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Author: Meg Costa

Through the Social Innovation Accelerator, the Live United Movement Has Positively Impacted More Than 500,000 North Texans

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

More than a decade ago, the team at United Way of Metropolitan Dallas had an idea that would significantly accelerate our impact in education, income and health: creating a program to identify and support entrepreneurs who are doing bold work in North Texas as they scale their programs and impact.  

Together with our long-time corporate partner, AT&T, we launched the Social Innovation Accelerator, our development program for social entrepreneurs whose work aligns with our mission to improve access to education, income and health. 

As we look back on more than 10 years of success with the Accelerator, a dozen cohorts of unique and innovative fellows, and countless game-changing ideas, let’s explore the impact these incredible entrepreneurs have had on our region and how you can be part of the excitement at on April 9 The Pitch delivered by Amazon. 

The Origins of the Social Innovation Accelerator 

Recognizing the power and potential of social innovation in our community, we established the Social Innovation Accelerator (originally known as GroundFloor) in 2013. GroundFloor was targeted toward social innovators that were just getting started and had potential to drive real progress in education, income and health. 

Since 2013, each year, United Way selects a group of social innovators with creative solutions to challenges in our focus areas of education, income and health to join what is now called the Social Innovation Accelerator. During the program, they receive seed funding and professional mentoring, refine their business plans and complete key business milestones.  

In all, 83 fellows have completed the nine-month-long program, and they’ve gone on to grow their businesses and positively impact more than 500,000 North Texans, raise over $75 million in additional funding and form 2,620 additional partnerships. By accelerating these social entrepreneurs, United Way and our partners and supporters are creating a sea change right here in North Texas by driving progress toward our Aspire United 2030 goals.  

“North Texas is home to so many innovative entrepreneurs who are the boots on the ground in their communities. They understand first-hand the challenges and opportunities their neighbors face, and they’ve developed creative ways to improve things,” said Jennifer Clark, director of innovation at United Way of Metropolitan Dallas. “Programs like the Social Innovation Accelerator allow us to amplify the efforts of these social innovators and work closely with them to ensure that, together, we’re having the biggest impact possible.” 

Innovation in Action 

Here are just a few examples of how, together, we are creating a positive impact for more individuals and families every year. (View our full list of Accelerator alumni here.) 

Principal Impact Collective: Strengthening Our Public Schools

Principal Impact Collaborative (PIC) was a brand-new organization when it went through the Social Innovation Accelerator in 2016. The nonprofit, which is part of UNT Dallas, seeks to provide adult learning opportunities to leaders in the education and public sector to strengthen public schools.  

Amanda Dudley, former executive director of PIC, said in the years since the Accelerator, the organization has expanded its Principal Fellowship—a two-year fellowship for North Texas school principals—to seven local districts. Meanwhile, PIC has created new programming for district leadership teams in its Leadership Lab. These programs include development and support unique to the needs of specific school districts, enabling principals and their teams to be even more effective.  

Dudley explains that having United Way as a “first-in investor” gave PIC credibility with other funders and partners, just as the organization was getting off the ground. “This allowed PIC to quickly establish itself as a critical partner in leadership development for school principals,” she said.  

Since going through the Accelerator in 2016, PIC has hosted 270 school principals and other district leaders in its programs. As a result, the organization has positively impacted more than 100,000 public school students and significantly advanced our shared mission of improving educational outcomes in North Texas.  

Southern Dallas Link: Eliminating Mobility Barriers

Southern Dallas Link has experienced transformational change since founder Curtis Corbins went through the Accelerator in 2020. “We have literally blown up, because mobility is just a huge thing here in North Texas,” he says. “Even though our main focus is getting people to living-wage jobs, impacting their ability to come out of poverty, we’ve also been able to expand to other areas.”  

Their new initiatives include partnering with AARP to provide transportation for seniors, with Texas Workforce to transport special needs workers and with TR Hoover to pick up low-income kids for summer programs.  

Curtis credits the Accelerator with showing him how to “stay in his lane” by focusing solely on transportation. That focus has enabled his organization to grow from serving around 1,500 clients per year in 2020 to about 6,500 in 2023. Southern Dallas Link has also become a United Way community impact partner, which Curtis says has enabled them to hire more drivers and serve more transportation deserts.  

One of the biggest benefits of his partnership with United Way, Curtis says, is the number of doors it has opened.  

“United Way has given me street cred. My relationship with them has allowed me to have a bigger impact than I could have imagined, simply because I can tell people United Way is one of my biggest partners,” he explains. “Having gone through the Accelerator, it’s like people are more apt to listen to you and work with you.”  

Bonton Farms: Expanding Their Focus and Impact

When Bonton Farms went through the Accelerator in 2017, the organization was “still in its infancy,” according to Helena Banks, who served as director of development and external affairs through 2024. “Being a part of the Accelerator really opened a lot of doors,” she said. “Mostly, it impacted our trajectory—being able to network with the United Way community and the people and organizations involved.”  

