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Author: Meg Costa

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The Local Impact of the Federal Budget: What North Texans Need to Know

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

On Friday, June 6, United Way of Metropolitan Dallas hosted a Federal Budget Briefing Virtual Lunch & Learn to unpack how the federal budget reconciliation process could shape the future of critical services in North Texas. 

As Congress debates potential cuts to essential programs, we are closely monitoring how these decisions could impact our region—especially programs like Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which provide vital support for healthcare and food access. Cuts in these areas would harm our neighbors and impede progress toward our community-wide Aspire United 2030 goals in education, income and health.  

The virtual event brought together policy experts to explore: 

  • The federal budget reconciliation process and what’s currently on the table 
  • The potential impact of proposed cuts to safety net programs like Medicaid and SNAP 
  • How these changes could affect the Texas state budget and local communities across North Texas 
  • Actionable ways to advocate for the protection of these essential programs 

Read on to learn more about the engaging briefing and what the federal budget process could mean for North Texas. 

Making Sense of the Local Impact of the Federal Budget 

Hillary Evans, vice president of Policy and Advocacy at United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, moderated the discussion. She opened the session by highlighting the deep connection between federal budget priorities and local policy outcomes. 

“No matter how you’re entering this discussion, there’s a lot of information and misinformation out there in this ever-changing federal policy landscape,” she said. “The purpose of this briefing is to inform and focus on what we can do. We will be providing an overview of the federal budget process and where we are currently in the process, developing a deeper understanding of how the federal budget affects Texas and our North Texas communities, particularly through an economic impact lens. And then we want to leave you with tangible ways to engage in advocacy and stay informed.” 

The event served as both an educational resource and a call to action, empowering attendees to stay informed and involved in shaping policies that directly affect the well-being of North Texans. It featured a panel discussion with some of our community’s leading change agents, each of whom have firsthand experience with how the federal budget cuts have impacted the community in the sectors of education, income and health: 

  • Daniel Bouton, vice president of health and wellness, United Way of Metropolitan Dallas  
  • Lynn Cowles, director of health and food justice, Every Texan 
  • Kelsey Mellette, director of federal policy and advocacy, United Way Worldwide  

View a video for the full event below, or read on for highlights from the Q&A. 

Insights From Local Policy Experts 

Hillary Evans: Kelsey, Congress is using budget reconciliation as a strategy to fast-track the “One Big, Beautiful Bill Act,” or the tax and spending plan that’s working its way through Congress. Could you level set us as to what budget reconciliation actually means and where things currently stand?  Also, how does President Trump’s proposed budget factor into the federal budget process? 

Kelsey Mellette: Budget reconciliation is a special legislative tool that can be used to fast-track high-priority legislation that changes spending, revenues or the debt limit. In practice, this means tax policies and changes to mandatory or entitlement spending, such as programs like Medicare, Medicaid and SNAP. Notably, budget reconciliation cannot be used for any changes to Social Security.  

In the Senate, reconciliation bills are not subject to the 60-vote threshold of typical legislation and instead can pass with 51 votes. That’s why it’s been a really appealing process when one party controls the White House, the House of Representatives and the Senate, but doesn’t have the full 60 votes in the Senate to pass legislation through the normal process. To get the process started, it’s a little technical, but the House and Senate agree to an annual budget resolution that sets their overall budget plan for the year. 

So talking about the fiscal year 2025 Bill, the one Big Beautiful Bill Act is really intended to be the centerpiece legislation of President Trump’s first-year agenda with a few goals: to reauthorize the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, raise the debt ceiling, and increase defense and border spending. But I know we’ve heard a lot from our network on some of the key areas of concern from the budget. The president’s budget proposes to eliminate AmeriCorps funding and the entire Corporation for National and Community Service and then Head Start. Another cut that we’ve heard about from the network that I think folks are tracking is the cut to the maximum annual Pell Grant, which helps low-income students support post-secondary education. But the president’s budget is just a recommendation, and I encourage people to remember that Congress has the ultimate decision on what is funded and at what levels. 

Evans: Lynn, given your expertise in healthcare and food access, could you explain specifically how programs like Medicaid and SNAP could be affected in Texas? What would be the overall economic impact if these proposed cuts go through? 

Lynn Cowles: The effects that we’ll see in coverage in Texas are vast, and because Medicaid is a complicated program, they extend into many different populations and in many different ways. The first thing that I wanted to cover, in case anyone is not totally steeped in this world, are some of the key programs that we’re going to see cut by these budget proposals. So, Medicaid is a no-cost healthcare program for low-income children, for seniors, for disabled people and for pregnant people in Texas.  

There are some things that the federal government requires Medicaid to cover. Right now, there’s not a whole lot in the bill that tries to make changes to coverage services, but some services that are covered by Medicaid are optional in states. Medicaid covers primary care and specialist care. If a kid needs to go get an injury checked out and then they need to see a radiologist for an x-ray and then maybe they need to see a dentist, all these things are covered by Medicaid, but dental care is actually like an option. So, states opt into dental care. If the federal government takes money away from the Medicaid program, then states have to deal with that somehow. And oftentimes states will cut optional programs to deal with the lack of funding that’s coming from the federal government when we see cuts like this. 

