulted in a historic $100 million investment for more childcare scholarships, which would move eligible low-income working families off the waitlist.  

Gov. Greg Abbott recently launched an 11-member Taskforce on Early Childhood Education and Care to improve childcare quality, access and affordability for Texas families and address inefficiencies in the childcare regulatory system. When announcing the taskforce, Gov. Abbott said, “The real reason why we passed this bill…is because of the importance of helping parents across the entire state be able to access quality and affordable childcare and child education for their children.”   

The state also plans to establish a Quad-Agency Child Care Initiative to bring together TWC and the Health and Human Services Commission, Department of Family Protective Services and Texas Education Agency to review and streamline regulations that would impact childcare programs.   

What has been the local response? 

Across the country, cities and counties have successfully organized voter-approved ballot measures, generating more than $2 billion annually in dedicated public funding for early childhood programs, including a landmark initiative in Travis County (Austin) led by United Way of Greater Austin. Travis County approved a 2.5-cent property tax that provides affordable childcare and youth services that will generate approximately $75 million annually to fund services for infants, toddlers and children in low-income families. 

In Dallas County, there is an emerging exploratory initiative to pursue a childcare and out-of-school time investment. This investment could generate $132 million in public funds annually, through a modest 3-cent property tax rate increase. This initiative is designed to expand access to quality, affordable care, strengthen the workforce by supporting parent employment and stable childcare staffing, and promote long-term family economic mobility. 

How is United Way supporting public funding for early childhood education? 

United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, in collaboration with regional partners, is exploring a proposed public funding investment in childcare and out-of-school time in North Texas that could appear on the November 2026 ballot for voter approval. This Dallas County initiative aims to expand access to quality, affordable childcare—strengthening families, supporting working parents and building long-term economic stability. 

Advocate With Us 

We invite you to stay connected to learn how you can support this public investment that will benefit working families and boost our regional and national economies.  

For further information, please email Hillary Evans, vice president of Policy and Advocacy at United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, at hevans@unitedwaydallas.org. 

Extreme Cold Is Headed to North Texas. Here’s How to Stay Safe.

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

An arctic blast is expected to bring dangerously cold temperatures and winter precipitation to North Texas this weekend. Our region has a high risk of snow and ice, which may create hazardous travel conditions and prompt road closures. 

State agencies are currently monitoring the power grid and natural gas supply as the storm system begins to move across the state. Gov. Greg Abbott has activated state emergency resources beginning Thursday, Jan. 22. 

Winter storms can be deadly, and we encourage all North Texans to prepare for extreme cold, snow and ice to protect themselves and their families. Our team at United Way of Metropolitan Dallas has compiled a list of local resources and tips that can help support you during this potentially dangerous weather event. 

How to Prepare for Winter Storms and Extreme Cold 

  • Create an emergency kit with winter-specific items, including: 
    • Rock salt or other EPA-recommended products to melt ice on walkways 
    • Sand or kitty litter to improve your vehicle’s traction 
    • Shovels or other snow removal equipment 
    • Alternate heating solutions, such as dry, seasoned firewood if you have a fireplace or wood-burning stove (Use caution and ventilation with space heater sources!) 
    • Adequate clothing and blankets to keep warm 
  • Locate your home’s water supply shut-off so you are prepared to turn off the water in case your pipes burst. 
  • Bring pets/companion animals inside during winter weather. Move other animals or livestock to sheltered areas with non-frozen drinking water. 
  • Make a family communications plan. Your family may not be together when disaster strikes, so it is important to know how you will contact one another, how you will get back together and what you will do in case of an emergency. 
  • Consider purchasing a NOAA Weather Radio, which broadcasts alerts and warnings directly from the National Weather Service for all hazards, or sign up to receive notifications from your local emergency services, such as the Dallas Police Department.  
  • Weatherize your homes by insulating your windows. Weatherize your vehicles by following your car’s maintenance guide and using winter or all-weather tires. 
  • Minimize travel. If travel is necessary, keep a disaster supplies kit in your vehicle. Consider including items such as winter boots, additional clothing layers, kitty litter (which improves your vehicle’s traction if you get stuck in snow or ice), extra food and water, and a small shovel.

