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Author: Meg Costa

Watch Our ‘All Eyes on Austin’ Policy Webinar Series on Demand

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

At United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, advocacy is an important part of our mission to improve access to education, income and health. We unite advocates from across North Texas to speak up for policies that benefit our region by expanding opportunities and driving change.  

Advocacy is particularly important during the biennial Texas legislative sessions—the next of which begins on Jan. 14, 2025. To prepare for the upcoming session, our team partnered with the United Ways of Tarrant and Denton counties to host All Eyes on Austin, an exclusive three-part virtual policy pre-briefing series.  

Each webinar featured a panel of experts exploring pressing policy issues facing North Texans in the areas of education, income and health. Their expertise and insights are invaluable for any change-seeker interested in advocating with us. 

Read the highlights below and watch the full recordings on demand.  

All Eyes on Austin: Education Policy Webinar 


The first virtual policy briefing, held Oct. 16, focused on education and specifically addressed grade-level reading and numeracy proficiency, along with college and career readiness, with an emphasis on STEM fields.  

This panel featured:  

  • Jeannie Bailey, Manager for Sustainable Development, Toyota North America 
  • Kate Hoffman, Policy & State Coalition Manager, The Commit Partnership 
  • Dr. John Quintanilla, Dean of the College of Science, University of North Texas  
  • Abigail Williams, Founder & CEO, United to Learn (Moderator) 

During the panel, Kate Hoffman highlighted data from the Commit Partnership’s Dallas County Scorecard that showed some promising gains for college and career readiness but also revealed how 47% of all Texas students across the state performed at grade level on the STAAR exam. Unfortunately, only one in five of third graders catch up to grade level by sixth grade.  

Dr. Quintanilla focused on the post-pandemic effects on students and mentioned that many students are behind in college-level math coursework. He shared how math placement has a direct correlation to college readiness and success in other coursework.  

Lastly, Jeannie Bailey discussed the Dr. Elba and Domingo Garcia West Dallas STEM School initiative that is concentrated on the future workforce and community engagement. She underscored how while there will be nearly 3.5 million STEM jobs available, 2 million will go unfilled due to the gap in STEM education—which is why we as a community must support STEM initiatives.  

All Eyes on Austin: Income Policy Webinar 


The second virtual event in the series, held Oct. 23, focused on the substantial impact that income plays on childcare access. The discussion featured experts who delivered insights into some of the key topics that are likely to come up this legislative session: 

  • Nicole Allen, Child Care Quality Unit Director, Workforce Solutions for Tarrant County, who discussed the importance of quality early childhood education and how it transcends to the workforce 
  • Sadie Funk, National Director, Best Place for Working Parents, who explored the economic challenges that families face when wanting to access high-quality childcare 
  • Tori Mannes, CEO and President, ChildCareGroup, who shared examples of childhood programs that would successfully support both the child and parent in a rapidly changing world 
  • Melanie Rubin, Executive Director of the North Texas Early Education Alliance (Moderator) 

The core takeaway was that childcare is an economic issue. The panel also discussed solutions in partnering with the business community to offer onsite childcare for their employees.  

Employers lose $23 billion annually in productivity costs due to childcare challenges faced by their workforce, and childcare has only become more expensive since the COVID-19 pandemic. A strong workforce and economy in the North Texas region require a robust childcare system.  Everybody wins when we really focus on the stabilization of the childcare industry.  

All Eyes on Austin: Health Policy Webinar 


The final virtual event in the series, held Oct. 30, focused on the underlying conditions of food insecurity on the outcome of health across North Texas. The discussion featured three experts who delivered insights into some of the key topics that are likely to come up this legislative session: 

  • Tonya Edwards, Director of SNAP and Social Services Assistance, North Texas Food Bank, who discussed the benefits of food assistance programs and other social services such as SNAP 
  • Tracey Eubanks, CEO, Metrocrest Services, who emphasized the importance of sustainable programs, such as food pantries, to build stronger, healthier communities.  
  • Dr. Jared Williams, Vice President of Government & External Affairs, Tarrant Area Food Bank, who discussed the role government can play in facilitating food security within vulnerable communities 

Moderating this insightful discussion was Ross Sinicropi, food resource manager at Feeding Texas, who opened the panel with a question: “What does food insecurity look like to you?”  

Edwards reminisced back to her high school days, remembering her monthly shopping trips with her grandmother, who had to make the hard decision to put groceries back on the shelf after discovering the bill was far beyond budget. Her grandmother was forced to pick and choose what she could do without for the month, which greatly affected the family and household.  

These experiences have become far too common in our region and, according to Feeding America, Texas now leads the nation in hunger, with nearly 5 million Texans unsure of where their next meal will come from. Oftentimes, there’s a misconception that food insecurity only impacts the homeless population, but the reality is that one in seven adults within Texas experience food insecurity, and 40% of those impacted are children. The other most susceptible communities of food insecurity are working families, underemployed individuals, youth, college students, seniors, veterans and disabled individuals.   

Dr. Williams raised the importance of providing not just food to individuals who are food insecure but ensuring it is both nutritional in value and healthy to consume. He said he grew up in a family of two working parents, but times were still often tough. His “struggle meal” was fried baloney and syrup because there were no other significant food options available in the home. Recognizing the impact on health that food insecurity plays on individuals is monumental.  

Eubanks affirmed how there has been an enormous increase and demand for healthy foods since the pandemic as families had to be cognizant of health conditions and the role food may play a positive or negative outcome. There has also been a spike in seniors experiencing food insecurity, and Eubanks noted that “accessibility, innovative ways to deliver food in a manner that works and offering wrap around services conducive to the population in need” are core principles that his organization, Metrocrest, provides to mitigate the impact of food insecurity across North Texas.  

Advocate with Us  

Together with hundreds of dedicated advocates, we’re speaking up for policies that directly impact education, income and health in North Texas. By advocating for education, income and health, we can ensure the lawmakers who represent us understand how policy directly impacts people’s lives.  

As we approach the beginning of the 2025 Texas legislative session, we invite change-seekers like you to join our advocacy efforts. The more people we have speaking up with us, united, the greater the impact of our collective efforts.  