Helena offers a few examples: In the early days of Bonton Farms, the area had limited utilities. Through the Accelerator, founder Daron Babcock formed a connection with AT&T, which enabled him to bring Wi-Fi to the community. The United Way network also connected him to Deloitte, which planted the seeds of an initiative that will offer first-of-their-kind banking products in Bonton through nine financial partners.  

These types of deep connections have helped Bonton Farms grow well beyond their roots as an urban farm and support folks in every area of life. They’ve launched initiatives like an apprenticeship with wrap-around services and a housing program that includes everything from tiny homes to lease-to-own houses.  

Meanwhile, Daron and his team are also expanding their impact across Texas. In 2021, they worked to get the Bonton Farms Bill passed. The resulting law gives citizens returning from prison the opportunity to wipe fines from their records, so that when they’re released, they get a blank slate financially.  

As Helena explained, “We’re out to disrupt the system. When you talk about changing people’s trajectory, you really have to dive deep. Ultimately our goal is that the change in Bonton becomes the change in the world. We want to take these same principles and expand them across the nation, because we all know that there are Bonton communities everywhere.”  

The Competition Heats Up at The Pitch  

Each cohort of the Social Innovation Accelerator culminates at The Pitch delivered by Amazon, a one-of-a-kind competition where five finalists pitch their bold ideas live on stage for a chance to win additional funding and the title of “Social Innovator of the Year.” The Pitch is North Texas’ social innovation event of the year, and a thrilling way to highlight and celebrate the game-changing impact of the Accelerator program and of our innovative fellows.  

This year, The Pitch will be held Wednesday, April 9 at 6 p.m. at The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory in Irving. We invite you to join your fellow change-seekers for an unforgettable evening and watch our five finalists pitch their innovative ideas for improving access to education, income and health. Vote for your favorite finalist to win the $30,000 Audience Choice Award, and then stick around to enjoy an open bar, tasty bites, great music and our exclusive networking hour.  

Interested in joining us? Get on the waitlist at unitedwaydallas.org/thepitch and we’ll let you know when early-bird tickets go on sale.

March Tocqueville Fellows Spotlight: Charlene Lake and Ali Mize

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

Charlene Lake and Ali Mize took distinctly different paths to service. Yet it is their shared passion for fostering change in the world that brought them together.

Charlene is now a United Way of Metropolitan Dallas Board member and senior vice president of Corporate Responsibility and chief sustainability officer at AT&T. She began her career as a newspaper reporter in Kansas.

Ali, who was recently promoted to vice president of ESG, Belonging and Philanthropy at Neiman Marcus Group, got her start as a program manager with Fulbright Belgium.

The two North Texas change makers were connected through our March Tocqueville Fellows Initiative made possible by Carol March and Kevin March.

As a March Fellow, Ali desired to be paired with a C-suite leader—ideally a woman—who understood her challenges and shared her passion for growth in the sustainability field. With that in mind, we connected her with Charlene. The rest is history.

“I learn just as much from Ali as I could ever teach her,” says Charlene. “When you approach a mentorship this way, seeing it as a two-way exchange, you gain the ability to both enrich your own life and drive impact in society.”

And for Ali, who’s the first person on her dad’s side to go to college, and the first person in her family to pursue a corporate career, being a mentee is all about seeing what you want to be.

“Charlene helps me see the opportunities in my career,” Ali says. “She also gives me a safe space to ask questions in my pursuit of those opportunities.”

To learn how you can become a March Fellow or give back by mentoring a local young professional, visit our March Fellowship Program page.

Southern Dallas Thrives community resource room unveiling

Check Out Our New Community Resource Hub at the Barack Obama Leadership Academy in Southern Dallas

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

We’re proud to announced that on Friday, Jan. 31, we unveiled an expanded community resource hub at the Barack Obama Male Leadership Academy at A. Maceo Smith High School in Southern Dallas.

The project is powered by United Way Metropolitan Dallas’ Southern Dallas Thrives Initiative and is in collaboration with Dwell with Dignity, an alumnus of our Social Innovation Accelerator program. The goal of the resource hub is to provide local students and families with key resources that advance our Aspire United 2030 goals, which seek to expand access to education, income and health—the building blocks of opportunity. 

Read on to learn more about the new resource hub and how you can be part of this type of exciting community impact work. 

Resource Hubs Serve Our Communities 

Community resource hubs are an important component of our Southern Dallas Thrives initiative, a partnership with Texas Instruments, PepsiCo/Frito-Lay, AT&T and other leading corporations, which targets our collective impact in the areas of North Texas that stand to benefit most. 

The resource hub at the Barack Obama Male Leadership Academy is one of a network of such facilities across Southern Dallas, designed to provide important resources that enable students to succeed and families to thrive in our focus areas of education, income and health. The resource hub model is an ideal fit for the leadership academy, whose mission is to develop young men into impactful leaders by cultivating their intellectual, moral, physical, social and emotional skills for the global society of tomorrow. 