But we have never actually seen cuts like this before, so we don’t know yet and state lawmakers don’t know. And we’re all waiting to see what happens with the Senate, how reasonable senators are actually going to be with the level of these devastating cuts that they feel comfortable with in thinking about their constituents, and whether or not state lawmakers are going to have to cut things like kids’ dental care or nursing home care for seniors or long-term services and supports like in-home assistive devices for people with disabilities and whatnot. So, these are just some of the big things that Medicaid covers for folks in Texas. And all of these things are at threat with budget cuts this big.  

SNAP is also called food stamps. These are direct dollars. It’s a bit easier to explain the federal cuts to SNAP because basically what the federal government is suggesting is to reduce the amounts that the federal government sends to states to put onto people’s Lone Star cards or to provide direct dollars for people to spend on food. 

So what we’re talking about here is just less money for food, not like program cuts, not service unavailability or anything. So SNAP cuts are much more direct. And so we’ll talk about how the messaging differs a little bit or how we can think about these things when we’re really trying to get to our lawmakers and say, “Look, this is going to affect your community and people are going to suffer.” 

The SNAP cuts are really important. The Affordable Care Act cuts are really important. Those are also dollars sent from the treasury to people who get health insurance in Texas. If we lose those dollars, then fewer people will be insured. Medicaid in the children’s health insurance program is already really, really lean. In Texas, we don’t cover as many people as other states cover because the Texas legislature has never expanded Medicaid eligibility to low-income adults. And that is a key population that a lot of these federal budget cuts are targeting right now. Because Texas never opted into the availability of Medicaid for low-income adults, that population has never had Medicaid in Texas, so they’re not at risk of losing it like they are in other states. 

Evans: Daniel, could you discuss some of the healthcare access programs that United Way of Metropolitan Dallas supports? 

Daniel Bouton: United Way of Metropolitan Dallas has several programs, but I’m going to talk to you about Healthcare Navigator, which is federally funded and works to increase access to healthcare and healthy food in 16 counties in North Texas. So, when we talk about the impact these funding cuts would make in communities, it’s just huge. Our funding comes from the Affordable Care Act, and this federal funding allows United Way to hire, train and deploy Healthcare Navigators into communities that are in critical need to receive these services. Our navigators walk individuals and families through the healthcare options. They not only explore the health insurance options, help them apply, help them walk through the complexities of the application, but also help them apply for SNAP. I know that we’re talking about SNAP and how it cuts would impact our communities. Our navigators really, really take the time to complete these applications to make sure that the documentation that is necessary for the application to go through and approve it is completed the right way. 

Evans: Daniel, how can this work continue in terms of being able to navigate around these cuts? It’s obviously going to look different. 

Bouton: I think that there are many things we can do to continue the work. It is with conversations like this one, how do we engage, how do we get involved, how do we advocate for programs like Healthcare Navigators and how do we speak up to stop some of these funding cuts that we know are critical. 

Let’s just talk about real-life impact. So, as we reach out to our legislatures to talk about this, let me just talk to you about SNAP and the consequences of these cuts. We know that SNAP and WIC are critical lifelines for millions of people in Texas. Our children are going to skip meals or rely on cheaper, unhealthy foods. Our parents are going to skip meals because we need to feed our kids. We know that students are going to struggle academically. We know that a child who is hungry is not going to perform the same way. We also know that food insecurity will lead to chronic stress and health issues. The USDA’s latest study tells us that the average SNAP benefit is around $6.10 per person per day. So, let’s just talk about a 10% funding cut. What does that mean? It means that a family loses about $74 a month. That is huge for a family. That is $74 less to be able to buy healthy food. Households then are forced to buy cheaper or less healthy food. Recent research from Harvard says that people who have access to less healthy food see higher future healthcare costs. So that is $1,400 more per person that we will spend on their health. So again, just giving you the consequences of these funding cuts and then quantifying the economic impact. 

Add to Your Advocacy Toolbox 

Interested in ramping up your advocacy efforts this year? Check out these resources for additional information:  

 Advocate with Us 

Whether you are part of a North Texas nonprofit or simply a community-minded resident, we invite you to advocate with the Live United network. When we speak up, united, we have the power to drive lasting change in our community. 

Sign up for our Advocacy Alerts, and we’ll let you know how and when to contact your representatives to have the biggest impact possible. 

We’re Empowering Nonprofits to Leverage Data to Take Their Impact to the Next Level

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

On June 11, United Way of Metropolitan Dallas welcomed funders, partners and community leaders to Pegasus Park for a powerful presentation highlighting the transformative impact of the Data Capacity Building Initiative (DCBI)—a cornerstone of United Way’s Second Century Project. 

As we mark 100 years of community change in North Texas, the DCBI is launching us into our second century of impact by creating a multiplier effect on United Way programs and partnerships. 

By equipping community-based organizations with the tools and knowledge needed to analyze local challenges and develop sustainable, collaborative solutions, the initiative is creating a groundswell of progress toward our community-wide Aspire United 2030 goals in education, income and health.  

“This initiative is about democratizing data—putting powerful analytical tools in the hands of those who are closest to our community’s challenges and combining the data science with structured capacity building, technical assistance and ongoing support,” said Jennifer Sampson, McDermott-Templeton president and CEO of United Way of Metropolitan Dallas. 

Data Drives Lasting Community Change 

The recent DCBI event was led by United Way Centennial Advisory Council co-chairs Katie Robbins, president and CEO of The Hoblitzelle Foundation, and Andy Smith, director of Giving and Volunteering at Texas Instruments and executive director of the TI Foundation. The presentation spotlighted how 12 community-based organizations are using data to drive measurable change across North Texas.

