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Author: Meg Costa

Introducing the 2027 Social Innovation Accelerator Cohort

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

At United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, we believe some of the most transformative solutions to our region’s biggest challenges begin with local innovators—change-makers who see a need and create a better path forward. 

That’s why we’re excited to introduce the 2027 Social Innovation Accelerator cohort: a group of visionary social entrepreneurs working to improve outcomes in education, income and health across North Texas. Through innovative ideas, deep community connections and an unwavering commitment to impact, these leaders are creating opportunities for individuals and families to thrive. 

Meet This Year’s Accelerator Fellows 

Learn a bit about this year’s fellows, their ventures and what they hope to gain from their Accelerator experience: 

Kalvin Bridgewater, Founder of Daddy Stroller Social Club 

Daddy Stroller Social Club exists to bring awareness, support and a culture of compassion to a deeply overlooked issue: postpartum depression in fathers. While maternal mental health has rightfully gained more attention, many fathers silently struggle with emotional, psychological and identity challenges during the postpartum and early-childhood periods, often without the language, support or safe space to express it. Daddy Stroller Social Club de-stigmatizes paternal postpartum depression through community-building, advocacy, outreach and storytelling.  

“Through the mentorship offered by the Social Innovation Accelerator, Daddy Stroller Social Club hopes to create a sustainable operating model that includes a robust customer relationship management system, allowing us to reach deeper into our community and further tackle the challenges of fatherhood postpartum depression.” 

 

Kimberly Brown, Founder & CEO of Snugs and Kisses

Snugs and Kisses is a parental wellness company supporting working families across North Texas through pregnancy, postpartum and the return to work. For seven years, they have delivered in-home and virtual doula care, lactation consulting, sleep coaching and parental education. Now, Snugs and Kisses is expanding into backup childcare, a childcare membership model and an employer-sponsored benefit model, bringing care directly into workplaces across North Texas, so no family has to navigate pregnancy through return-to-work alone. 

“United Way picks ventures they truly believe can make a difference. Being chosen for this program is the platform I need to continue showing why parental support like this matters, in the home, in the workplace and in the community. Working alongside mentors whose guidance sharpens the path forward, and fellows whose accountability keeps the momentum going, means I’ve found my people, partners who turn something I built alone into something built to last.” 

 

Dominique Johnson, Founder of A Mindful Resource Inc.

A Mindful Resource Inc. improves mental health outcomes for Black men through Bro Chill™, a culturally responsive wellness initiative that builds trust, reduces stigma and connects men to support before a crisis occurs. Bro Chill combines peer-led wellness circles, mental health education, digital engagement and community partnerships to normalize conversations about mental health and make help-seeking easier. Through the broader Care Before Crisis™ ecosystem, participants can also access screenings, resource navigation, training and culturally aligned care. Dominique is a recent participant of our Social Innovation Incubator.  

“As a former firefighter/paramedic and emergency department nurse, I’ve seen what happens when support comes too late. Bro Chill™ was created to change that by giving Black men a trusted space to connect before a crisis. The Social Innovation Accelerator is helping us build the partnerships and infrastructure needed to grow this model and create lasting change in our communities.”  

 

Von Minor, Founder & Executive Director of South Dallas Driving Academy

The South Dallas Driving Academy (SDDA) is a nonprofit created to help students and adults overcome economic barriers that deny access to driver’s and commercial licenses. Through its Accelerated Driver’s License and Commercial Driver’s License programs, SDDA provides affordable, accessible training that equips participants with credentials for employment and living-wage careers. Through strong community and employer partnerships, SDDA transforms driver’s license access from a barrier into a pathway to sustainable employment and economic mobility. 

“I am participating in the Social Innovation Accelerator to strategically scale South Dallas Driving Academy’s driver and commercial licensing programs across North Texas. Through mentorship and peer collaboration, we hope to refine our growth strategy, expand institutional partnerships and secure sustainable funding to break economic barriers for more individuals.” 