How to Stay Safe During Winter Storms and Extreme Cold 

  • Stay indoors if possible. 
  • Move carefully on snowy or icy walkways. 
  • Avoid overexertion when shoveling snow. 
  • Stay dry. Wet clothing loses its insulating value and transmits heat rapidly. 
  • Watch for frostbite, which occurs when the skin and body tissue beneath it freezes.  
    • Symptoms: Loss of feeling and white or pale appearance in extremities—such as fingers, toes, earlobes, face and nose. 
    • What to do: Cover exposed skin, but do not rub the affected area in an attempt to warm it up. Seek immediate medical help. 
  • Prevent hypothermia, which occurs when your body temperature drops to a dangerous level (below 95 degrees Fahrenheit). 
    • Symptoms: Uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, disorientation, incoherence, slurred speech, drowsiness and apparent exhaustion. 
    • What to do: Get to a warm location. Remove wet clothing. Warm the center of the body first by wrapping in warm, dry blankets or clothing. Drink warm, non-alcoholic beverages if conscious. Seek immediate medical help. 
  • During snow and ice storms, drive only if necessary. Travel during the day or keep others informed of your schedule. Stay on main roads and avoid back road shortcuts. 
  • During freezing temperatures, you can minimize the risk of burst water pipes by keeping kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors open and leaving faucets on a slow drip. 
  • If pipes freeze, remove any insulation or layers of newspapers and wrap pipes in rags. Open all faucets and pour hot water over the pipes, starting where they were most exposed to the cold (or where the cold was most likely to penetrate). 
  • Maintain ventilation when using kerosene heaters to avoid build-up of toxic fumes. Refuel kerosene heaters outside and keep them at least 3 feet from flammable objects. Please note: Never use generators, grills or camp stoves indoors. Make sure your home is equipped with a carbon monoxide detector. 
  • Conserve fuel, if necessary, by keeping your residence cooler than normal. Temporarily close off heat to some rooms. 
  • If you will be going away during cold weather, leave the heat on in your home, set to a temperature no lower than 55 degrees Fahrenheit. 

 

Find a Local Warming Center 

During extreme cold, local officials open and operate warming centers for people who lose power or are experiencing homelessness. If you lose heat and/or power for several hours or have insufficient supplies to keep warm, consider sheltering elsewhere.  

  • Listen to local news or authorities for shelter information or instructions. 
  • View a map of warming centers and shelters here. 
  • To find the nearest public shelter in your area, text SHELTER + your ZIP code to 43362 (4FEMA) - (e.g., SHELTER20472).
  • Bring any personal items that you would need to spend the night (such as toiletries and medicines). Take precautions when traveling to the shelter. Dress warmly in layers, wear boots, mittens and a hat. 
  • Protect yourself from frostbite and hypothermia by wearing warm, loose-fitting, lightweight clothing in several layers. Stay indoors, if possible. 

 

Additional Cold Weather Preparedness Resources 

  • Dial 2-1-1 for expert help and connection to local community resources. 
  • View the City of Dallas Winter Weather Preparedness website here. 
  • View the City of Dallas Winter Weather Operations Plan here. 

North Texas CEOs Come Together to Explore the Future of Our Region

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

As we close the final chapter of of our Centennial anniversary year and turn our focus toward the future, United Way of Metropolitan Dallas’ CEO Advisory Council is launching the next century of impact.

Hosted by Texas Instruments (TI) at its Richardson manufacturing facility, the December advisory council meeting brought together nearly 20 chief executives representing some of the region’s most influential companies and institutions. It was our largest CEO Advisory Council convening to date—a testament to the momentum we are building together, and to the unique role United Way plays in uniting business leaders around shared purpose and measurable impact.

A warm thank you to the chief executives who attended:

CEO Advisory Council Co-Chairs

  • Jim Burke, President and CEO, Vistra
  • Curt Farmer, Chairman, President and CEO, Comerica Bank
  • Haviv Ilan, Chairman, President and CEO, Texas Instruments

CEO Advisory Council Members

  • Antonio Carrillo, President and CEO, Arcosa
  • Jay Hartzell, President, SMU
  • Robert Kaplan, Vice Chairman, Goldman Sachs
  • Michael Levy, CEO, Crow Holdings
  • Lorie Logan, President and CEO, Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas
  • Alok Maskara, President and CEO, Lennox International
  • Peter Matt, President and CEO, Commercial Metals Company
  • Prabhas Moghe, President, UT Dallas
  • Ross Perot, Jr., Chairman, Hillwood
  • Scott Richardson, Chairman and CEO, Celanese Corporation
  • Brint Ryan, Chairman and CEO, Ryan LLC
  • Jennifer Sampson, McDermott-Templeton President and CEO, United Way of Metropolitan Dallas
  • Jean Savage, President and CEO, Trinity Industries
  • John Stankey, CEO, AT&T
  • Sam Susser, Chairman and CEO, Susser Bank
  • Rich Templeton, Retired Chairman, Texas Instruments

It was an honor to have Rich Templeton, the recently retired Chairman of TI, join us as he closed out 45 remarkable years at TI.

This Council is truly one-of-a-kind in North Texas. It is a powerful forum where top corporate leaders engage directly with United Way’s leadership to advise on philanthropic strategy, explore emerging community needs and shape solutions that strengthen our region for generations to come, as we all work together to improve access to education, income and health.

From a Century of Impact to a Future of Possibility

Opening the meeting, Jim Burke, President and CEO of Vistra and incoming United Way of Metropolitan Annual Campaign chair, reflected on the significance of the moment. Burke succeeds Steven Williams, CEO of PepsiCo North America, who led a record-breaking Centennial campaign that delivered unprecedented, unrestricted resources for North Texas.