The first cohort of the DCBI included: 

  • Beacon Hill Preparatory Institute 
  • Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas 
  • Black Heart Association 
  • Communities In Schools of the Dallas Region 
  • Empowering the Masses, Inc. 
  • Families to Freedom Inc. 
  • Lone Star Justice Alliance 
  • Miles of Freedom 
  • New Friends New Life  
  • T.R. Hoover Community Development Corporation 
  • The Concilio 
  • Youth With Faces – Youth Village Resources of Dallas, Inc. 

Attendees were treated to a dynamic panel discussion featuring representatives from the inaugural DCBI cohort, who shared firsthand how the initiative has helped them turn data into actionable insights—improving services, expanding reach and deepening their impact. 

The event also featured highlights from the DCBI program and the Community Vulnerability Compass (CVC), developed in collaboration with the Parkland Center for Clinical Innovation, our external Aspire United 2030 evaluator.  

The CVC is based on the Healthy People 2030 framework, a national health promotion and disease prevention initiative aimed at improving the health and well-being of all Americans. It includes 27 clinical and socio-economic indicators that highlight the health, resiliency and economic vibrancy of neighborhoods, which, leveraged together, provide micro-level, hyper-local data to identify areas of greatest need and inform targeted interventions. 

At United Way, the CVC enables us to target our community investments more strategically. And, since launching the DCBI, the tool is also equipping community-based organizations with the resources and knowledge needed to analyze local challenges and develop sustainable, collaborative solutions, empowering them to better understand community needs and respond with precision and purpose. 

Accelerating Progress—Together  

Destiny Davis, senior director of the DCBI at United Way of Dallas, said, “We’re proud of the progress made by the first cohort of the DCBI. We’re confident that by empowering grassroots community organizations with data, we will continue to create greater impact across North Texas over the six-year initiative” 

Together with our supporters and community partners, we’re driving progress through initiatives like the DCBI to ensure: 

  • Every child begins school ready to learn and graduates from high school ready for success  
  • Everyone has the skills and resources needed to get and keep a good paying job  
  • Every neighbor has access to the healthcare needed to live longer, healthier lives 

Special thanks to the funders who made this initiative possible: The Addy Family Foundation, Communities Foundation of Texas, The Lyda Hill Foundation, The Meadows Foundation, The Eugene McDermott Foundation, The Rose Family Foundation, The Hoblitzelle Foundation and the Texas Instruments Foundation. 

Together, we’re proving that data isn’t just numbers—it’s a catalyst for change.

Invest in Our Data-Driven Community Impact Work  

As United Way enters its second century, the path forward is clear: We must continue building strong partnerships and leveraging innovative tools to create lasting, transformational change in North Texas.   

We invite you to join the forward-thinking organizations that have invested in our Century Project, the Data Capacity Building Initiative. Together, we can expand our proven, data-driven community impact strategy and our use of local data to develop collective solutions for our community.   

Click here to invest today. For more information, contact Susan Hoff at shoff@unitedwaydallas.org. 

Kids play at United Way's 2025 Summer Meals Kickoff

Summer Fun with a Purpose

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

Sunshine, snow cones and smiles were in full supply at the United Way of Metropolitan Dallas Summer Meals Kickoff, held June 12 at the West Dallas Multipurpose Center. This fun-filled event brought together more than 1,200 children, families, volunteers and community partners to celebrate the start of our Summer Meals program—and to take a stand against childhood hunger in North Texas. 

The Summer Meals program is an important component of our mission to improve access to education, income and health—the building blocks of opportunity. Hunger limits a child’s ability to succeed in school, a worker’s ability to advance in their career and a family’s ability to truly thrive. Food security initiatives are foundational to our work, and programs like Summer Meals directly support our Aspire United 2030 goals.  

From the moment guests arrived, the atmosphere at the Summer Meals Kickoff buzzed with excitement. Families enjoyed free meals provided by our partner Dallas ISD, refreshing snow cones, crafts and inflatables for the kids, and live music that kept the energy high. Raffle prizes added an extra layer of fun, while volunteers led engaging activities that promoted healthy living and food access. 

A Community United Against Hunger 

The Summer Meals Kickoff wasn’t just about fun—it was a powerful reminder of what we can accomplish when we come together. As Jennifer Sampson, McDermott-Templeton President & CEO of United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, shared: 

“Summer should be a time for fun, not hunger. The Summer Meals Kickoff brings the community together to make sure no child in North Texas goes hungry. We’re proud to address food insecurity head-on, while also celebrating the power of volunteers and the impact of local partnerships.” 

The event also connected families with nutrition education, local resources and enrichment opportunities, helping to build a stronger safety net for those facing food insecurity during the summer months. 

Ashley Douglas, vice president of Southern Dallas Thrives at United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, wants more North Texans to know that for many of their neighbors, summer is the hungriest season of the year.  

“When the school year ends, many of our scholars and families lose access to daily meals provided on school campuses, affecting both the nutrition of local children and the financial stability of families,” she said. “The goal is to increase awareness of available resources, bridging the gap in lack of access and addressing food security across our communities.”  

The impact of programs like Summer Meals is significant. In the most recent year on record, summer meals programming across North Texas supported more than 1.5 million meals served to nearly 50,000 children in Dallas and Collin counties alone.  