Here are two ways to get involved:  

  • Sign up for advocacy updates: Be sure you’re in the know about our ongoing advocacy efforts by signing up for our Advocacy Alerts and Policy in Brief newsletters. Sign up here.  
  • Save the date for Advocacy Day at the Capitol: Join the United Way of Metropolitan Dallas delegation in Austin Feb. 25-27 for Texas United Way Capitol Day—a rare opportunity to engage directly in advocacy and democracy with our elected representatives. Click here to learn more and register. 

When Dallas Is United, We Can Improve Food Security and Health Access for All North Texans

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

As a fitting kickoff to the season of generosity, on Nov. 16, United Way of Metropolitan Dallas brought together hundreds of volunteers and community partners for the Food & Health Resources Fair presented by PepsiCo. Thousands of our neighbors joined us at Fair Park for free grocery distribution, fun family games and activities, health screenings and vaccinations, information on important health services, giveaways and more. 

As part of United Way’s Aspire United Volunteer Series presented by Texas Instruments, the fair was a unique opportunity to connect our neighbors with vital health resources and knowledge while advancing our Aspire United 2030 goals, which include improving access to health and wellness resources so every North Texan can live longer, healthier lives. 

Read on to learn more about the Food & Health Resources Fair and its impact on local families, as well as how you can support food security and expanded health access in North Texas.  

We’re Supporting Food Security and Health 

We designed the Food & Health Resources Fair to combat food insecurity and to connect more of our neighbors with the health resources and information that will enable them to thrive.  

Food insecurity is a significant problem in Texas, which is the most food-insecure state in the country. In North Texas, one in eight people, or 640,000 of our neighbors, face hunger. That figure includes one in six children. In fact, Dallas County has the fourth-highest rate of food-insecure children in the nation. 

Meanwhile, many North Texans lack access to important health resources, such as health insurance coverage, which can lead to poorer health outcomes and increased costs. 

Faced with these challenges, United Way of Metropolitan Dallas unites the community to improve health access, and the recent Food & Health Resources Fair is a great example of our collective impact.  

Here’s just a snapshot of this exciting and impactful day: 

  • 65 community partners shared services and information with attendees. 
  • More than 1,000 families benefitted from our community partners’ resources and services and received free giveaways. 
  • 1,000 families received 60 pounds of groceries, including poultry. 
  • About 1,000 individuals received health screenings and services. 
  • Nearly 200 volunteers made the day a huge success.  
  • Four lucky attendees won hundreds of dollars in Kroger gift cards. 

During the event, children enjoyed a variety of fun activities, including creating their own bookmarks and first aid kids, getting airbrushed temporary tattoos, and playing giant Connect 4. Families were also treated to entertainment from the Lincoln High School marching band, the BombazoDFW musical group and the Mavs ManiAACs, the Dallas Mavericks’ dance group. 

Meanwhile, we encouraged all volunteers to amplify their impact by taking just a few moments to advocate for improved food security. Right now, anyone can make an impact by urging Congress to pass a strong Farm Bill that makes investments in critical federal programs that help individuals and families keep food on the table. Click here to join us in advocating to protect and strengthen food access.  

Join Us in Improving Health Across North Texas 

With the support of volunteers and nonprofit and corporate partners, our programs improve access to health and food resources for families across North Texas. We invite you to Live United and be part of this meaningful change in our community. 

Here are three ways you can improve health access in North Texas right now: 

  • Advocate: Join us in calling on Congress to protect and strengthen the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which is critical to keeping local families fed and healthy. Click here to learn more and advocate now—it only takes a few minutes! 
  • Volunteer: We frequently host programs that support food security and health access for local families. Keep an eye on current and upcoming opportunities on our volunteer page. 

North Texas Thrives When More People Have Access to Affordable Health Insurance

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

Historically, Texas has one of the lowest healthcare enrollment rates in the nation, which negatively impacts our neighbors’ health outcomes, financial stability, success in school and at work, and more. 

At United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, we recognize that access to healthcare coverage enables North Texans to live longer, healthier lives. As we work to improve access to education, income and health, we lead and invest in programs that improve access to health coverage—because good health affects everything from how well a student does in school to how successful an adult is in their career.  

One of our Aspire United 2030 community goals is to increase to 96% the number of North Texans with access to affordable healthcare insurance. In our region, health insurance coverage stands around 83%, which underscores the importance of programs that ensure greater access to health insurance. 

With open enrollment for 2025 insurance plans now through Jan. 15, this is the perfect time to take a look at the impact of our Healthcare Navigators program and how, together, we can continue to expand access to health coverage.  

 

A History of Low Enrollment 

Historically, about 20% of Texas’ population lacks health insurance in a given year. Even as the average cost of premiums through the Health Insurance Marketplace has fallen due to subsidies, many Texans have opted to not sign up. For example, only 30% of those in our state who were eligible for a subsidized plan in 2020 signed up. 

Luckily, those numbers have increased in recent years. In 2022 and 2023, our state led the nation in the number of new signups through the Marketplace. Then, nearly 3.4 million Texans enrolled in a 2024 plan through the Marketplace.  

This upswell of signups is due to a variety of factors. Notably, the federal government has continually increased subsidies for coverage through the Marketplace, which has brought health insurance within reach for many of our neighbors with a low income.  

Daniel Bouton, vice president of family and community health at United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, said the new subsidies—and greater public awareness of the lower cost of health insurance—is driving more interest in health insurance. And people are saving significant amounts of money each month. 

Last year, 97% of Texans signing up through the Marketplace received subsidies for their premiums. The average premium was $60 a month, but many people paid $10 or less after tax credits. 

When more people have health insurance, individuals, communities and our state as a whole will benefit. In fact, Texas’ economy tends to benefit from higher rates of insurance coverage. A study by the Texas Alliance for Health Care found that uninsured employees tend to have worse health, which limits their earning potential, increases absenteeism and sidelines skilled workers, which hurts both workers and employers. In our state, workers of color are disproportionately affected by a lack of insurance coverage, which negatively impacts their health, financial stability and more. 