 

Shelby Patrice Jenkins, Founder & CEO of Budget University

Budget University is an accredited learning management system (LMS) that teaches financial literacy to learners of all backgrounds. The platform delivers structured, self-paced instruction through modules and quizzes covering topics such as 401(k), basic banking, credit, investing, student loans, life insurance and real estate. The goal with these topics is to build practical money-management skills, reaching users where they are.  

“I am beyond excited to be participating in the Social Innovation Accelerator, because Budget University now has the minds, ears and eyes to expand a platform built to be a positive disruption for communities, schools and individuals. Our mission is to break cycles and create generational wealth, which is exactly the kind of change United Way works to make every day.” 

 

 

Brian Reynolds, Founder & CEO of First Team

First Team is a workforce development nonprofit helping college athletes translate the discipline, resilience, leadership and teamwork developed through sports into meaningful careers. Through career preparation, individualized coaching and employer partnerships, First Team creates pathways to internships, employment and long-term career success. Building on a successful university pilot, where 75-80% of participants secured full-time employment within six months, First Team is launching in North Texas with a vision to scale its model to serve athletes everywhere. Brian is our first Accelerator fellow to return to the program with a new venture. He previously participated as a co-founder of Trey Athletes. 

“Returning to the Social Innovation Accelerator feels especially meaningful—like a homecoming. I’m excited to work alongside United Way and the Social Innovation Accelerator community to strengthen First Team, build the partnerships that will make our work successful, and lay the foundation in North Texas to serve college athletes everywhere.” 

 

David Stenson, Founder of EETZ

EETZ Technologies is an on-demand surplus food logistics platform that identifies excess food at its source and connects it with nearby organizations and people who need it. Approximately 35% of food produced for human consumption goes to waste across the food lifecycle, from farming and transportation to processing, manufacturing and retail. EETZ uses mobile technology and real-time notifications to quickly identify available surplus and coordinate its redistribution to food-insecure families and veterans. David is a recent participant of our Social Innovation Incubator. 

“Participating in the Social Innovation Accelerator will allow me to learn from experienced mentors, strengthen EETZ Rescue’s business model and build relationships with other purpose-driven entrepreneurs. I hope to gain the strategic insights, partnerships and resources needed to scale our technology and accelerate our mission of ensuring surplus food feeds people, fuels energy or composts—instead of filling landfills.” 

 

Kristen Wells-Collins, Founder & CEO, Black to the Lab

Black to the Lab is transforming how girls experience STEM by using cosmetic chemistry as a gateway into science to counter the decline in STEM interest that often begins at a young age. Through hands-on product formulation experiences, girls create products like lip gloss, body scrubs and bath bombs while learning the science behind them. Their mission is to increase STEM confidence, engagement and career awareness among girls—particularly those traditionally underrepresented in STEM—through culturally relevant learning experiences, educational products and technology-enabled curriculum. Kristen is a recent participant of our Social Innovation Incubator. 

“I’m participating in the Social Innovation Accelerator to strengthen Black to the Lab’s impact and expand Hey Labmates into a scalable platform that helps more girls see themselves in STEM. I hope to gain the strategy, connections and resources needed to grow sustainably while building stronger systems to measure and communicate our impact.” 

What’s Next for the 2027 Cohort 

The fellows are beginning an intensive six-week Boot Camp designed to strengthen their venture models, sharpen strategic clarity and focus their efforts on the priorities that will drive their ventures forward.  

After that will come the Milestone Accelerator phase of the program, where fellows will turn those priorities into action, working closely with dedicated teams of mentors to achieve key milestones and prepare their ventures for the next stage of growth.  

Then, all eight fellows will have the opportunity to participate in United Way’s Showcase, where they’ll introduce their ventures to a broad audience of community leaders, prospective customers, funders, partners and supporters across North Texas. The Showcase will give every member of the cohort a platform to build visibility, make valuable connections and open doors to new opportunities.  

And finally, five fellows will be selected to compete at The Pitch, United Way’s annual social innovation competition. There, they’ll present their ventures for the opportunity to receive additional seed funding and accelerate their impact even further. 