Celebrating 100 Years of Impact 

This year’s event held special significance as part of United Way’s 100th anniversary in North Texas. For a century, we’ve united our community to create lasting change—and the Summer Meals Kickoff was a shining example of that legacy in action. 

Now through November 15, we’re celebrating our first century of community impact while rallying change-seekers like you to be part of our next 100 years of meaningful change.  

For volunteers like Alicia Cooper, community outreach coordinator at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas, the Summer Meals Kickoff was an opportunity to make a direct and immediate impact on our neighbors. 

“Blue Cross recognizes that food security is very important, especially in the summer for kids,” she said. “This is near and dear to our hearts, so we wanted to come out and support United Way and the kids in this neighborhood. Giving back is really true to who I am and what our company is all about. It’s always good to give to people who are under-championed and underserved in the community to help them out.” 

Our Partners Are Creating Meaningful Impact 

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

  • Volunteer Series Sponsor: Texas Instruments 
  • Gold Presenting Sponsors: Kellogg, Mr. Cooper Group, Toyota 
  • Silver Supporting Sponsors: Blue Cross Blue Shield, DN Tanks, Tenet Health, Vistra  

Let’s Keep the Momentum Going 

Together, we can build a North Texas where every child has the opportunity to grow, learn, and succeed—no matter the season. Invest in United Way of Metropolitan Dallas to support food security programs that help children and families thrive—not just in summer, but all year long. 

Give Now 

Opening Doors to Opportunity: Explore the New Workforce Training Hub in Southern Dallas

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

We’re thrilled to share some exciting news that marks a big step forward for our community and the people we serve. On May 22, we joined our partners Arcosa, the PepsiCo Foundation and Dallas College to unveil a brand-new community workforce training center at Dallas College’s RedBird location. This isn’t just a new space—it’s a powerful symbol of what’s possible when corporate, nonprofit and educational partners come together with a shared vision for change. 

This initiative is just the latest example of how United Way of Metropolitan Dallas and our partners are collaborating to drive measurable change and move closer to our Aspire United 2030 goals—our North Star for driving transformational change and improving access to education, income and health throughout North Texas. 

Creating Opportunity in Southern Dallas 

This initiative, part of United Way of Metropolitan Dallas’ Southern Dallas Thrives program, is focused on boosting careers, supporting families and advancing long-term economic mobility across Southern Dallas. The new training center will serve as a welcoming hub for individuals looking to develop new skills, earn industry credentials, and access career opportunities in high-demand fields like HVAC, logistics, IT and, transportation, hospitality. 

A look inside the new RedBird workforce development center

Over the next three years, this collaborative effort is expected to support at least 350 individuals through occupational training, financial coaching, career navigation and essential wraparound services such as food access and transportation assistance. Thanks to more than $1.3 million in impact investments from Arcosa and the PepsiCo Foundation, we’re building a sustainable, scalable model that’s already inspiring other community-based locations. 

By providing support services in addition to workforce training, this initiative aims to reduce the barriers that keep many of our neighbors from completing certification courses and higher degrees.  

As Ashley Douglas, vice president of our Southern Dallas Thrives initiative, told The Dallas Morning News, “You can’t think about workforce development if you haven’t eaten in two days. You can’t consider being able to show up to a workforce development class if you have nowhere for your child to be during that time, or you don’t have transportation to get to this location. Being able to support them and provide those wraparound resource services so that they can focus on curriculum and completion is our goal.”  

Jennifer Sampson, CEO of United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, shared at the event, “Today is about more than an unveiling of a physical space. It’s about creating real opportunities for hardworking individuals and families.” 

Workforce Challenges in North Texas 

Today, qualifying for a good-paying job typically means acquiring a certification, a degree or specialized training after high school. About 60% of jobs in Texas will require post-secondary education, but only 22% of Texans earn a degree or credential after high school, The Dallas Morning News reported in their article about the RedBird workforce center. 

Initiatives like the new workforce center are one way United Way and our partners connect more workers with expanded job opportunities. This helps ensure our region has a strong pool of skilled workers, which supports our economy now and in the future. 

Our key Aspire United 2030 goal in the area of income is to increase by 20% the number of North Texas young adults who earn a living wage by 2030. This would add an estimated $800 million annually to our region’s economy, making this a goal that would benefit all of North Texas.  

We’re Driving Generational Change 

For the workers who will access services through the RedBird workforce center, the additional training and new career opportunities mean a chance at financial stability, which supports the health of their entire family and the educational success of their children.  

That’s what we’re here for—to unlock opportunities and remove barriers in ways that create generational change across North Texas. Together with our partners, we’re creating a ripple effect of positive change that uplifts not just individuals, but entire communities. 

Be Part of the Change 

This new workforce center is just one example of the innovative, community-driven solutions we’re committed to supporting. But we can’t do it alone. Your support makes this kind of transformation possible. 

Here are two ways to support our financial stability initiatives right now: 

  • Donate today to help us expand workforce development, education and financial stability programs across North Texas. Click here to invest today. 
  • Volunteer your time and talents to support workforce development initiatives in our community. Check out our current volunteer opportunities here. This month we’re seeking volunteers to provide admin support for our partner Empowering the Masses, which offers digital skills and literacy classes, phlebotomy courses, community health worker training and more. 