Each community resource hub created through Southern Dallas Thrives offers:  

  • Household and nutritional food items 
  • School uniforms 
  • Access to technology and technical assistance 
  • Educational resources 

In our 2023-2024 fiscal year, our community resource hubs positively impacted more than 2,000 students and about 1,000 parents, teachers and other community members. (Learn more about our collective impact here.) The long-term goal is to expand this place-based model to multiple campuses throughout the region, ensuring greater access and support for more families. 

“Improving access to educational resources and services is one of our priorities in Southern Dallas, an area that has historically been underserved and under resourced,” said Ashley Douglas, vice president of United Way’s Southern Dallas Thrives initiative. “Our partnerships with community school-based campuses have enabled us to address these challenges while economically supporting our scholar network in the southern sector.”

Douglas explained that the community resource hub at the Barack Obama Male Leadership Academy is an exciting expansion of this work.  

“Designed to holistically support sector scholars through targeted academic engagement and resources that help families thrive, we are thrilled to increase this network of support on the campus,” she said. “Through this collaborative approach alongside community partners, we are committed to ensuring that our students remain positioned to continue to thrive.”  

The resource hub was designed and installed by Dwell with Dignity, a United Way partner and 2021 finalist of our Social Innovation Accelerator program. Dwell with Dignity designs and fills complete interior spaces for individuals and communities who need an environment that will support health and wellness. They empower families to thrive in a safe, functional and beautiful environment, with a goal of significantly reducing toxic stress levels, improving academics and transforming lives through design, inspiring their clients to maintain a high standard environment.  

“Dwell with Dignity is honored to transform the Barack Obama Male Leadership Academy’s library with the generous support of Texas Counter Fitters, United Way of Metropolitan Dallas and the State Fair of Texas,” said Teresa Charnock, executive director of Dwell with Dignity. “The students will find access to important resources, comfortable and stylish places to read and gather, and a space that fosters inspiration, learning and creativity.” 

We’d like to offer special thanks to our event partners and sponsors, Texas Counter Fitters and The State Fair of Texas, and to Jarrod Oram and Dallas ISD for helping to make the resource room unveiling a success!  

Southern Dallas Thrives Drives Meaningful Change 

Created in partnership with PepsiCo Foundation and Frito-Lay North America, our Southern Dallas Thrives initiative provides vital investment opportunities to the Southern Dallas community to create lasting change and measurable impact. The initiative focuses on improving access to education, income and health.    

Addressing the needs of under-resourced communities, particularly in Southern Dallas, requires a multi-faceted approach centered on education, increasing community access to essential resources, and providing support that promote equitable outcomes. By focusing on these key areas, and through initiatives like our community resource hubs, together we can create a stronger foundation for long-term success and resilience within the community.  

Join Us as We Expand Access to Education 

With the support of volunteers and nonprofit and corporate partners, our targeted resource rooms capitalize on the community’s biggest opportunities and address our region’s most entrenched challenges. Together, we’re improving access to education for thousands of Southern Dallas residents every year. 

This is measurable, lasting change that you can be a part of. Here are three ways you can get involved right now: 

  • Advocate: Throughout the Texas Legislature’s 89th session, we’re advocating alongside change-seekers like you for key bills that will impact education in North Texas. To get started, sign up for our Advocacy Alerts. 
  • Volunteer: We frequently host volunteer programs that support local students and educators. Keep an eye on current and upcoming opportunities on our volunteer page. 
Margot Perot

Margot Perot Receives United Way’s Highest Honor for Volunteer Service

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

At United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, our impact is only possible thanks to the volunteers, investors and advocates who give of their time, talents and resources to support our mission. Recently, we had an opportunity to celebrate one of our biggest supporters, Margot Perot, who is the recipient of this year’s prestigious J. Erik Jonsson Award. 

Named after the visionary co-founder of United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, this award is given annually to a volunteer who exemplifies the spirit of service and leadership that has defined our community. 

In September, we gathered with some of our dedicated supporters, including past recipients of the J. Erik Jonsson Award, to honor Mrs. Perot, one of the city’s most humble and impactful leaders. She has dedicated decades of selfless contributions to education, financial stability and healthcare, alongside her unwavering support of community-focused initiatives in North Texas. The event was a moving tribute to a woman whose quiet generosity has made an indelible mark on Dallas, with her influence felt across the city’s most vital causes. 

Click here to view our video honoring Margot Perot, and read on for highlights of the J. Erik Jonsson Award reception. 

A Legacy of Visionary Leadership 

The evening began with warm introductions from Jennifer Sampson, McDermott-Templeton president and CEO of United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, and Tom and Karen Falk, the 2023 honorees of the J. Erik Jonsson Award. Reflecting on the legacy of Jonsson, who co-founded United Way of Metropolitan Dallas and launched the transformative Goals for Dallas initiative, they emphasized how his vision continues to shape the city today—much like the legacy that the entire Perot family has cultivated. 

Tom Falk highlighted the parallels between Jonsson’s Goals for Dallas and United Way’s Aspire United 2030, our roadmap for improving education, income and health across North Texas.  