We’re excited to follow their journeys and share their progress throughout the year. Stay tuned to see how these innovative leaders continue creating change across North Texas. 

The Social Innovation Accelerator Drives Progress Toward Our Goals 

Embracing innovation and collaboration allows us to stay nimble as we lead a movement to improve education, income and health in North Texas.  

Through our social innovation programs, United Way of Metropolitan Dallas partners with mission-driven entrepreneurs and organizations that are developing creative, scalable solutions to challenges affecting education, income and health in our communities.  

Since we founded the program in 2013, the  Social Innovation Accelerator has supported promising nonprofit and for-profit social ventures with funding, mentorship and connections that help them strengthen their organizations and scale their impact. In the years since, the Accelerator has helped drive our growing impact across North Texas: 

  • 113 local social entrepreneurs have completed the Accelerator 
  • 579,000+ neighbors have been served by Accelerator alumni 
  • $83.2 million has been raised by Accelerator alumni 
  • $545,000 in seed funding invested through the Accelerator and The Pitch annually 
  • 15,000 hours of mentoring and coaching provided to Accelerator fellows each year 

Support Local Social Entrepreneurs 

Innovative grassroots ideas are one key to solving the challenges facing our communities. Supporters like you can help power the next successful startup that will have a profound impact on North Texas. Make a donation to United Way and help grow our movement of people and organizations that are creating real change in education, income and health.  

volunteers serving food

New Research Shows that Hunger Has Increased 35% in North Texas

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

Hunger has been a growing problem in North Texas over the last several years—even before recent legislation ended SNAP benefits for more than half a million Texans. 

New research from Feeding America shows that nearly 1.4 million North Texans in 2024 experienced food insecurity, meaning they didn’t know where their next meal was coming from. That’s nearly 20% of our region’s population, struggling to stay well fed. 

Across our region, food insecurity increased 35% from 2019 to 2024, the survey found. And the problem is hitting every age bracket, from young kids up to seniors.  

Food insecurity goes hand in hand with hunger, which has direct and lasting negative impacts on children and adults alike. For United Way of Metropolitan Dallas and our supporters, these numbers are a reminder that far too many of our neighbors need support at the most important and most fundamental level: having enough to eat. 

Here’s what increasing rates of hunger mean for children in our community and what we are doing to help North Texans bridge the gap. 

Why is hunger increasing in North Texas?

Experts point to a variety of factors driving the increase in hunger: the cost of food, housing and transportation; the availability of food in underserved areas; and a lack of living wages. Basically, people aren’t making enough money to afford the rising cost of everyday necessities.  

For many families, the situation has grown even more dire in the last 12 months. The 35% increase in food insecurity cited by Feeding America is from 2024 data—well before many North Texans lost their SNAP benefits, first during last year’s government shutdown and, more recently, as a result of funding cuts following the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. 

Today, about 550,000 fewer Texans receive SNAP benefits than a year ago—a 16% drop—and more than half of the people losing food assistance are children, according to reports.  

How does hunger affect a child’s ability to learn? 

Access to food is essential for maintaining good health. The availability of regular, nutritious meals significantly influences United Way’s focus areas of education, income and health, enabling children to stay healthy, learn and develop, succeed in school, and go on to achieve a stable career. On the other hand, hunger can cause significant challenges for kids at every stage. 

“Hunger and the lack of proper nutrition affects all of our lives in so many different ways,” says Ashley Douglas, vice president of Southern Dallas Thrives at United Way of Metropolitan Dallas. “For scholars and students, it directly impedes their ability to function in the classroom. We see it show up in the inability to properly focus and limiting learning capacity overall.”  

Research has also shown that childhood hunger can lead to an increased risk of health problems and developmental difference, both of which can have long-term effects on an individual’s success in school, physical health, career prospects and financial stability. 

How do we prevent hunger in North Texas? 

We can prevent hunger in our community by addressing barriers to food access and supporting people’s financial stability. 