Let’s keep building a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.  

group of graduates

When Students Succeed, Communities Thrive: Advancing College and Career Readiness in North Texas

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

Each spring, as high school seniors across North Texas don their caps and gowns, they carry with them not only dreams for the future, but also the hopes of an entire community. Graduation is a milestone worth celebrating, yet for many students, it marks the beginning of a challenging transition into college or the workforce—one filled with uncertainty around rising education costs, evolving job demands and ongoing economic volatility. 

At United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, we believe that preparing students for success after high school isn’t just important for the individual—it’s critical for the health, stability and prosperity of our entire region. College and career readiness lies at the intersection of education, income and health—the three building blocks of opportunity that shape both personal outcomes and community wellbeing. 

Read on to learn more about the importance of college and career readiness, our programs that support early success for young North Texans, and how you can get involved.  

What Is College and Career Readiness? 

College and career readiness means that students graduate from high school equipped with the skills, knowledge and real-world experiences needed to thrive in higher education or a living-wage career. It’s not a destination—it’s a journey that starts in early childhood and continues through every grade level. 

That journey requires more than just classroom instruction. It takes a network of support—parents, educators, mentors and community members—all working together to provide the tools, resources and opportunities students need to reach their full potential. 

“It takes a village to prepare students for life after high school—and that means going beyond academics,” said Greg Mangum, vice president of economic mobility at United Way of Metropolitan Dallas. “Our programs and partnerships take a holistic approach to readiness. We help students build the knowledge and skills to succeed, while also connecting them with mentors, career exposure and support. When young people are equipped to thrive in college or the workplace, it strengthens families, communities and the future of North Texas.” 

Why It Matters—For All of Us 

The benefits of college and career readiness ripple far beyond the student. When young people are set up for long-term success, it leads to: 

  • Economic strength: A well-prepared workforce attracts investment, drives innovation and powers local businesses. 
  • Public health improvements: Education is strongly linked to health outcomes, and financially secure individuals are more likely to access healthcare and live healthier lives. 
  • Stronger neighborhoods: Families supported by living wages are more likely to remain stably housed, invest in their communities and contribute to local civic life. 

“In North Texas, the future of our workforce and the health of our economy depend on students who are ready to step into opportunity,” said Jennifer Sampson, McDermott-Templeton President and CEO of United Way of Metropolitan Dallas. “Education, income and health are not isolated issues—they’re deeply connected. When we support one, we uplift all three.” 

The Reality in North Texas 

Despite the high stakes, only about 30% of North Texas students graduate fully prepared for college or a career. This gap in readiness limits access to higher education, reduces earning potential and strains our local talent pipeline, which, over time, can negatively impact our workforce and economy. 

The challenge often begins early: Students who aren’t reading proficiently by third grade and who live in poverty are 13 times less likely to graduate on time than their peers. And today, nearly three-quarters of young adults in our region don’t earn a living wage, putting pressure on public services and limiting economic mobility for families. 

Meanwhile, 85% of good-paying jobs in North Texas require education beyond high school, yet too few students are reaching that level of preparedness. 

Building a Future-Ready North Texas 

To ensure that every student has a fair shot at success—and to secure the long-term health of our region—we must continue investing in early learning, access to digital tools, college savings and workforce exposure. 

This work is central to our Aspire United 2030 goals, which include increasing by 20% the number of young adults in North Texas who earn a living wage. Reaching that milestone could generate nearly $800 million in new wages every year—a transformational shift for individuals and our economy. 

But we know students don’t chart these paths alone. They need early exposure, practical support and meaningful connections to career opportunities that can lead to long-term stability and growth. 

United Way Initiatives That Drive Readiness 

Here are a few of the programs we lead or support to equip students for success: 

  • Digital Bridges, with support from AT&T: Provides families in Southern Dallas with free laptops, tech training and ongoing support—giving students the tools to succeed in today’s digital learning and work environments. 
  • Dollars for College: Makes it easy for low- and moderate-income families to start and grow college savings accounts—proven to significantly increase a student’s odds of enrolling in and completing higher education. 
  • Once Upon a Month™: This partnership with the Ferst Foundation and Boone Family Foundation delivers free, age-appropriate books to young children monthly, supporting early literacy and lifelong learning. (It’s never too early to prepare a child for college or a career; in fact, researchers have found that children reading on grade level by the end of third grade are five times more likely to be college or career ready than their peers who aren’t reading proficiently.) 
  • Start Smart Texas: A free texting program for parents of young children, offering tips and tools to support learning at home and prepare kids for school success from the very beginning. 

Get Involved: Join the Movement for Student Success 

Creating a North Texas where every student can succeed requires all of us. Whether you’re a parent, mentor, employer or community-minded neighbor, you have a role to play in shaping a brighter future for our youth—and our community. 

We invite all of North Texas to work together to support college and career readiness, both during graduation season and throughout the year.  

  • Volunteer: Throughout our year-long Centennial anniversary, we’re offering a range of volunteer opportunities that directly encourage college and career readiness, including Stock the School, slated for August 1. Fill out our volunteer interest form here.  
  • Invest in lasting change: Make a donation to United Way of Metropolitan Dallas to support initiatives that encourage student success at every grade level, prepare high schoolers for life after graduation and expose young workers to career opportunities. For example, a $50 contribution to Dollars for College seed one college savings account for a local student, opening the door to college success, better job opportunities and greater economic mobility. Click here to make your donation now. 