“Jonsson didn’t just leave his mark; he laid the foundation for corporate and civic leadership to take ownership of the well-being of this city,” Tom Falk said. He also remarked on the profound impact Perot’s work has had in carrying Jonsson’s ideals forward, uniting the private and public sectors for the betterment of the community. 

Honoring Past Recipients 

Karen Falk took a moment to recognize the past recipients of the J. Erik Jonsson Award who were present at the event:  

  • Lyda Hill, 2018  
  • Stan Rabin, 2012  
  • Liz Minyard, 2004  
  • Ron Steinhart, 1996  

“These honorees all share a common affection for United Way and its work, demonstrated by the time and treasure they’ve committed to the organization over many years,” Sampson said.  

Celebrating Margot Perot’s Lifelong Dedication 

Sampson then reflected on Perot’s incredible legacy.  

“Margot’s name is tied to virtually every major initiative that United Way of Metropolitan Dallas has undertaken over the decades,” Sampson said.  

Highlights include:  

  • Mrs. Perot was the first member of the Tocqueville Society almost 40 years ago, and when her dear friend Ruth Sharp Altshuler founded it, she was the first to step up as Tocqueville Chair in 1987 and 1988. 
  • In 1991, Mrs. Perot received the Alexis de Tocqueville Award, only the second person to do so, following Altshuler. 
  • Mrs. Perot served as honorary co-chair of United Way’s 90th Anniversary celebration in 2015, helping Altshuler launch the Unite Forever campaign, which raised an unprecedented $100 million in endowment funds to support our community. 
  • In 2018, Mrs. Perot received the Decades of Distinction award alongside her friend Margaret McDermott. 
  • In 2022, Mrs. Perot made the largest single philanthropic investment in United Way of Metropolitan Dallas’ almost 100-year history to accelerate impact with 144 community impact partners, which range from long-standing proven impact providers to grassroots organizations bringing bold new strategies to our community’s most pervasive challenges in education, income and health. 

Sampson said, “[Margot’s late husband] Ross Sr.’s visionary generosity and Margot’s continued leadership have touched so many lives and areas—education, healthcare, the arts and beyond. Their impact on North Texas is truly remarkable. And to have the opportunity to work closely with their daughter, Carolyn Perot Rathjen, on the United Way Foundation Board is a real gift and I’m deeply grateful. As executive director of the Perot Foundation, Carolyn is ensuring that the family’s legacy of philanthropy continues to strengthen this community—to our great gratitude.” 

In addition to her work with United Way, Mrs. Perot was also honored earlier in the day with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the North Texas Food Bank, further exemplifying her enduring commitment to fighting hunger and supporting the most vulnerable in the community. 

Presenting this Year’s J. Erik Jonsson Award 

Lyda Hill, a close friend of Margot Perot and a fellow philanthropist who is also a J. Erik Jonsson honoree, had the honor of presenting the 2024 J. Erik Jonsson Award. Hill spoke about Perot’s immense impact on United Way and beyond, recalling how her contributions have strengthened initiatives like the Perot Museum of Nature and Science.  

“For over 50 years, Margot and her family have touched countless lives—many in this room and beyond—through their quiet but powerful generosity. And it’s impossible to overstate the impact that her work and philanthropy have had on United Way,” she said. “Margot’s influence goes beyond financial support. Her personal warmth and thoughtfulness leave a lasting impression on everyone she touches. She epitomizes the heart, the intellect and drive that the J. Erik Jonsson Award honors.” 

In her heartfelt acceptance speech, Mrs. Perot expressed gratitude to her family, friends and the United Way community for the honor. True to her modest nature, she reminded the audience that awards like these are not about accolades, but about the difference we can make together.  

“United Way is about community,” she said. “That’s what first drew me to this incredible organization and what continues to inspire me today.” 

A Legacy That Inspires 

In closing, Sampson reflected on the impact Mrs. Perot has had on Dallas and beyond. “Margot’s leadership, compassion and generosity have made this city a better place for all of us,” she said. Quoting Albert Schweitzer, she captured the essence of Mrs. Perot’s steadfast leadership: “Example is not the main thing in influencing others. It is the only thing.” 

Congratulations, Margot Perot, on this well-deserved honor, and thank you for your dedication to our community and to United Way. Your legacy will continue to inspire us all. 

Volunteers Will Promote Early Literacy by Reading to More Than 15,000 Students on United Way Reading Day

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

United Way Reading Day presented by Atmos Energy is one of our most beloved annual traditions. As part of our Aspire United Volunteer Series presented by Texas Instruments, it’s a unique opportunity for community volunteers to spark a love of reading in young students across North Texas.  

This fun-filled day directly supports our goal to improve third-grade reading proficiency in our communities. Early literacy is important for all children and is foundational to our three focus areas—education, income and health—which we’ve identified as the building blocks of opportunity.   

As we look ahead to United Way Reading Day presented by Atmos Energy, held Friday, March 7 in more than 1,000 classrooms across North Texas, let’s explore the impact of Reading Day, the importance of reading proficiency and how you can be part of this incredible event. 