Barriers to nutritious food might include a lack of grocery stores, which is the reality in many communities in Southern Dallas. It might also include a lack of transportation and living-wage jobs and increased grocery costs. For our neighbors who are struggling to make ends meet, it’s sometimes impossible to stretch every dollar far enough to pay for groceries, bills, rent and the unexpected, so it’s important to support programs that create pathways to living-wage jobs.  

Douglas says that today it’s more important than ever to strengthen access to nutrition for students, families and communities. “Improving the availability of resources—and advocating for those resources—is critically important in supporting our communities both locally and nationwide.” 

What United Way programs help prevent hunger? 

United Way takes two approaches to prevent hunger: by improving food access and by addressing the factors that make hunger all too common in our community, such as a lack of living wage jobs. 

Through programs like our Summer Meals Kickoff, we connect local families to critical resources such as free meals and grocery distributions during the summer months. And through our Community Impact Partners, like the Empowering the Masses Community Market, we improve food access for even more North Texans. In our last fiscal year alone, our Southern Dallas Thrives initiative provided more than 135,000 meals to local families. 

Meanwhile, we support our neighbors in other areas of their lives where setbacks can easily lead to food insecurity—encouraging career stability, overall health and financial security. For example: 

  • In the last year, nearly 5,000 workers earned new jobs with higher salaries after completing training through our Pathways to Work initiative. 
  • More than 1,100 families have opened savings accounts through Dollars for College, putting their children on a path to a higher education and better paying jobs. 

These and other United Way programs create economic and employment stability for our neighbors, which helps to ensure they can afford quality, nutritious food for themselves and their families. 

What are some ways to volunteer or donate to prevent hunger? 

At United Way, we hold several volunteer opportunities throughout the year that support food access, including the Meal Pack Party in November, where volunteers will pack more than 40,000 meals for families in our community. Volunteer registration will open soon, and you can sign up for updates on our volunteer webpage. 

Your donation to United Way can also prevent hunger by improving food access and by connecting more of our neighbors to good-paying jobs, higher education and affordable healthcare. Donate now. 

Meanwhile, you can join us in advocating for food assistance programs. Now is a powerful time to urge Congress to delay implementation of a new SNAP cost share requirement, which could have significant financial consequences for Texas and threaten access to food assistance for families across the state. Find out how you can help in our recent blog. 

Together, We’re Setting Local Students and Teachers Up for Success

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

As students and teachers prepare for a new school year, United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, volunteers and community partners came together to make sure two Dallas ISD campuses are ready to welcome them with confidence, support and opportunity. 

On August 7, more than 130 volunteers gathered at Eladio L. Martinez Learning Center and Clara Oliver Elementary School for our annual Stock the School initiative, part of the Aspire United Volunteer Series presented by Texas Instruments and supported by Vistra, DN Tanks and Rocket Mortgage. Together, they spent the morning transforming learning spaces, assembling resources and providing essential supplies that will ensure students and educators start the year strong. 

At United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to thrive, and it all starts in the classroom. For 100 years, we’ve worked to support local students, because educational success creates a lifelong foundation for opportunity. Stock the School is one way we bring that commitment to life by ensuring schools have the resources they need to help every learner succeed. 

Volunteers Create a Lasting Impact 

Throughout the day, volunteers rolled up their sleeves to tackle projects designed to improve both student learning environments and teacher support spaces. 

Across both campuses, teams organized and cleaned shared spaces, refreshed teacher lounges and workspaces, assembled and installed updated décor, and stocked shelves with essential learning supplies and materials. These improvements help create welcoming, functional environments where students can focus on learning and teachers can do their best work. 

At Clara Oliver Elementary School, volunteers completed five major projects, including assembling kits, organizing and cleaning a storage closet, refreshing the teacher lounge and conference room, and revitalizing a teacher workroom. Thanks to generous volunteer donations, the campus also received: 

  • 300 new student uniforms 
  • 200 student snacks 
  • 200 literacy kits 
  • More than 100 books 
  • 100 pairs of headphones 
  • 50 teacher kits assembled by volunteers 
  • Hygiene kits for students 

One teacher who got a sneak peek at the new spaces said, “This is what you call a teachers’ lounge! Fixing up these spaces was long overdue, and we’re so happy to have the help.” 