Healthcare Navigators Make Enrolling Easy 

In North Texas, another factor in this increased enrollment has been the support of United Way’s Healthcare Navigators initiative.  

United Way of Metropolitan Dallas leads the North Texas Consortium, a network of local community organizations dedicated to increasing health insurance coverage in our community. Through this program, our Healthcare Navigators assist uninsured North Texans as they compare and enroll in plans through the Health Insurance Marketplace, CHIP or Medicaid. Navigators also work with individuals to get them signed up for all eligible subsidies, saving many North Texans hundreds of dollars every month. 

Through this free program, an individual can work with a certified Healthcare Navigator to compare health plans, understand their benefits options, select the best qualified health plan for their needs and apply for subsidies to lower their monthly premiums. Navigators can also assist people who are looking to transition from CHIP or Medicaid to the Health Insurance Marketplace. 

Last year, our Healthcare Navigators assisted tens of thousands of North Texans, helping more people access the health coverage necessary to thrive. The Navigators had a significant impact on our community, fielding 52,133 client inquiries, assisting 8,175 individuals as they signed up for CHIP/Medicaid and supporting 1,460 consumers as they enrolled in a qualified health plan. 

For clients like Diana, who has a heart condition, working with a Healthcare Navigator took the stress out of the enrollment process, and having insurance has removed a big source of worry.  

“My experience signing up was not hard at all,” she says. “To me it was like a load lifted off, knowing that I was covered in case anything happens or just for my routine visits.”  

Open Enrollment Runs Through January 15 

If you need health insurance for 2025, you can enroll in a plan through the Health Insurance Marketplace now through January 15, 2025. There are two important deadlines to keep in mind depending on when you want your coverage to start: 

  • For coverage to start Jan. 1: Enroll by Dec. 15, 2024. 
  • For coverage to start Feb. 1: Enroll by Jan. 15, 2025, the last day of open enrollment.  

Visit HealthCare.gov to get started. 

If you’re interested in working with a Healthcare Navigator (at no cost to you), our team is available to assist you: 

  • Compare health plans 
  • Understand your benefits options 
  • Select the best qualified health plan for your needs 
  • Apply for subsidies to lower your monthly premiums 
  • Connect to additional resources and services 

Visit unitedwaydallas.org/enroll or call 214-978-0042 to sign up for free assistance today. 

Support Expanded Healthcare Access in North Texas 

By improving access to affordable, high-quality health insurance, we can support North Texans in every area of their lives—ensuring children can succeed in school, workers can excel in their careers and individuals of all ages can access the resources necessary to live longer, healthier lives.  

Ready to invest in lasting change? Here are three ways you can get involved today: 

  1. Make a one-time donation. Your investment in United Way of Metropolitan Dallas supports our work to improve access to education, income and health, creating a stronger community. Click here to make a donation. 
  2. Sign up to become a recurring donor. With a recurring gift to United Way, you can help ensure our programs and partnerships are funded over time, which creates an impact that can last for generations. Click here and select “monthly” to make your pledge. 
  3. Join a United Way Giving Society. Signing up for a Giving Society is a powerful way to expand your impact while connecting with other change-seekers who share a common goal of improving education, income and health in our community. Click here to learn more about our Giving Societies. 

Together with supporters like you, United Way of Metropolitan Dallas ensures more of our neighbors benefit from the support of Healthcare Navigators, which significantly increases the chances they will enroll in health insurance. With an investment in United Way, you can help fund programs like Healthcare Navigators and expand health access across our region. 

Meet the 2024 Social Innovation Accelerator Cohort

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

At United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, we’re celebrating 100 years of community impact in North Texas. Of course, making it to your Centennial anniversary isn’t without its challenges. Over the years, we’ve had to continually adapt and innovate in order to meet the challenges and opportunities of the given moment. 

That’s why social innovation is part of every aspect of our impact work. We’re constantly identifying, developing and implementing innovative solutions to problems in our community so that we drive change in the most effective and efficient ways possible. 

Embracing innovation allows us to stay nimble as we lead a movement to improve education, income and health in North Texas. It’s one of our strategies for driving progress toward our Aspire United 2030 goals, which include:  

  • Increasing by 50% the number of local students reading on grade level by third grade 
  • Increasing by 20% the number of North Texas young adults who earn a living wage  
  • Increasing to 96% the number of individuals with access to affordable health insurance 

Growing Our Impact Through Social Innovation 

As we kick off our second century of impact and advance toward our Aspire United 2030 goals, a key element of our social innovation efforts is collaborating with local nonprofit and for-profit social ventures that creatively tackle challenges affecting North Texans in education, income and health. 

Our flagship social innovation initiative, the United Way Social Innovation Accelerator in collaboration with Accenture, fosters innovative solutions to social issues by offering entrepreneurs funding, mentorship and community connections to help scale their ventures and expand their impact. 

Since its creation in 2013, the Social Innovation Accelerator has enabled us to expand our impact significantly across North Texas: 

  • 84 local social entrepreneurs have completed the Accelerator 
  • 507,984 clients have been served by Accelerator alumni 
  • $7,071,449 has been invested in funding, training and professional mentoring  
  • $75,311,541 in additional funding has been raised by Accelerator alumni 
  • 2,620 partnerships have been formed with the support of United Way’s community connections and credibility  

Meet This Year’s Accelerator Fellows 

As we continue to build on this success, we’re proud to announce the fellows selected to participate in the 2024-2025 Social Innovation Accelerator in collaboration with Accenture: 

Tameka Christmas, The Mama Wellness Foundation  

The Mama Wellness Foundation is working to launch a digital maternal mental health app specifically for Black pregnant and postpartum mothers. This innovative app enables partnerships between Mama Wellness and healthcare providers, allowing the nonprofit to leverage technology to track mothers’ symptoms, identify at-risk patients, provide tailored resources and facilitate therapy requests directly through the app.  

Laura Cobb, The Learning Bridge  

Learning Bridge is working to increase students applying for FAFSA and completing college applications by exposing students to college access via an innovative video game.  