We Created an Unprecedented Impact in 2024 

Last year’s United Way Reading Day presented by Atmos Energy was bigger, more exciting and more impactful than ever before. The event, celebrated in more than 1,000 classrooms across North Texas, engaged nearly 1,200 dedicated volunteers who read to more than 20,000 local students. 

With thousands of change-seekers signing up to read to children, donate books and prepare literacy kits, Reading Day 2024 marked the kickoff of our Aspire United Volunteer Series presented by Texas Instruments, leading up to this year’s Centennial anniversary. Now through November, we’re uniting all of Dallas to celebrate our first 100 years of impact, give back to the community and look ahead to our next century of service to North Texas. 

This historically impactful event inspired hand-raisers from across North Texas to get involved, including Former First Lady Mrs. Laura Bush, who served as honorary Reading Day chair.  

United Way Reading Day even got a shoutout on the Today Show, where Jenna Bush Hager was leading her own celebration of Read Across America Day while her mom Laura read to excited kiddos right here in North Texas. Check out the clip here! 

Reading Day 2024 Impact 

  • 20,000+ local students positively impacted 
  • 1,200+ volunteers engaged  
  • 1,000 classrooms participated 
  • 42 elementary campuses celebrated 
  • 4,400 literacy kits prepared by our corporate partners  

For Reading Day volunteers like Dr. Harryette Ehrhardt, the event was an opportunity to leverage the power of books to change lives. The former educator—who even taught children’s literature to our Honorary Reading Day Chair Laura Bush at Southern Methodist University—knows that reading is the gateway to a child’s future. 

“You can use a book to go anywhere in the world, any time, any place in history,” she says. “And to give children that resource is to give them something to carry on with their lifelong learning.” 

The Importance of Reading Proficiency 

Our annual Reading Day celebration isn’t just about encouraging children to love reading. It also supports early literacy by showing kids that books are fun, accessible and engaging.  

Early literacy is directly connected to our focus areas of education, income and health—the building blocks of opportunity. When children develop strong reading skills, they are better equipped to succeed in school, which in turn supports college and career readiness, career achievement and even overall health.  

Research shows the connection between education and other key areas: 

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

Research indicates that third grade is an important learning milestone for students and a time when reading proficiency is especially significant. That’s because third grade is when children shift from learning to read to reading to learn. From this point on, reading becomes foundational for all other learning, including science, math and history. In fact, an estimated 85% of all curricula is taught by reading. 

“Once children develop strong literacy skills, they are ready to begin learning and succeeding in every subject,” said Abigail Sharp, vice president of early childhood initiatives at United Way of Metropolitan Dallas.  

While events like Reading Day support children’s development, creativity and vocabulary, they also create a foundation for learning, which opens the door to the future, whether that takes the form of college, a career, the military or some other path. By encouraging early reading as a community, together we can advance our mission to create access and opportunity for all North Texans to thrive. 

Reading Proficiency in North Texas 

Recent data shows that third-grade reading proficiency has jumped more than 15% in our service area. This puts us on track to achieve our top-line Aspire United 2030 education goal, which is to increase by 50% the number of students reading on grade level by third grade.  

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

Sharp says early literacy initiatives like those from United Way of Metropolitan Dallas and our partners are having a direct impact on overall third-grade reading proficiency in our community. 

“United Way and other local community organizations recognize the importance of literacy and exposure to reading from a very early age,” she says. “Programs like United Way Reading Day and Once Upon a Month create opportunity and access where it didn’t exist before, exposing children to the joys and possibilities of books in a way that will benefit them for years to come.” 

Support Early Literacy in North Texas 

Research indicates that by the end of third grade, 74% of struggling readers won’t ever catch up. That’s why it’s so important for children to have literacy opportunities and exposure as early as possible.  

Here are three ways you can support early literacy in right here at home: 

  1. Volunteer: Join us as a Reading Day volunteer, either by signing up to read to students in person or by participating in one of our virtual volunteer opportunities. This year’s Reading Day will celebrate 100 Years of Reading, in recognition of United Way’s Centennial anniversary. Volunteers will read to thousands of elementary students across North Texas classrooms and participate in our online book drives to help build each child’s personal library. To learn more about United Way Reading Day and to volunteer, visit our Reading Day event page.  
  2. Give: Make a donation to support programs like Reading Day and Once Upon a Month, which delivers age-appropriate children’s books to North Texas children every month to encourage language development and spark a love of reading. 
  3. Advocate: The Texas Legislature is currently in session, and now is the perfect time to join us in advocating for our legislative priorities, which include strengthening early literacy policies. Sign up for our Advocacy Alerts today. 

United Way Explores Socio-Economic Challenges and Opportunities at Dallas Fed Global Perspectives Speaker Event

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

On Jan. 16, United Way of Metropolitan Dallas and the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas welcomed community leaders and change-seekers to the latest event in the Dallas Fed’s Global Perspectives Speaker Series. The signature speaker series features engaging conversations with business leaders, economics and policy experts and Federal Reserve officials.