Meanwhile, volunteers at Eladio L. Martinez Learning Center worked alongside school staff to enhance learning spaces and refresh the laundry room and an adult restroom. They also set up new spaces that will support learning, including a calm down corner, a sensory space and multiple storage options in the counselor’s office, two teacher workspaces and a teacher’s lounge—complete with new furniture, snacks, drinks, and coffee and tea stations.  

The school also received: 

  • 450 uniforms 
  • 100 teacher kits 
  • 100 phonics books  
  • 5 boxes of assorted school supplies for students 
  • A brand-new washer and dryer 

Together, these projects saved both schools more than $50,000 in supplies, materials and labor. These resources will ensure that students arrive ready to learn while giving educators access to tools that support classroom success from day one. 

Supporting Students and Teachers 

Stock the School is about more than school supplies. It’s about investing in the people and places that make learning possible. 

Teachers across the country often spend hundreds of dollars of their own money on classroom necessities each year. Meanwhile, as the cost of food and other necessities rise, many families in our community struggle to afford basic school supplies, uniforms and snacks for the school day. By equipping classrooms, organizing workspaces and providing educational materials, our volunteers help ease some of the burden on teachers and students alike, so the focus can remain on learning. 

As Chara Pace, principal at Clinton P. Russell Elementary, said during last year’s event: “This means that the community cares about our teachers, our students and our campus as a whole. If we pour into the teachers, they’ll be able to pour into the students. They’re in a space mentally where they can give back. If we’re able to connect with them and get them the things they need to feel comfortable, then they’ll in turn be able to support our students and prepare them for success.”  

Community Partnerships Power Progress 

The success of Stock the School would not be possible without the dedication of our volunteers and corporate partners. 

We are deeply grateful to Texas Instruments, Vistra, DN Tanks and Rocket Mortgage for their partnership and commitment to advancing educational opportunity in North Texas. Their support demonstrates what’s possible when businesses, nonprofits and community members come together around a shared goal. 

Building Opportunity, Together 

Stock the School directly supports our mission to improve access to education, income and health, the building blocks of opportunity for all North Texans. 

Every organized classroom, stocked shelf, literacy kit and school uniform represents more than a donation. It represents a community showing students that they are seen, valued and supported. When students walk into a welcoming classroom with the resources they need and the encouragement of an entire community behind them, they’re better positioned to succeed, not just this school year, but for years to come. 

To every volunteer, partner, educator and supporter who made this year’s Stock the School initiative possible: Thank you for helping create brighter futures, one school at a time. 

Join Us in Supporting Education in North Texas 

Stock the School may be a wrap, but you can still help equip students and teachers for success as they kick off the new school year. Make a donation to United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, and your dollars can fund programs that give students a head start, such as: 

  • Once Upon a Month, which delivers free age-appropriate children’s books to nearly 12,000 young readers across North Texas each year 
  • Dollars for College, which has kickstarted college savings accounts for more than 1,100 low-income families 
  • kids teaching kids, which introduced more than 12,000 local students to healthier eating habits last year 

Donate Now 

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act, One Year Later: What It Means for North Texans 

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

About 550,000 fewer Texans receive SNAP benefits than a year ago—a 16% drop—and more than half of the people losing food assistance are children, according to reports. This loss of support is the clearest local result of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed into law on July 4, 2025.  

For families, service providers, schools, health systems, employers and community organizations across the United Way of Metropolitan Dallas network, the one-year anniversary of the law is more than a marker on the calendar. It is an opportunity to assess what has changed, what pressures are emerging, and how our region can respond with clarity and urgency. 

Here’s what the law changed for food assistance, health coverage and family savings in Dallas, Collin, Rockwall and southern Denton counties—and what you can do about it. 

What is the One Big Beautiful Bill Act? 