Crystal Dobson, CardiacFITT  

CardiacFITT addresses cardiovascular disease in underserved areas through a telehealth platform that delivers integrated care. Their approach combines health monitoring, personalized nutrition, exercise programs and culturally sensitive care to overcome barriers like geographic isolation and limited access, enhancing engagement and outcomes through digital tools.  

Rachel Henry, Creative Flow School  

Creative Flow School addresses the significant education-to-opportunity gap disproportionately affecting marginalized communities.  

Jason Hernandez, ATLAST’s La Tiendita  

La Tiendita is a safe place in East McKinney that provides resources to empower the youth to reach their full potential. The initiative includes a grocery store that provides healthy and affordable groceries, internships at the store that teach social skills and decision making, workforce development programs, and help with medical and mental health to assist students in making positive change and graduating high school.  

Jiles King, Urban Arts Collective  

Urban Arts implements a multi-faceted approach to address the disparity in arts access within our community. They prioritize three key pillars: fostering community engagement, ensuring accessibility and championing arts education.  

Saki Milton, The GEMS Camp  

The GEMS Camp provides access to quality STEM education, mentorship and support for underrepresented and underserved racially minoritized girls in North Texas. Recognizing the critical years of middle and high school in shaping these girls’ STEM interests, their programs (university sleepaway camps, after-school clubs and enrichment experiences) intentionally target achievement and opportunity gaps in culturally responsive and authentic ways.  

Tazora Moore, Hear My Cry Foundation  

Hear My Cry offers free counseling and medication assistance to individuals who are suicidal and uninsured. This service assists those who are seeking support but lack medical insurance. By removing financial barriers and reducing stigma, the organization empowers individuals to seek support and manage their mental health effectively.  

Van Parker, Housing Connector  

Housing Connector increases access to housing for those with barriers. The nonprofit partners with properties that are willing to reduce their screening criterium and, in exchange, provide financial and stability support to mitigate their risk. The organization lists available units on Zillow to put access at the renter’s fingertips. They also detect early signs of instability and deploy financial and other solutions that prevent thousands from experiencing eviction and homelessness.  

Veronica Shanklin, Dementia Care Warriors  

Dementia Care Warriors is addressing the critical problem of inadequate support and resources for family caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer’s and related dementia, particularly in underserved communities.  

What’s Next for the Fellows 

The Social Innovation Accelerator fellows are already going through an intensive bootcamp, with expert instruction that will help them refine their business plans and set important organizational milestone goals. They are also receiving one-on-one mentoring and coaching from a team of Social Innovation Accelerator mentors. 

Early next year, five of the 10 fellows will be selected to participate in The Pitch, our annual social innovation competition, where they will compete for tens of thousands of dollars in additional seed funding. 

You’ll be seeing a lot more of these incredible organizations as they go through the Accelerator and compete for a spot at The Pitch. Stay tuned! 

United Way Kicks Off Centennial Campaign and Year-Long Celebration

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

On Oct. 24, United Way of Metropolitan Dallas hosted a very special Centennial Kickoff Event, presented by AT&T. Held at the incredible AT&T Discovery District, the evening marked the start of a yearlong celebration of 100 years of United Way’s transformative impact across North Texas. Our momentum is simply unstoppable, and together we are driving measurable, meaningful impact as we look to the future.

During the event, PepsiCo Foods North America CEO Steven Williams began his tenure as the chair of this landmark Centennial campaign. The evening included food, fun and entertainment, with a performance by Prophets and Outlaws. Attendees were treated to exciting announcements and an opportunity to network with advocates, investors and change-makers committed to driving impact in our community.

As part of our Centennial Campaign, we launched our Century Project, which will harness data to revolutionize how community organizations work together to make measurable change.

We’re thrilled to introduce you to the Centennial variation of our Live United call to action for North Texas:


Read on for highlights of our unforgettable Centennial Kickoff Event, including the big-name North Texans who are leading this yearlong celebration, a look back at our most recent successful annual campaign and how you can be part of the excitement.

About Our Once-in-a-Century Celebration of Impact

As we celebrate our milestone 100th Annual Campaign, we invite all of North Texas to join us in a historic year of service and celebration. Together, we will continue supporting our vital education, income and health initiatives as we pave the way for the next century of impact. Sign up now to stay informed, take part in our Centennial events, or volunteer to create lasting change in our community.

Our Volunteer Series will serve as a drumbeat in the march to the Centennial Celebration. Interested in signing up as a volunteer? Visit our Centennial website to get started.

Save the date! Make plans now to join an all-star roster from North Texas’ favorite teams and A-listers as we culminate this yearlong celebration.

Centennial Celebration and Concert

November 15, 2025
Cotton Bowl in Fair Park

VIP Dinner, Food and Wine Festival, and exclusive concert
Presented by PepsiCo

“Every face, every story reminds us that Dallas isn’t just a collection of neighborhoods – ours is a community of real people, real dreams, and endless possibilities,” said Jennifer Sampson, McDermott-Templeton president and CEO of United Way of Metropolitan Dallas. “And this pride in our community moves us to real action. It drives us to achieve bold goals that ensure every child, every family, and every neighbor can thrive. We have big dreams for ALL of Big D—from Dallas to Collin County to Rockwall to Southern Denton counties. But we don’t just dream. We do. We connect. We act. We Live United so ALL North Texans can thrive.”

A Shared Commitment to North Texas

To open the Oct. 24 event, Pascal Desroches, senior executive vice president and chief financial officer at AT&T, and Charlene Lake, chief sustainability officer at AT&T—both of whom are members of the United Way Board of Directors—emphasized the power of connections and the meaningful partnership between AT&T and United Way. Desroches highlighted how, for a century, United Way has strengthened education, income and health in the community, and AT&T has been proud to support this vital mission.

“AT&T and United Way have a shared commitment to community service,” he said. “It’s a privilege to collaborate with United Way of Metropolitan Dallas as they enter their Centennial year. The work they’ve done over the past century has been transformative, and we’re excited to be a part of the journey as they look to the future.”

The event featured United Way’s incoming Board Chair, Antonio Carrillo, president and CEO of Arcosa. Carrillo expressed excitement about United Way’s future, thanking the Board for their leadership during this monumental time.