The event was an opportunity for United Way to come together with some of our leading supporters to discuss strategies for improving access to education, income and health right here at home. 

Insights From a Mission-Driven Entrepreneur 

This month’s event included a conversation with Daniel Lubetzky, founder of Builders and KIND Snacks, moderated by Lorie Logan, president and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas and member of United Way’s CEO Advisory Board.  

Lubetzky is a social entrepreneur focused on empowering people to work across divides to solve our toughest problems together. He brought insight to a variety of important topics, including:  

  • His experience creating and leading mission-driven organizations 
  • His strategy of building bridges and using market forces to try to bring people together  
  • The importance of uniting key stakeholders within a community to drive meaningful change 
  • The role of entrepreneurs and the private sector in achieving positive outcomes for a community 
  • How individuals can get started in creating a fairer, more equitable society 

Click below to view the Global Perspectives event video on-demand. 

We Unite the Community to Drive Socio-Economic Change 

As Jennifer Sampson, McDermott-Templeton president and CEO of United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, pointed out in her welcome remarks, United Way’s mission to improve access to education, income and health aligns with the Dallas Fed’s community development work, which promotes economic growth and financial stability for low- and moderate-income communities and individuals. 

“Our mission at United Way is simple but powerful: to improve lives across North Texas by mobilizing the caring power of our communities and by investing in education, income and health,” Sampson said. “Since 1924, we’ve brought together community leaders, nonprofit partners, corporations and individual philanthropists to improve lives because we know that when we come together in this community, we are the heartbeat of North Texas. “ 

Jason and Laura Downing, Steven Williams, Jennifer Sampson and Daniel Lubetzky

“The values of the Fed are also the values of United Way of Metropolitan Dallas and our work here in North Texas,” she continued. “The heart of our work is connection, collaboration and driving solutions together alongside this community.” 

As we work to advance our community-wide Aspire United 2030 goals, we unite stakeholders from across North Texas to drive socio-economic change, focusing on bi-partisan business, political and philanthropic partnerships to drive enduring collaborative change.   

A special thanks to everyone who made this engaging evening possible, including Daniel Lubetzky, the Dallas Fed, and Laura and Jason Downing, co-chairs of the United Way Ruth Sharp Altshuler Tocqueville Circle.  

Save The Date for Our Centennial Celebration 

Be sure to save the date for our Centennial Celebration on Nov. 15, when our Centennial year culminates in a massive celebration at Fair Park, chaired by Christy and Steven Williams of PepsiCo. The day will feature a food and wine festival, a VIP dinner and a concert in the Cotton Bowl with Super Bowl-level entertainment. It’s set to be the event of the year! 

Learn more about our year of Centennial events. 

young couple with keys in their hand

3 Strategies for Advocating in Support of Affordable Housing

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

At United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, the issue of housing is foundational to our focus areas of education, income and health—because no North Texan can thrive in these three pillars if they lack stable, secure housing. 

Throughout the current 89th Texas legislative session and beyond, one of our legislative priorities is to advocate for policies that will increase the supply of affordable housing and promote housing stability for low-income workers and families.  

You don’t need to be a housing or advocacy expert to be part of this important work. To encourage change-seekers like you to speak up and speak out in support of affordable housing, we partnered with the research firm Topos to create an easy-to-use advocacy toolkit, which provides step-by-step instructions on how to advocate for narrative change around housing.  

Download your copy of our affordable housing advocacy toolkit, or read on for key takeaways that you can use to support your advocacy work.  

The Importance of Affordable Housing 

When our neighbors have access to affordable housing, they are better equipped to thrive in every area of life. With a stable, secure home, students are more likely to succeed in school and avoid frequent moves; workers are more likely to stay employed and save money for the future; and families are more likely to stay safe and healthy.  

Unfortunately, a lack of affordable housing and rising rent and mortgage costs across North Texas are making it more challenging than ever for our neighbors to find and maintain stable housing. According to The State of Dallas Housing: 5-Year Comparison Report—which was prepared by buildingcommunityWORKSHOP and sponsored by United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, The Dallas Foundation and The Meadows Foundation—since 2016, there are fewer homes valued at our around $100,000 making affordable housing stock out of reach for low-to moderate-income homebuyers. 

Meanwhile, in the last few years, average rents have reached an all-time high.  According to Child Poverty Action Lab’s 2024 Rental Housing Needs Assessment for the city of Dallas, the median rent is unaffordable to 71% of residents. 

This means more of our neighbors are struggling to balance rent, bills and other financial responsibilities. For many North Texans in this situation, it becomes impossible to keep up with a high rent or mortgage payment, which can lead to homelessness—a significant concern in our community. More than 3,700 individuals experience homelessness in Dallas and Collin counties alone on a given night, according to the 2024 Housing Forward State of Homelessness report.   