When we invest in students, we invest in a stronger, more equitable region. Because when young people are ready to thrive, North Texas thrives, too. 

young couple with keys in their hand

We’re Calling on Texas Lawmakers to Increase Affordable Housing Solutions and Ensure Housing Stability

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

During this 89th Texas Legislative Session, lawmakers have filed 200+ housing-related bills. The Texas Legislature prioritized affordable housing during the interim and during this legislative session, in response to rising home prices in communities across the state and nation. There are simply not enough affordable housing options to meet the growing demand.  

Housing is Foundational to Our Mission 

Attainable housing and housing stability are intricately linked to United Way of Metropolitan Dallas’ mission of improving access to education, income and health to ensure that all North Texans have an opportunity to thrive. Throughout the years, we have worked with community partners and local and statewide housing coalitions to increase housing affordability and housing stability, reduce and end homelessness, and prevent evictions through our Targeted Eviction Prevention Program.  

These collective efforts have resulted in reducing homelessness and keeping our neighbors housed.  

The State of Homelessness in North Texas 

On May 20 during the 2025 State of Homelessness Address for Dallas and Collin Counties, Housing Forward and the All Neighbors Coalition, which United Way of Dallas is a member of, announced for the fourth consecutive year a reduction homelessness (5% decrease from the previous year), with nearly 16,000 individuals housed since 2021.  

Additionally, Housing Forward President and CEO Sarah Kahn announced an effective end to street homelessness in Downtown Dallas, meaning no one is living or sleeping on the streets of downtown, and pathways off the street will be immediately activated for anyone new through dynamic, multidisciplinary response teams. You can read more here about this sustained progress and plans to expand efforts throughout Dallas and Collin counties. 

How We’re Advocating for Affordable Housing 

United Way of Dallas continues to partner with community agencies and local and state housing advocacy organizations on the frontend to achieve housing stability and prevent homelessness. Throughout the legislative session, we have been monitoring housing-related bills, submitting public comments, and mobilizing the advocacy community around various pieces of legislation.  

Earlier this month, our team joined advocates from North Texas and across the state in the inaugural Housing Day at the Dome at the Texas State Capitol. This advocacy day, organized by Dallas Housing Coalition, provided an opportunity to collectively engage with more than 75 House and Senate state legislative offices and champion meaningful, equitable housing solutions for the North Texas region. Read more here about Housing Day at the Dome. 

An Urgent Request: Advocate with Us Now! 

As we are approaching the finish-line of this legislative session with looming deadlines for House and Senate bills to be heard and voted on before session adjourns on June 2, the urgency remains to contact House and Senate lawmakers to oppose or support key bills.  

We call on all supporters of affordable housing and housing stability to contact their representatives and voice opposition or support for the following bills.    

*Since the publication of this blog post, the following legislative updates are reflected below:  

  • OPPOSE – SB 38 would overhaul the eviction process for lease-holding tenants and weaken due process protections for Texas renters. UPDATE: Passed the House but includes two important amendments, which United Way supports. The amendments require that, in cases where a tenant is only late on one month’s payment, notice must be given in the form of a notice to pay rent or vacate (Rep. Hayes Amendment) and that the summary disposition process is only applicable to squatters (Rep. Gates Amendment).
  • OPPOSE – SB 2623 would restrict a nonprofit from providing “navigation services”—including meals, benefits assistance and other services—within 1,500 feet of a school, institute of higher education or park if that nonprofit site serves any homeless individuals. UPDATE: Died in Calendars Committee.
  • SUPPORT – SB 15/HB 3919 would reduce minimum lot size requirements in new neighborhoods. UPDATE: Passed both chambers and is headed to governor’s desk.
  • SUPPORT – SB 840/HB 3404 would allow residential and mixed-use development on commercially zoned land and further incentivizes office-to-residential conversions. UPDATE: Passed both chambers and is headed to governor’s desk.
  • SUPPORT – SB 673 would legalize backyard cottages, garage apartments and Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) statewide, giving homeowners more freedom to house a loved one or create an affordable rental unit. UPDATE: Died after passing out of Calendars Committee; failed to meet House deadline.
  • SUPPORT – SB 208/HB 4505 would create a $50 million revolving loan fund for nonprofit, single-family developers. UPDATE: Bill is dead; did not pass out of Senate.  
  • SUPPORT – SB 600/HB 4011 would amend the Uniform Partition of Heirs’ Property Act to enhance the generational transfer of wealth and the housing stability of family members who inherit their relatives’ homes. UPDATE: This legislation is dead; left pending in Senate Business & Commerce Committee   
  • SUPPORT – SB 854/HB 3172, known as the “Yes in God’s Backyard” bill, would allow faith institutions to build housing on their land to serve their communities and increase our tax base in most cases. UPDATE: Died in Senate; bill passed out of Senate local Government Committee.     
  • SUPPORT – SB 2835 would enable municipalities to allow for a single-stair apartment construction—an approach that optimizes land use, enhances fire safety and supports the creation of more affordable housing. UPDATE: Passed both chambers and is headed to Governor’s desk.
  • SUPPORT – SB 844/HB 24  would create landowner veto reform. UPDATE: Passed the Senate

Join Our Advocacy Movement  

These remaining days of the legislative session will be critical to elevate our collective voices in opposition and support of this important legislation. While most of these bills may or may not become law, the power of collective advocacy has already resulted in significantly amending harmful bills that would result in homelessness and opening the door for future legislation and public policies promoting affordable housing solutions and wealth-building through home ownership.  