Sampson took the stage and emphasized that our shared pride of Dallas is what drives us to come together in support of our community. She gave a special thanks to the following for their dedication to United Way’s mission and our community:

  • Centennial Celebration presented by PepsiCo
  • Centennial Kickoff Event presented by AT&T
  • Centennial Aspire United Volunteer Series presented by Texas Instruments
  • Century Circle Sponsors: Comerica Bank, Trinity Industries, Vistra
  • Centennial Premiere Sponsors: Atmos, EY, HEB
  • Centennial Supporting Sponsors: Arcosa, Bank of America, Ryan

Sampson recognized the powerful lineup of inspirational campaign chairs as we celebrate our 99th year and begin to look ahead at our 100th year:

  • President and CEO of Comerica Incorporated and Comerica Bank, Curt Farmer: United Way 99th Annual Campaign Chair
  • CEO of PepsiCo Foods North America, Steven Williams: United Way 100th Annual Campaign Chair
  • President and CEO, Vistra Corp., Jim Burke: United Way 101st Annual Campaign Chair

Looking Back on a Successful Year

Next, Farmer took the stage to reflect on his incredibly successful campaign year and to thank everyone who came together to ensure we reached our collective goals for the community.

“What a year to look back on,” he said. “I’m proud to share that our Annual Campaign not only met but exceeded its goal. This accomplishment was even more special to me as it coincided with Comerica’s own 175th anniversary. Leading this campaign during such a significant moment for Comerica is something I’ll always cherish. I had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the transformative impact United Way has across North Texas. Together, we focused on the building blocks of opportunity—education, income and health—and saw tremendous results.”

Check out the video below to see highlights of Farmer’s successful campaign year.

Farmer said launching United Way’s CEO Advisory Council is a particular point of pride. He offered heartfelt thanks to everyone in attendance, including his team at Comerica, and ended with a special announcement.

“Comerica has a long history with United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, but I am proud to say that Comerica now holds the distinction of having the highest number of Tocqueville members of any financial institution,” he said. He also gave special thanks to the co-chairs of the Ruth Sharp Altshuler Tocqueville Society, Trey Cox and Erin Nealy Cox. “As Tocqueville Chairs, they have played an instrumental role in the success of this campaign and their leadership has been nothing short of inspiring.”

Kicking Off Our Centennial Campaign

Farmer then welcomed Burke to the stage to help him pass the torch to the campaign chair of our Centennial year, Steven Williams.

Williams unveiled ambitious plans for the upcoming year, including ambitious fundraising goals, large-scale volunteer projects and our culminating celebration next November.

“We have such a rare opportunity to change the game for millions of our fellow North Texans. I’m honored to chair the Centennial Campaign year, and we’re off to a great start,” he said, calling out an incredible $1.6 million raised during Celanese’s annual golf tournament and a generous $1 million Centennial investment from the Lyda Hill Foundation.

Williams highlighted his company’s work with United Way, which goes back decades.

“At PepsiCo, we’ve been partnering with United Way for more than 40 years, and one of our proudest achievements together has been the launch of Southern Dallas Thrives, a long-term initiative to create real opportunities in Southern Dallas,” he said. “Southern Dallas Thrives is focused on food security, jobs and education—transforming lives in an area with the greatest challenges and the greatest opportunities.”

Williams encouraged everyone to save the date for our culminating Centennial Celebration and Concert, which will be held Nov. 15, 2025. The unprecedented event will include a food festival tied to our work eliminating food security, a dinner honoring our generous supporters and sponsors, and a concert in the Cotton Bown—the first non-sports event held in this historic venue since its renovation.

Sampson then thanked Williams for his dedication to the Live United movement.

“Your vision and leadership—and that of your team at PepsiCo—is the total package as we launch this historic Centennial anniversary, that has been years in the making,” she said. “And your visionary leadership could not have come at a better time. It’s exactly what we need to guide us into our next century of impact and service. And we can’t wait to get to work.”

We’re Driving Greater Progress Through Hyper-Local Data

Finally, Sampson highlighted one of United Way’s superpowers: using hyper-local data to understand every Dallas neighborhood, block by block and neighbor by neighbor.

“This helps us work smarter with our communities to deliver measurable results,” she said.

Sampson highlighted the recent launch of our groundbreaking Century Project, the Data Capacity Building Initiative, in partnership with the Parkland Center for Clinical Innovation. The initiative leverages the Community Vulnerability Compass, an innovative technology platform that will revolutionize how we accelerate impact and collaborate with our partners across North Texas.

“By precisely pinpointing the most pressing needs down to the neighborhood level, we’ll ensure every dollar invested created maximum impact where it matters most,” she said.

Let’s Unite for All of North Texas

Our Centennial Kickoff Event was a celebration of past achievements and a call to action for continued community involvement. Sampson closed the night with a reminder that the Centennial year offers many ways to engage, from sponsorships to volunteer opportunities. She also told attendees to stay tuned for the launch of our second century fundraising campaign, which will increase our collective capacity to achieve the Aspire United 2030 community goals for North Texas.

“This is a landmark moment, and tonight is just the beginning,” she said. “For 100 years, United Way of Metropolitan Dallas has been the driving force behind creating opportunity for all North Texans to thrive. We are the heartbeat of this community, and we have tremendous momentum. Our pulse is stronger than ever before as we kick off what will be a yearlong tribute to a century of impact and service.”

As the evening ended with a lively performance by the band Prophets and Outlaws, attendees left inspired to support United Way’s mission and be a part of shaping the next 100 years of impact in North Texas.

What’s On the Ballot for North Texans this Election?

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

The Nov. 5 general election is coming up fast, and early voting gets underway Oct. 21. At United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, we’re encouraging all registered voters to make a voting plan now so you can quickly and easily cast your ballot during early voting or on Election Day. 

Voting is one of the most effective ways to advocate for improved access to education, income and health in North Texas. Each election cycle, you can use your vote to support candidates and policies that improve life in our communities. And this year’s election is particularly important—both nationally and locally. 