However, our region can begin to shift these trends by embracing more affordable housing. Together, we can advocate for policies that will expand access to affordable housing and encourage other change-seekers to support housing that is smaller, is smarter and includes greater variety. Read more here about how the Texas legislature could tackle affordable housing this session, and check out this newly released report by the Bush Center proposing a federal policy agenda to address housing affordability.  

Why We Need to Talk About Affordable Housing Differently 

Housing affordability is an urgent, top-of-mind issue for Dallas residents. Unfortunately, local, cultural assumptions and ways of thinking about causes and solutions are often out of sync with what advocates would like to see. Our toolkit is part of an effort to bring experts, public officials, advocates and members of the public onto the same page.  

At United Way, we recognize that an important part of our mission to improve housing stability and prevent homelessness involves changing the narratives that exist around affordable housing. If we can shift how people talk about “affordable housing”—which is sometimes seen as a negative—we can encourage greater support and development of lower-cost housing options. 

3 Tips for Advocating for Affordable Housing 

Here are three ways to begin shifting how people talk about and perceive affordable housing: 

Create a New Core Narrative

Currently, our discourse around affordable housing is missing a core story that can be adapted by advocates across our community. In our toolkit, we recommend emphasizing this overarching message: By building smaller and smarter, and creating more variety in the housing supply, Dallas can make rents and mortgages more attainable for more of us. 

By emphasizing a variety of housing sizes, we can keep the focus on the housing people actually need (SUPPLY) and demonstrate that these options are for all of us. The idea of building smaller for more variety feels intuitively true as a strategy for creating more reasonably priced housing (SOLUTION). 

Back Up Your Position with Supporting Points

To emphasize the need for smaller and smarter housing, highlight key facts that many North Texans can relate to, such as: 

  • “We can create the Dallas we all want and need…”: Inspire the listener with the current sense that Dallas isn’t the place it could or should be (because it’s becoming unaffordable). This aspirational angle sets the stage for a solution orientation, adds a source of optimism and defines a common purpose. It also makes room for a constructive role for policy.  
  • “We have a plan…”: Promote clear, specific and realistic actions by outlining an easy-to-understand roadmap to inspire optimism, engagement and a sense of momentum. For example, we could increase the housing supply by updating zoning laws to allow and/or incentivize owners to build duplexes, triplexes, in-law units and other smaller homes in parts of the city that currently don’t allow them.  
  • “The city is already KICKSTARTING meaningful efforts…”: Give government a positive role by highlighting the idea of government “kickstarting” initiatives. This helps avoid counterproductive attitudes associated with the city’s role (for example, that well-intentioned government efforts are temporary and ill-conceived, and thus doomed to fail) and provides reassurance that sustainability is a priority. 

Adapt Your Message to the Context

Of course, for the Live United movement to speak as one voice, it’s important to tell a coherent and consistent story across all audiences. But different audiences may need different parts of the story highlighted or introduced based on what they know and where they’re coming from. Core themes must be consistent and compatible across all communications, but communications can vary in some other ways. Depending on the audience, you may opt to provide:  

  • Additional numbers and facts: For some audiences, such as policymakers, you’ll need additional material “in your back pocket”—such as data on costs, populations, timeframes, etc. But you can still stick to the core themes of building smaller, smarter and more variety in housing.  
  • A customized tone: Using emotionally charged language can tap into an audience’s anger about their shrinking options, while using a more neutral “practical” tone can reassure a different audience about the soundness of a policy idea. Consider how to adapt and deploy the core ideas as needed across contexts.  
  • Additional supporting arguments: For example, with audiences where economic concerns are top of mind, it can be useful to offer the case that not having ample and affordable housing stock creates an economic drag, and that addressing the problem of housing affordability makes sense for the overall business and economic environment.  

Ready to start putting these findings into practice? Download your copy of our affordable housing advocacy toolkit for additional guidance on advocating for affordable housing, including: 

  • A tested advocacy script 
  • Examples of brief language 
  • Sample responses to tough questions 
  • A communicator’s checklist 
  • Do’s and don’ts for advocates 

About the Toolkit 

As a partner of United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, Topos was tasked with mapping the current cultural landscape—the shared or divergent patterns of thinking—relating to housing affordability in the city of Dallas, and then experimenting with and evaluating some of the most promising approaches and messages that emerge.  

More than 200 residents of Dallas participated in this research effort, representing 46 ethnographic conversations, eight table sessions with 28 participants, 116 TalkBack Testing surveys and 27 TalkBack Chain participants. Topos’ experienced analytical team of linguists, anthropologists and communication professionals then used this input to craft a plan for changing and improving how this city talks and thinks about how improve access to safe, habitable and affordable housing so all North Texans can thrive. 

Download your copy of our affordable housing advocacy toolkit. 

Become a United Way Advocate  

Let’s come together to drive lasting change in North Texas. Join us as we advocate for policies that will improve education, income and health, and expand opportunities for our neighbors.  