Throughout the 89th Texas legislative session and at the federal level, we’re advocating for key bills that will improve access to education, income and health in North Texas. We invite you to join hundreds of your fellow advocates as we speak up, united, for the issues that matter most.  

We make it easy to advocate for our community. Sign up for our Advocacy Alerts, and we’ll let you know when and how to contact your elected officials to make the biggest possible impact.  

Emmanual Acho at Bush Center event

Unlocking Audacious Change: A Community Conversation with Emmanuel Acho

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

On April 24, the George W. Bush Presidential Center welcomed Emmanuel Acho to Southern Methodist University for an unforgettable Community Conversation, moderated by Bush Center President and CEO Ken Hersh. United Way of Metropolitan Dallas was honored to be one of the sponsors of the evening, which brought together change-seekers, community leaders and bold thinkers from across North Texas. 

Emmanuel Acho—a former NFL player, a #1 New York Times bestselling author and an unflinching voice for social impact—delivered an electrifying dialogue on purpose, justice and what it takes to spark real, lasting change. The conversation was informative, humorous and deeply moving, resonating with everyone in the audience who believes in our mission of making North Texas the best place to live, work and raise a family. 

Highlights from the Conversation 

Read on for some of Emmanuel’s most powerful insights from this engaging talk:  

On Calling:
“Your calling is your calling, not a conference call.”
Emmanuel reminded us that purpose is personal. Whether you’re contemplating a career shift or stepping into leadership, the path you feel drawn to is yours alone to walk—and you don’t need consensus to follow it. 

On Justice and Empathy:
“Justice won’t be served until those that are unaffected are as outraged as those that are affected.”
With clarity and conviction, Emmanuel challenged the audience to stand in solidarity, not only when they are impacted, but especially when they are not. True justice, he argued, demands proximity, empathy and shared courage. 

On Common Ground:
“The common opponent is not each other. The common opponent is hate. The common opponent is oppression.”
Drawing from his experience in NFL locker rooms, Emmanuel illuminated how shared purpose can transcend difference. In society, he said, we must unite against the real adversaries—division, inequality and fear. 

On Moral Responsibility:
“If you can do something for the greater good—and do it better than most—you are morally irresponsible not to do it.”
These words resonated deeply with a crowd committed to service and impact, serving as both a challenge and a call to action. 

View the Video On-Demand 

Whether you were in the room or missed it live, this is a conversation worth hearing in full. Click below to watch the video on demand and be inspired to shift mindsets, pursue bold goals and lead meaningful change—in your own life and right here at home in North Texas. 

 

What’s Next?  

At United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, we have several exciting and impactful events on the horizon, as the entire Live United movement celebrates United Way’s Centennial anniversary with special events, speakers and volunteer opportunities.   

Join the World’s Largest Corporate Running Event   

Connect with your colleagues, support employee wellbeing and network with your local business community on Thursday, May 8 at the J.P. Morgan Corporate Challenge, a fun-filled event that will benefit United Way of Metropolitan Dallas. Learn more and sign up.   

Volunteer to Support Food Security   

As part of our Aspire United 2030 Volunteer Series presented by Texas Instruments, we’re holding a Summer Meals Kickoff on Thursday, June 12 in West Dallas. We invite you to volunteer for one of our most impactful events of the season, which will welcome local families to the Summer Meals program with free food provided by Dallas ISD Food and Nutrition Services and snow cones, crafts, inflatables and music. Click here to volunteer.  

Save the Date for Our Centennial Celebration and Concert
Presented by PepsiCo 

Join us Saturday, November 15  

at the historic Cotton Bowl in Fair Park for the unforgettable culmination of our yearlong Centennial Anniversary celebration. Stay tuned for details on the Taste United Food Fest, VIP Dinner, exclusive concert and more! Sign Up for Updates 

Carol and Kevin March at the 2025 Tocqueville Society Luncheon

A Landmark Gift and a Legacy of Impact: Carol and Kevin March Commit $5 Million to United Way of Dallas

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

On April 25, some of the most dedicated supporters of United Way of Metropolitan Dallas came together for an extraordinary occasion: a special Ruth Sharp Altshuler Tocqueville Society Luncheon, sponsored by HN Capital at the Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek. More than just a gathering of generous hearts, the event marked a powerful milestone in our history, as longtime supporters Carol and Kevin March announced a remarkable $5 million investment in United Way and our mission to improve access to education, income and health across North Texas. 

Held during our year-long Centennial anniversary, the luncheon served as both a celebration and a call to action—an inspiring reminder of what is possible when visionary leaders invest in the future of their community. The Tocqueville Society supports some of United Way of Dallas’ most mission-critical initiatives, furthering our next century of work, and we are grateful to each and every member for their dedication to this community. 

A Celebration of Generosity and Vision 

The event featured a fireside chat with Sonal Shah, CEO of the Texas Tribune, and Jean-Guillaume de Tocqueville, co-founder and president of the Tocqueville Foundation in France and a direct descendant of Alexis de Tocqueville. Their discussion reflected on the enduring value of civic engagement and the power of philanthropy—principles that have shaped United Way’s Tocqueville Society and continue to guide our work today. 