The OBBBA was signed into law on July 4, 2025. The law is a cornerstone of President Trump’s second-term economic and domestic agenda, and includes: 

  • Tax code changes: The OBBBA made tax cuts permanent from the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.  

How has the One Big Beautiful Bill Act impacted North Texas? 

The first year of OBBBA implementation has been challenging for many of our low- and moderate-income neighbors, in particular due to increased healthcare costs and cuts to food assistance.  

“The law has made it clear that economic mobility is not created by aspiration alone,” says Hillary Evans, vice president of policy and advocacy at United Way of Metropolitan Dallas. “It depends on whether families can reliably access the food, health coverage, childcare, transportation and public systems that make stability possible.”  

We are also seeing a different face of need: not only families living in generational poverty, but moderate-income working households whose stability can be upended by a job loss, divorce, change in caregiving, health emergency or other reduction in income. For these families, financial stability depends on whether public systems are accessible, predictable and designed to help people stabilize during moments of transition.  

When food assistance and health coverage become harder to access, families often face impossible tradeoffs: groceries or rent, prescriptions or utilities, childcare or transportation. We’re seeing our neighbors have to make these types of difficult decisions in classrooms, workplaces, emergency rooms, food pantries and household budgets across North Texas. 

How are SNAP restrictions hurting North Texas families? 

One of the most immediate impacts of the law has been its restrictions on SNAP. OBBBA expanded work requirements and narrowed exemptions, meaning more adults must document qualifying work, training or service hours to maintain food assistance. While lawmakers often frame the goal of these types of policies as “getting people back to work,” many SNAP participants already work, care for family members, attend school or face barriers such as unstable schedules, limited transportation, health challenges, caregiving responsibilities or gaps in available training slots. 

A year later, the practical effect of the law is becoming clearer: Eligible people can lose food support not because they no longer need help, but because the rules are harder to navigate. For North Texas, that means greater demand on food banks, schools, faith communities, community-based organizations and emergency assistance providers. As enrollment declines, our region also risks losing food dollars that circulate through grocery stores, farmers, distributors, logistics networks and local employers.  

“Hunger is not only a household issue; it is an economic stability issue,” Evans says. “Texas is already one of the most food-insecure states in the nation, and these new SNAP work requirements are making hunger an everyday reality for more of our neighbors.” 

How are Medicaid enrollment declines affecting health, work and family stability? 

OBBBA also created new Medicaid eligibility and verification requirements, including work requirements for certain adults and more frequent checks in states affected by the law’s provisions.  

Although Texas has not expanded Medicaid, changes in federal policy still matter for our state’s broader health coverage environment, as well as safety-net providers and families navigating complex eligibility rules. One year in, the concern is not only who qualifies for coverage, but who can successfully complete the steps required to keep it. 

Enrollment declines have consequences beyond the doctor’s office. When people lose Medicaid, they may delay preventive care, skip medications, rely more heavily on emergency rooms or struggle to manage chronic conditions. For children and families, health coverage is connected to school attendance, child development, parental employment and financial security. For local hospitals, clinics, behavioral health providers and county systems, coverage losses can increase uncompensated care and strain already limited resources. 

Immigrant families and mixed-status households are having an especially difficult time navigating major cuts to SNAP and Medicaid. With many non-citizens losing federal coverage and stricter work rules expanding to seniors aged 60 to 64, North Texas food banks report significant participation drops and a surge in local demand.  

To complicate the situation further, many Americans who access health coverage through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) have seen their premium and deductible costs rise significantly over the last year, after Congress failed to extend ACA subsidies that made health insurance more affordable. As of July, about 2.6 million Americans have dropped or lost their ACA insurance due to rising costs, making this year the steepest single-year decline since the Marketplace opened in 2014.  

How are Trump Accounts benefiting families? 

While the OBBBA has created new limitations on SNAP and Medicaid programs, one silver lining of the law is the way it is helping families invest for the future and create pathways for generational wealth.  

The law established Trump Accounts, a new savings and investment vehicle for children structured as traditional IRAs for minors. The program is designed to encourage long-term investing and financial literacy by providing eligible children with an opportunity to begin saving money from birth. Accounts are owned by the child, managed by an authorized adult and subject to strict contribution, investment and withdrawal rules until the child reaches age 18.  