Unfortunately, Texas has one of the lowest voting participation rates in the country, and North Texas ranked among the lowest regions in voter turnout among the 25 largest U.S. metros in 2016 and 2020. According to data from the Dallas County Elections Department, about half a million registered voters in Dallas County did not vote in the 2020 presidential election. In recent school board elections, turnout was so low that only 2% of voters decided the outcome, according to The Dallas Morning News. 

This can, and should, be the year that North Texas bucks this trend. After all, voting is one of the most patriotic actions you can take and an opportunity to participate directly in our democracy. Casting your ballot gives you a voice in decisions both large and small—from whether rundown sidewalks in your neighborhood get fixed and how much you pay in property taxes to who is on your children’s school board and who sits in the White House. 

Read on to learn more about some of the key races and amendments that will appear on your ballot, plus where to find more information. 

Your Ballot for This Year’s Election 

This year, you’ll have the opportunity to vote for president of the United States and U.S. Senator, as well as Railroad Commission seats, congressional and legislative offices, the State Board of Education, judicial seats and a variety of amendments.  

The quickest and easiest way to determine what will appear on your ballot is to go to your county’s website and view a sample ballot. Click below to discover what will appear on your local ballot, depending on your county: 

Outside of the United Way of Dallas service area? Click here to see what’s on the ballot in your county. 

The City of Dallas’ Amendment Proposals 

This election, City of Dallas residents will find 18 proposed amendments on their ballots. These proposals would amend the city’s charter and city code, and they are lettered Propositions A through U.  

The Dallas Morning News gives a great explainer of each amendment in this article. It includes details on three amendments—S, T and U—that we at United Way are encouraging Dallas residents to vote “no” on. Here’s why: 

  • Proposition S allows for any Dallas resident to sue the city for perceived failures to comply with the city’s charter, city ordinances or state law. This legally questionable measure is designed to allow for costly lawsuits should the city struggle to comply with Propositions T and U, which is highly likely given how they are written. It will force the city to spend millions in taxpayer money to fight off frivolous lawsuits. 
  • Proposition T subjects the city manager’s job status to be determined annually by an unscientific poll of 0.1% of the Dallas population, or just 1,400 people. The charter change would require the survey to include leading questions about issues decided by the outside group that authored it. This will subject the top-appointed city official to an annual political campaign with his/her job status on the line. 
  • Proposition U forces the city to immediately hire 900 new police officers, which current and former police officials say is impossible. We all want more police, but this measure does not account for the fact that it takes nearly two years to properly train new police officers. It also would force spending to be diverted from top resident priorities—including fire, EMS, parks, arts, libraries and streets—every year. 

Learn More  

Save yourself time and stress at the polls by being prepared. Do your research on candidates and propositions and determine how you want to vote before getting to the voting machine. You can bring notes or a sample ballot with you to vote, but you’re not allowed to have partisan flyers with you in the voting booth. Create your own personalized ballot by visiting Vote411.org. 

The Texas Tribune has a great explainer of each of the key federal and state races. Click here to read their rundown of each race and candidate. 

To learn more about voting in North Texas, visit our Voting Guide, which includes information on voter ID requirements, voting locations, vote by mail and your rights as a Texas voter. 

Accelerating Impact: An Update on Aspire United 2030 and Our New Century Project

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

On Oct. 2, United Way of Metropolitan Dallas welcomed change-makers from across our region for a very special event: the Aspire United 2030 Annual Investors Meeting and Data Capacity Building Initiative Kickoff.  

The event highlighted our key initiatives and ongoing efforts to address challenges in North Texas, offering corporate and philanthropic leaders a glimpse into the powerful collaborations shaping the future of the region. As we reach the midpoint of our 10-year Aspire United 2030 goals, while also marching toward our Centennial celebration, the gathering explored both our progress and our plans for the future. 

In preparation for the centennial, we debuted our Century Project, the United Way Data Capacity Building Initiative (DCBI), our newest collaborative tool for community impact. This exciting partnership with Parkland Center for Clinical Innovation (PCCI)—which was featured in The Dallas Morning News on Oct. 4—will have a multiplier effect on our programs, partner initiatives and our collective impact. 

“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. 

Read on to learn key takeaways from the event, including progress toward our Aspire United 2030 goals, details of the DCBI and who is included in the first program cohort. 

A Warm Welcome from Our Investors and Supporters 

The event kicked off with the co-chairs of the United Way Centennial Foundation Advisors Council, Katie Robbins, president and CEO of the Hoblitzelle Foundation, and Andy Smith, executive director of the Texas Instruments Foundation and director of giving and volunteering at Texas Instruments.  

Next, Pia Orrenius, vice president and senior economist at the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, delivered a high-level overview of North Texas’ economic conditions and how they impact our focus areas of education, income and health.  She explained that Texas lags other states in several key measures, despite our economic progress. For example, the Lone Star State is the worst in the nation when it comes to our share of uninsured people. Meanwhile, the state’s poverty rate exceeds the national average. 

Orrenius highlighted the Dallas Fed’s community development work and partnership with United Way, and discussed the importance of using data to inform and drive community investments and programs.  

“Keeping up with growth also means keeping up with a lot of changing needs,” Orrenius said. “The only way you’re going to keep up with the Texas economy and the needs of our Texas residents and Texas families is to have that data.”  

A Century of Impact, A Bold Future Ahead 

Next, Sampson reflected on United Way’s century-long legacy of impact as we prepare to celebrate our Centennial anniversary. 

She also delivered an update on the Aspire United 2030 goals, which include:  

  • Increasing by 50% the number of third graders reading on grade level 
  • Increasing by 20% the number of young adults earning a living wage 
  • Ensuring that 96% of North Texans have access to affordable healthcare coverage 

“These pillars form the foundation for a thriving North Texas, and they guide every investment, partnership and program we undertake,” she explained. “Our goals are ambitious, but so is this community.” 

Sampson emphasized that our three pillars—education, income and health—are deeply interconnected.  

“A child who receives quality early healthcare is more likely to succeed in school,” she said. “Reading proficiency by third grade is a critical predictor of high school graduation and future earning potential. And financial stability leads to better health outcomes. That’s why our work touches on all these areas—because the future of our community depends on it.” 