The centerpiece of the afternoon was the announcement of the Marches’ $5 million gift—a transformative investment that underscores their deep commitment to United Way’s mission and our region’s future. This gift is among the largest in our organization’s history and echoes the community impact of some of our most dedicated supporters, including prominent local philanthropists such as Margot Perot, Karen and Tom Falk, The Eugene McDermott Foundation, Diane and Hal Brierley, Lyda Hill and the family of Caroline Rose Hunt, each of whom have made significant contributions to fuel our work. The Marches’ gift comes at a pivotal time, as we celebrate a century of impact and prepare for the next 100 years of change. 

“The incredible vision and unwavering generosity of Kevin and Carol March have been instrumental in advancing our work,” said Jennifer Sampson, McDermott-Templeton president and CEO of United Way of Metropolitan Dallas. “Their extraordinary gift will play a crucial role in funding the vital programs and initiatives that are transforming our community, creating meaningful opportunities for all. We are deeply grateful for their support and the lasting impact it will have.” 

The event was a full-circle moment for Tocqueville Society members. During last year’s Tocqueville trip to Paris, when members met with the Tocqueville family and learned the history of Alexis de Tocqueville’s interest in American democracy, Kevin March served as United Way’s corporate ambassador. At this event and others held throughout the week, it was an honor and an inspiration to welcome Jean-Guillaume and Stéphanie de Tocqueville to North Texas. 

Click here to view photos from this special event.  

A Legacy of Leadership 

For Kevin and Carol March, philanthropy is personal. Kevin’s early service as a firefighter instilled in him a strong sense of civic duty, while both he and Carol have been deeply involved with United Way of Metropolitan Dallas for years.  

Kevin has served on the United Way of Metropolitan Dallas Board of Directors and led as treasurer and chair of the investment committee for the United Way Foundation. Carol, meanwhile, co-founded the Women of Tocqueville Fund for Women and Children, championing causes that support North Texas families. 

Their leadership doesn’t stop there. The Marches also established the March Tocqueville Fellows Initiative, which is designed to engage and mentor emerging philanthropic leaders. During the luncheon, attendees heard from JW Washington, a March Tocqueville Fellow and a standout at Toyota North America, who is helping lead the next generation of Tocqueville Society members. He shared inspiring personal reflections on Carol’s and Kevin’s incredible impact and leadership. 

The Marches’ latest gift continues that legacy by supporting programs that will motivate the next generation to lead with purpose, generosity and impact. 

Fueling the Next Century of Impact 

Carol and Kevin believe in neighbors supporting neighbors, treating others with respect and always looking out for the good of our community, much like our United Way mission. Their gift represents their inherent nature of leading by example, inspiring others to give more as we celebrate their generosity to our organization and mission.  

Carol and Kevin’s historic $5 million investment will directly support United Way’s most critical initiatives—driving measurable, generational progress in education, income and health. In 2024 alone, United Way programs impacted more than 1.7 million North Texans, or roughly 20% of the population in one of the fastest-growing regions in the country. With this generous support, we are poised to expand our impact even further. 

“We have always believed that strong communities are built by those who invest in them,” Kevin said. “United Way of Metropolitan Dallas has the vision, leadership, and expertise to turn every dollar into lasting impact. We see this as a strategic and meaningful way to help shape a stronger future for North Texas.”  

“Our hope is that this gift will inspire others—particularly the next generation of civic leaders—to engage, invest, and work together toward a brighter future for North Texas,” Carol said. 

As we advance toward our Aspire United 2030 goals, this investment will accelerate efforts to expand access to quality education, create pathways to economic mobility and increase access to healthcare—ensuring every North Texan has the opportunity to thrive. 

A Centennial Year to Remember 

As we celebrate our 100th year, United Way of Metropolitan Dallas is honoring a century of mobilizing community leaders, corporations and nonprofits to come together to improve lives. Our Centennial is more than a milestone—it’s a launching pad for the future. The year-long anniversary includes a dynamic line-up of volunteer and community events—including our Centennial Celebration, presented by PepsiCo—that will not only honor our rich legacy but also shine a spotlight on the bold, innovative ways we’re shaping the future of our region. 

With visionary partners like the Marches by our side, we are building a stronger North Texas, where everyone has access to opportunity and the tools to succeed. This moment is a tribute to the power of collective impact—and a bold step toward the next chapter of United Way’s story. 

What’s Next?  

The Tocqueville Society has several exciting and impactful events on the horizon, as the entire Live United movement celebrates United Way’s Centennial anniversary with special events, speakers and volunteer opportunities.   

Join the World’s Largest Corporate Running Event   

Connect with your colleagues, support employee wellbeing and network with your local business community on Thursday, May 8 at the J.P. Morgan Corporate Challenge, a fun-filled event that will benefit United Way of Metropolitan Dallas. Learn more and sign up.   

Volunteer to Support Food Security   

As part of our Aspire United 2030 Volunteer Series presented by Texas Instruments, we’re holding a Summer Meals Kickoff on Thursday, June 12 in West Dallas. We invite you to volunteer for one of our most impactful events of the season, which will welcome local families to the Summer Meals program with free food provided by Dallas ISD Food and Nutrition Services and snow cones, crafts, inflatables and music. Click here to volunteer.  

Save the Date for Our Centennial Celebration and Concert
Presented by PepsiCo 

Join us Saturday, November 15 at the historic Cotton Bowl in Fair Park for the unforgettable culmination of our yearlong Centennial Anniversary celebration. Stay tuned for details on the Taste United Food Fest, Patron Dinner, exclusive concert and more!  Sign Up for Updates