There are two ways you can get involved right now:  

  • Sign up to receive our Advocacy Alerts and Policy in Brief newsletter: Throughout the 2025 legislative session, we’ll keep you up to date on our policy priorities and let you know how and when to contact your elected officials. Sign up here.  
  • Advocate with us at Texas United Way Capitol Day: The United Way of Metropolitan Dallas advocacy delegation will join other Texas United Ways and nonprofits across the state for Texas United Way Capitol Day in Austin at the state capitol Feb. 25-27. During this unique and impactful event, we’ll meet with North Texas legislative offices to advance our priorities and influence policy that will drive impact in our region. Register here to be part of our 2025 delegation.    

Get to Know Our New Social Innovation Incubator Fellows

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

As we kick off an exciting new year at United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, we’re thrilled to unveil the 15 dynamic social entrepreneurs selected for the newest cohort of our Social Innovation Incubator.
This transformative program is designed to empower these changemakers as they launch, refine and scale their innovative ventures. Backed by comprehensive support and resources, each innovator is driving meaningful impact in communities across North Texas. 

Read on to learn more about the Social Innovation Incubator and how it supports our mission to improve access to education, income and health. Discover the creative ways our partners are driving progress toward our shared goals and meet this year’s incredible fellows. 

We’re Driving Opportunity in Social Innovation 

At United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, social innovation is at the core of our mission to improve access to education, income and health. Over the past 11 years, since the launch of our Social Innovation Accelerator, we’ve become a leader in this space, championing social entrepreneurs who deliver measurable results. 

More recently, we created the Social Innovation Incubator, a 14-week organizational and leadership development program tailored to early-stage social ventures. By bridging gaps in opportunity and resources, the Incubator builds innovative startups and drives transformative change. 

The Incubator equips participants with the tools to create validated business plans and launch impactful ventures. It also cultivates a stronger pipeline for our Accelerator program, fostering sustained growth and innovation.  

2023-2024 Incubator Highlights 

  • Nine entrepreneurs completed the program   
  • 100% graduation rate  
  • 175 hours of mentoring and coaching provided to participants 

Collaborative Partnerships Create Greater Impact 

The Social Innovation Incubator flourishes through collaboration with three outstanding community partners: 

  • Dallas College: Fellows gain access to the Dallas College Venture Club, a vibrant entrepreneurial community, and enjoy free dedicated workspaces. 
  • Southern Methodist University’s MADI Program: SMU brings expertise in human-centered design, offering creative problem-solving and business development techniques. 
  • eqALL: This virtual learning center leads strategic processes to foster connections and provide critical resources for entrepreneurs. 

Our list of dedicated Incubator investors includes the Fossil Group, CBRE and the United Way Women of Tocqueville Fund for Women and Children, the latter of which delivers targeted financial and skill-based investments in education, income and health.  

The Women of Tocqueville Fund has invested in the Incubator for the last three years, providing entrepreneurs with the funding and resources necessary to build their start-ups and grow their impact. Visionary leaders from the Women of Tocqueville also serve as mentors, offering invaluable guidance to Incubator participants and helping to amplify their impact. 

Meet the Entrepreneurs 

The 2024 cohort of the Social Innovation Incubator will go through a 14-week learning program in which they will validate their business plan, receive personalized leadership coaching and seed funding, and set their venture up for future success.  

This year’s cohort includes 15 entrepreneurs with bold visions for improving access to education, income and health in North Texas: 

  • Shaunte Allen, Allen Learnimy: Addressing workplace literacy gaps in essential North Texas industries 
  • Tia Arlington, Above All Things: Working to improve physical health and emotional well-being 
  • Shevrondaline Breedlove, Dr. Jayla’s Office: Provides social engagement for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities 
  • Kenitra Eagans, To You From Us: Provides youth with hands-on STEAM education and mentorship 
  • Tyra Eli, Millennial Education: Equips learners of all ages through tutoring, mentorship, and college and career readiness programs 
  • Kris Fanning, Texas TicKids: Provides underserved children in the DFW area with free tickets to live events 
  • LaTorra Garland, Jacob Way: Supports the emotional needs of families affected by childhood cancer 
  • Kischa Howard, Kham’s House: Provides comprehensive services beyond medical care to families 
  • Shinee Gaston Jacobs, Storm Center of Hope and Service: Providing supportive services to individuals aged 14-28 (known as Pathfinders) with lived foster care experiences, impacted by out-of-home placement
  • Sofia Nunez, Empower the Voice: Equips Hispanic families with tools to support their children’s education 
  • Kentoria Roberson-White, Phoenix Health Alliance: Addressing the gaps in adolescent reproductive healthcare in Texas 
  • Taji Wright-Fitzhugh, The Teacher’s Teacher: Providing support to teachers to address high attrition rates 

Support Social Innovation in North Texas 

Our Centennial year is an exciting time to step up and be part of our community’s social innovation movement. We invite you to be a part of the change by supporting the Social Innovation Incubator, which in turn supports innovative organizations that are changing lives in their communities. 

Together, we can create opportunity for all North Texans to thrive. Donate today to support our social innovation programs.