Sampson reported that despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, United Way and our partners have made significant strides in our goals:  

  • Education: Since 2020, we’ve already achieved a 15% increase in the number of third graders reading on grade level. To stay on track, we must drive a 3% annual increase each year through 2030.  
  • Income: Since 2020, we’ve increased the percentage of young adults earning a living wage to 71%, and we are laser-focused on achieving a 2% annual increase to meet our goal. 
  • Health: Currently 83% of North Texans have healthcare coverage. To achieve our goal of 96% coverage, we need an annual increase of 2%. 

Sampson then invited more organizations to join the DCBI. “We are looking forward. We want to ensure that our second century is even more impactful than our first,” she said. “We are leveraging data to architect our future. And with your partnership and support, I’m confident that we can drive greater impact in our second century and that we can make North Texas a place where everyone, no matter their background or their circumstances, has the access and opportunity to thrive.” 

The DCBI Will Drive Greater Community Impact 

One of the event’s most exciting announcements was the launch of the Data Capacity Building Initiative (DCBI), a collaboration between United Way and the Parkland Center for Clinical Innovation (PCCI). Katie Robbins and Andy Smith explained how this initiative will empower more than 200 local nonprofits by providing them with essential data and tools to drive measurable outcomes in their communities. 

DCBI will have a multiplier effect on United Way programs, partnerships and impact. The DCBI leverages the Aspire United Community Vulnerability Compass (CVC), which provides hyper-local, micro-level data on education, income and health and enables us to pinpoint areas of greatest need, fine-tune our initiatives and investments, and closely track progress toward our goals. 

“Data transforms abstract challenges into actionable insights. It’s really the difference between hoping for change and strategically driving it,” Sampson said.  

As the Dallas Morning News article pointed out, the initiative will allow our community partners to visualize community vulnerability by block groups across dozens of clinical and socioeconomic indicators, including average income and education attainment. They will then leverage that data to drive more impact across Dallas, Rockwall, Collin and southern Denton counties. 

The event illustrated how CVC will be a game-changer for nonprofits. This tool uniquely allows community leaders to visualize strengths and vulnerabilities, identify service gaps and advocate for targeted interventions. As an example, Texas Instruments, the Hoblitzelle Foundation and United Way are using the CVC to support the revitalization of the Hamilton Park neighborhood—Dallas’ first planned Black neighborhood. Smith described how this data-driven approach is helping guide meaningful community discussions and investments aimed at reducing disparities and building a brighter future. 

Sampson explained that for many community organizations, especially smaller ones, accessing and analyzing data is a significant barrier.  

“Data is crucial—it enables accountability, performance measurement and strategic planning. Without it, many nonprofits struggle to meet the growing demands of the communities they serve,” she said. “Our DCBI initiative aims to fill this gap by equipping nonprofits with the capacity to drive results and amplify impact where it’s needed most. In essence, data is our compass, guiding us from good intentions to measurable impact.” 

The DCBI, and our partnership with PCCI, is one key to accelerating progress toward our Aspire United 2030 goals and fueling our next century of impact. This initiative is just one way we are leaning into our data-driven community impact strategy by expanding our use of local data to develop collective solutions for our community. 

A Look Inside the DCBI 

Steve Miff, the CEO of PCCI, provided an overview of the organization’s work, the Community Vulnerability Compass and their partnership with United Way.  

“I believe through the partnership with United Way and all of you, this truly has the opportunity to be game changing,” he said. “It’s this combination of the right data that’s credible, reliable, actionable, with the ability to use that together with our partners and learn how to apply it, that I believe has the potential to really change not only our community, but also be a beacon for how this can be done in other parts of the country.” 

Then, Lance Rather, senior director of product and strategic partnerships at PCCI, gave a compelling live demonstration of the CVC, providing attendees with a first-hand look at how this innovative tool will shape future investments and nonprofit initiatives. He shared how the insights gathered from data will allow for more strategic interventions, ensuring that vulnerable populations receive necessary resources. He also gave a high-level overview of DCBI sessions and how cohort members will work together over the course of the program. 

Introducing the First DCBI Cohort  

Next, Sampson and Miff announced the first cohort of the DCBI, 10 hardworking mission-driven organizations that will leverage the Community Vulnerability Compass, and the support of United Way and PCCI, to amplify their impact on education, income and health in our community: 

  • Charnella Derry, Beacon Hill Preparatory Institute  
  • Tara Robinson, Black Heart Association  
  • Karen Tan, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas  
  • Adam Powell, Communities In Schools of the Dallas Region  
  • Tammy Johnson, Empowering the Masses, Inc.  
  • Sarah Nejdl, Families to Freedom Inc.  
  • Elizabeth Henneke, Lone Star Justice Alliance  
  • Richard Miles, Miles of Freedom  
  • Bianca Davis, New Friends New Life – Amy’s Friends  
  • Sherri Mixon, T.R. Hoover Community Development Corporation  
  • Florencia Velasco Fortner, The Concilio  
  • Chris Quadri, Youth With Faces – Youth Village Resources of Dallas, Inc.  

Thank You to Our Dedicated Partners 

Thank you to everyone who attended the Aspire United 2030 Annual Investors Meeting and the kickoff for our Century Project, the Data Capacity Building Initiative.  

A special thanks to the co-chairs and members of the United Way Centennial Foundation Advisors Council:  

  • Katie Robbins, president and CEO of the Hoblitzelle Foundation – Co-chair 
  • Andy Smith, executive director of the Texas Instruments Foundation and director of giving and volunteering at Texas Instruments – Co-chair  
  • Mary McDermott Cook and Grace Cook, The Eugene McDermott Foundation  
  • Charles Glover, The Meadows Foundation  
  • Ben Leal, The Addy Foundation  
  • Deedie Rose, The Rose Family Foundation  

And thank you to our speakers and partners who helped to make the event a success, including:  

  • Pia Orrenuis, vice president and senior economist at the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas 
  • Steve Miff, CEO, PCCI 
  • Lance Rather, senior director of product and strategic partnerships at PCCI 

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’re grateful to the sponsors of the Data Capacity Building Initiative: 

  • The Addy Foundation 
  • Hoblitzelle Foundation 
  • The Rose Family Foundation 
  • The Meadows Foundation 
  • The Eugene McDermott Foundation 
  • Texas Instruments 

We invite you to join these forward-thinking organizations and invest 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. 

two boys playing with a robot

United Way’s STEM Fest Inspires Young Minds

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

During last month’s annual STEM Fest presented by Texas Instruments, United Way of Metropolitan Dallas brought together students, educators and industry leaders for two days filled with hands-on activities, demonstrations and learning opportunities focused on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). 