“With almost 20 CEOs in the room, this is our largest CEO Council convening yet,” Burke said. “That alone says something about the momentum we’re building together.”

Burke emphasized that United Way’s Centennial was never meant to be a single moment in time—it was designed as a long-term platform for impact creation. Thanks to extraordinary corporate and individual leadership, the Centennial year delivered significant philanthropic value for North Texas, including major gifts and grants and new endowment commitments.

“This is what it looks like when the business community shows up together with purpose,” Burke said.

He also recognized Haviv Ilan and TI for hosting the gathering and for the company’s nearly century-long role in shaping North Texas as a global innovation hub, as well as Antonio Carrillo of Arcosa, United Way of Metropolitan Dallas Board Chair, for his steady board leadership throughout the Centennial year.

A Behind-the-Scenes Look at Innovation—and Partnership

Texas Instruments Chairman, president and CEO Haviv Ilan welcomed Council members to TI’s Richardson facility, underscoring the deep and longstanding partnership between TI and United Way.

Texas Instruments Chairman, president and CEO Haviv Ilan welcomes CEO Council members to TI’s Richardson facility.

For almost 70 years, United Way has worked closely with TI to create meaningful impact across North Texas, with an emphasis on volunteerism, powering STEM initiatives and fundraising to fuel our impact in education, income and health. (Read our recent blog to learn more about TI’s incredible legacy of volunteerism and watch the TI volunteer video recap here: Aspire United Volunteer Series Video presented by TI ).

“We are proud of the connection between TI and United Way—it runs deep in our history and is strong in our culture,” Ilan said. “This connection is rooted in our long-standing commitment to build stronger communities and be a company that people are proud to have as a neighbor.”

As part of the convening, Council members received a behind-the-scenes look at TI’s semiconductor manufacturing operations, led by Mohammad Yunus, senior vice president of technology and manufacturing. The experience offered not only a primer on semiconductor manufacturing—playfully dubbed “Chips 101”—but also a tangible example of how global innovation will create opportunities for our future North Texas workforce.

Throughout the afternoon, a common theme emerged: when companies invest locally, align with community partners, and collaborate across sectors, the result is stronger talent pipelines, healthier communities and a more resilient regional economy.

Workforce as a Shared Imperative

For Burke, workforce development is a personal and professional priority—and one that sits at the heart of United Way’s strategy.

“At Vistra, United Way isn’t simply a philanthropic partner—it’s a strategic partner,” he said. “Our partnership opens doors for people who otherwise may never have access to the education, skills training, or support systems that lead to real, long-term opportunity.”

Burke highlighted United Way’s Pathways to Work initiative as a powerful example of what’s possible when business and community partners work together. Over the past decade, Pathways to Work has helped thousands of North Texans earn industry-recognized credentials that lead to living-wage careers, thanks to early investments from companies including PepsiCo, Caterpillar, Arcosa, Celanese, Trinity Industries and Beck Group.

But training alone is not enough.

“The training pipeline only works if there are jobs on the other end,” Burke said. “We have North Texas talent right here, ready to work, with the skills we need. Let’s hire them.”

Pathways to Work will be a central focus of Burke’s Annual Campaign chairmanship, reinforcing the connection between corporate investment and community mobility.

Launching the Next Century of Impact

Closing the meeting, Curt Farmer, chairman, president and CEO of Comerica Incorporated and Comerica Bank and co-chair of the CEO Advisory Council, reflected on the Council’s origins and its growing influence.

“When Jennifer and I launched this CEO Council, we wanted to create something lasting—a room where CEOs could learn from each other and leave with something valuable,” Farmer said. “Seeing nearly 20 of you here today tells me it’s working.”

Farmer framed United Way’s first 100 years as both an achievement and a launchpad. With deep relationships, trusted data and proven solutions, United Way is prepared to deliver impact at scale across North Texas.

“We’ve already seen what bold leadership looks like,” Farmer said, referencing the Centennial celebration where Rich and Mary Templeton received the J. Erik Jonsson Award—the highest honor United Way of Metropolitan Dallas bestows upon a volunteer—followed by the announcement of a $25 million gift from TI executives, past and present, in their honor. (Read more about this historic moment.) “When leaders have aligned energy and shared purpose, our impact doesn’t just add up—it multiplies.”

An Invitation to Lead—Together

As United Way embarks on its second century of service, the CEO Advisory Council will play an increasingly vital role in shaping the future of our region—helping ensure that business leadership remains deeply connected to community progress.

If you are a corporate leader interested in partnering with United Way of Metropolitan Dallas—through workforce development, strategic philanthropy, or broader community impact—we invite you to contact us to explore what’s possible.

Together, we can turn leadership into action—and action into lasting impact for North Texas.