A key feature is a pilot program providing a one-time $1,000 Treasury contribution for eligible U.S.-citizen children born between January 1, 2025, and December 31, 2028. Families can establish accounts through the IRS or the Trump Accounts app. The Department of the Treasury formally launched Trump Accounts on July 4.  

For more information, read our blog that compares Trump Accounts with other savings options, including our Dollars for College program. 

What does the One Big Beautiful Bill Act mean for North Texans moving forward? 

At United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, we improve access to education, income and health, three pillars that create a foundation for individuals, families and communities.  

The one-year anniversary of OBBBA makes clear that these three issues cannot be separated. A student who comes to school hungry cannot fully learn. A parent who loses health coverage may miss work or face medical debt. A worker who loses SNAP benefits because of paperwork or an unstable schedule may have less capacity to pursue training, maintain employment or care for family members.  

The anniversary gives us a moment to move from awareness to coordinated action. That means listening to families and frontline organizations, tracking enrollment and service demand, supporting benefits navigation, partnering with food and health providers, and elevating policy recommendations that reduce administrative barriers. It also means telling a regional story: When families can meet basic needs, children learn, adults work, employers benefit and communities are stronger. 

The second year of implementation will require all of us to do more than monitor federal changes. It will require local strategies that protect access, improve communication and help eligible residents stay connected to food and health coverage. It will require policymakers to understand the real-world effects of work requirements, redeterminations, call center delays, document requests and benefit disruptions. And it will require community partners like United Way to work together so families do not fall through the cracks. 

At United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, we know that opportunity is built when families have the resources, relationships and support systems they need to thrive. One year after OBBBA reshaped SNAP and Medicaid, our goal is to keep the focus where it belongs: on the children, workers, caregivers, seniors, veterans, people with disabilities and families whose stability strengthens the entire North Texas region. 

For the United Way of Metropolitan Dallas network, this is where policy and practice meet. The question is not simply whether benefits exist on paper. The question is whether eligible families can actually access them, keep them and use them as a bridge to stability. As implementation continues, state, local, philanthropic, private sector, and nonprofit partners have an important role to play in reducing unnecessary coverage and benefit losses. 

What You Can Do to Help: Urge Congress to Delay the SNAP Cost Share Requirement 

United Way of Metropolitan Dallas joins other United Ways and community partners to urge Congress to delay implementation of a new SNAP cost share requirement, which could have significant financial consequences for Texas and threaten access to food assistance for families across the state. 

The Senate Agriculture Committee recently released draft Farm Bill language that does not include a delay of the SNAP cost share requirement. A committee markup is expected before the August recess, making the next several weeks a critical opportunity for advocates to speak up. 

Three Ways You Can Help, Right Now 

  1. Contact your members of Congress directly or send a message through Feeding Texas’ e-mobilization campaign. (Visit Congress.gov to find the best ways to contact your members of Congress.) 
  1. Share the Feeding Texas action alert with your colleagues, partners and community members. 
  1. Help spread the word on social media using the outreach toolkit from Feeding Texas, including ready-to-use Canva graphics. 

Why The SNAP Cost Share Requirement Matters 

OBBBA shifts a portion of SNAP benefit costs to states for the first time in the program’s 60-year history. Beginning October 1, 2027, states with SNAP payment error rates above 6% must pay between 5 and 15% of benefit costs. In fiscal year 2025, Texas’ payment error rate was 9.34%, and the state could face up to $709 million in new annual costs beginning in fiscal year 2028. 

At the same time, SNAP participation in Texas has already fallen dramatically since OBBBA was enacted, with about 550,000 fewer Texans receiving SNAP benefits. More than half of those affected are children. 

Now is the time to urge Congress to provide states with additional time before these costly new requirements take effect. Your voice can help protect nutrition assistance for Texas families while giving states the opportunity to strengthen program administration and avoid significant new financial burdens.  

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