The fun-filled event isn’t only a fun escape for local scholars. It also directly supports our Aspire United 2030 goals, which are our North Star for driving transformational change in the areas of education, income and health. That’s because STEM programs are one of the ways we as a community can prepare our students for success in college and the workforce. 

Our region needs a strong pipeline of young people going into STEM careers to support growth in related industries. By sparking an interest in STEM from an early age, we can increase the chances that students will attend and complete college and go on to a good-paying, stable career. 

Read on to learn more about STEM Fest and its impact on local students, as well as how you can support STEM education in North Texas. 

Two Days of STEM Excitement 

This year we expanded STEM Fest to two days to meet growing demand for this dynamic and interactive annual event. Two of Dallas’ top museums—the Perot Museum of Nature and Science and the Frontiers of Flight Museum—were the perfect settings to host more than 900 fifth- and sixth-grade students from Lancaster Independent School District, plus more than 100 dedicated volunteers. 

STEM Fest aims to ignite a passion for STEM subjects among students by providing a platform where they can explore various fields, engage with cutting-edge technology and meet professionals who work in these exciting industries. This year’s events featured unique interactive activity stations, including: 

  • Pi Buttons, which taught about geometry and how to calculate the circumference of a circle by designing and making a wearable button 
  • Chemistry Detectives, where students investigated physical and chemical changes of matter to identify an unknown substance, using their findings to help solve a mystery at the museum 
  • Musical Coding, where students explored the science of sound and hearing by creating music by programming the TI-Innovator Hub to play a series of playful tunes 
  • T. rex: The Ultimate Predator, which taught students about the iconic dinosaur’s keen senses 
  • TI Robotics, where students explored the relationship between distance, time and speed by driving the TI-Innovator Rover as close as possible to the toy dog, Rover, without bumping him 
  • AI Facial Recognition, where students discovered the fascinating world of artificial intelligence, exploring how computers can recognize and identify faces with advanced technology 

STEM Programming Is a Powerful Learning Tool 

Research shows that STEM lessons and activities support the development of creativity and “divergent thinking,” or the process of creating multiple, unique ideas or solutions to a problem. Put simply, it lets kids learn by exploring and experiencing the world around them.  

When students cultivate curiosity, problem-solving abilities and a flexible mindset, these qualities enhance their academic performance and extend into their everyday lives. Students with a foundation in STEM are better prepared to tackle real-world issues, setting them up for future success in higher education or their careers. 

At the same time, STEM education introduces students to science, technology, engineering and math, creating a pipeline of future professionals in these critical fields. This strengthens our region’s workforce, where careers in computing, mathematics, architecture, engineering, and the life and physical sciences are becoming more prevalent. 

Given its significant impact on young learners, STEM education plays a vital role in advancing our mission to improve access to education, income and health. As part of our Aspire United 2030 community goals, we aim to ensure that more local students graduate high school ready for college or the workforce. By advancing this educational goal, we also ensure more young adults can secure living-wage jobs and access the healthcare they and their family need to live healthier, longer lives. 

STEM programs also help improve opportunities in the North Texas workforce and in STEM itself, ensuring more students are exposed to experiential learning and problem solving.  

Today, just 15% of Black students and 17% of Latinx students are college ready upon graduation, which hinders their chances of landing a good-paying job. This trend persists through adulthood, with only 12% of Latinx workers and 19% of Black workers earning a living wage. These disparities show that it’s more important than ever to support educational programming throughout North Texas. 

Impact of STEM Programs 

United Way initiatives like STEM Fest are hands-on and experiential, which is a powerful complement to traditional classroom learning. Not only does STEM learning feel novel for children, but it also offers practical applications and take-aways for their future. It gives them an opportunity to dream about how they might use STEM in college or a career. 

As Amelia Keeton, a sixth grader who participated in STEM Fest, explained, “My experience at the museum was pretty great, because I got to see lots of new planes, including the first one ever built,” she said. “When I grow up, I want to be multiple different things. I mean, astronauts seem pretty cool. I saw lots of spaceships, and I got to get close up and see inside of one.”  

STEM programming also gives United Way volunteers and donors an opportunity to directly invest in the next generation of STEM professionals. For example, Shreya Mandal, a product marketing engineer at Texas Instruments and a frequent United Way volunteer, says she appreciates that the organization delivers a variety of ways for her to encourage young girls to try their hand at STEM. 

“Introducing STEM to young girls is truly a passion of mine,” she said. “I believe that as younger professionals in the workplace, it is our responsibility to go back to where all of the curriculum starts from. If you introduce these exciting ideas—for example, creating a solution, programming some code into a calculator—I think those hands-on activities really resonate with young girls. They see that, hey, it’s not that difficult and it’s not as complex as everyone makes it seem. And that this space is also for us.” 

Join Us in Supporting STEM in North Texas 

With the support of volunteers and nonprofit and corporate partners, our STEM programs improve access to education and to future job opportunities for students across North Texas. We invite you to Live United and be part of this meaningful change in our community. 

Here are three ways you can get involved right now: 

  • Give: Make a one-time or recurring donation of any size to invest in our initiatives that improve access to education right here in our community.  
  • Advocate: The Texas Legislature convenes for its 89th session on Jan. 14, 2025. Join United Way in advocating for key bills that will impact education and workforce policy in North Texas. To get started, sign up for our Advocacy Alerts. 
  • Volunteer: We frequently host STEM-related volunteer programs that support local students. Keep an eye on current and upcoming opportunities on our volunteer page.