Blog

Strengthening our community through 2-1-1 with Roni Kendall

National 2-1-1 Day, celebrated on February 11 (2/11), recognizes the compassionate Navigation Specialists who answer the call through the more than 200 2-1-1 helplines across the country. For more than 25 years, United Way for Greater Austin’s 2-1-1 helpline has connected thousands of Central Texans to local, statewide, and national resources for housing, utilities, food, income support, health care, child care, education, employment, transportation, counseling, disaster information, and more.  As we celebrate 100 years of community-building in 2024, we know 2-1-1 is crucial to our goal to provide equitable access to resources. So we’re celebrating 2-1-1 Day by recognizing our incredible Navigation Specialists, who champion this service and work around the clock to answer the call for local families and individuals. Just last year, our Navigation Specialists answered more than 200,000 requests for help in our region – that’s one call every two minutes. Read about the work our Navigation Center does every day to empower our community in our interview with Roni Kendall, one of our dedicated Navigation Specialists. What brought you to United Way, and how long have you been on the team? I went to college to be a teacher, and during that time, I volunteered at a crisis hotline. That experience opened up a career in mental health work, case management for individuals on hospice, and more. I’ve spent more than 37 years in social services work, the last six of which have been at United Way. I’m a different person than when I first started […]

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Making a collective impact one volunteer at a time

“Giving back makes me get up every day. It makes a difference,” said Brad. A volunteer with United Way for Greater Austin for 24 years, Brad makes time to help people in our community any way he can: mentoring children in a reading program, rebuilding homes impacted by natural disasters, providing coats to children, and packing up food boxes. But one of his favorite ways to give back is at H-E-B’s Feast of Sharing, where Brad has volunteered nearly every year since 2000. He knows the difference a warm meal makes: Growing up, he and his family relied on organizations like United Way, the food bank, and the Salvation Army to meet their basic needs. Brad volunteering at H-E-B Feast of Sharing with United Way Development Operations Associate Jenn Truong in 2022. “I already have Feast of Sharing 2024 on my calendar,” Brad said. “My parents decided between buying groceries and heating the house,” Brad, who is originally from northern Wisconsin, said. “United Way took care of me when I was young and didn’t have anything. I ask myself, ‘How can I not volunteer?’” United Way Events and Engagement Manager Rose Bell, Co-chair of Women United Executive Committee Tracy Fielder, and United Way volunteer and Women United member Jonna Beaver at Consuela Connects, an event that raised nearly $500 for the communities United Way serves. Just like volunteering became a habit for Brad, Jonna also felt drawn to volunteer any chance she got since her first shift at United Way’s […]

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A century of change, a legacy of impact

2024 marks an important milestone for United Way for Greater Austin: 100 years serving the community. In the course of 100 years, things are bound to change, but no matter what happens – global pandemics, natural disasters, inequity across different groups – you can always count on community. Whether it’s the one you grew up in or you just got here yesterday. United Way for Greater Austin was here before the Great Depression. Before the Second World War. We grew roots long before the first man landed on the moon and well before Austin’s largest population boom in the 90s. Alongside community partners and leaders, we’ve grown to become a steady and powerful force for driving change, through large and small moments. And throughout our evolutions over the last century, the enduring thread that weaves us together, then and now, is community. It’s a community that’s been lovingly built and rebuilt by the hands of Greater Austin. It’s been a respite, a village, a friend, and a catalyst for creating equal opportunity. One where every child is set up for success with high-quality early care and education. Where everyone is connected to essential resources they need, when they need them. As we lay the foundation for our next 100 years, we are supported by a century of building opportunity and driving change: 1924 Founding of United Way for Greater Austin, originally called United Way Capital Area Local residents raise $611 for families with low income, equal to more than $10,000 […]

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In 100 years of change, the only constant is community

It’s an exciting time at United Way for Greater Austin! 2024 marks an important milestone for us: 100 years serving the community.  In the course of 100 years, things are bound to change, but no matter what happens – global pandemics, natural disasters, inequity across different groups – you can always count on community. Whether it’s the one you grew up in or you just got here yesterday. United Way is the community that will always be here – for those who need help, for those who find their place by helping others, for all of us. United Way for Greater Austin was here before the Great Depression. Before the Second World War. We grew roots long before the first man landed on the moon and well before Austin’s largest population boom in the 90s. Alongside community partners and leaders, we’ve grown to become a steady and powerful force for driving change, through large and small moments. And throughout our evolutions over the last century, the enduring thread that weaves us together, then and now, is community. It’s a community that’s been lovingly built and rebuilt by the hands of Greater Austin. It’s been a respite, a village, a friend, and a catalyst for creating equal opportunity. One where every child is set up for success with high-quality early care and education. A community where everyone is connected to essential resources they need, when they need them. This community has laid an unbreakable foundation of wisdom, strength, and potential. And […]

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Free holiday events & gift programs in Greater Austin

Every December, organizations across our region come together to provide holiday events for our community. These events include free gifts such as coats, toys, books, meals, and more.  To help Central Texans access these resources, we’ve put together a calendar of free events and meals happening throughout the month. Please note many events have application windows. You can find more information about each event in its calendar link. View the calendar in Spanish. For more than 25 years, United Way for Greater Austin’s Navigation Center has helped people navigate the complex system of health and human services in Central Texas. Anyone can contact the Navigation Center by dialing 2-1-1. Know someone looking for assistance? Tell them to give us a call to get connected to resources in our community.

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20 Free Thanksgiving Meals in Greater Austin

Every holiday season, United Way’s Navigation Center helps local families access free or low-cost meals and holiday events across the Greater Austin area. To make it easy for community members to find these seasonal events, we’ve compiled a calendar of 20 free Thanksgiving meals this month.  Make sure to check the links for registration details and application deadlines. Mobile Loaves & Fishes’ event on November 20 even offers additional items such as backpacks, sleeping bags, flu shots, and haircuts for individuals who do not have a home. View the calendar in Spanish For more than 25 years, United Way for Greater Austin’s Navigation Center has helped people navigate the complex system of health and human services in Central Texas. Anyone can contact the Navigation Center by dialing 2-1-1. Know someone looking for assistance? Tell them to give us a call to get connected to resources in our community.  

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Inside the inspiring world of Freedom Schools

This summer, the Greater Austin Reading Coalition,a coalition convened by United Way for Greater Austin, collaborated with CDF Freedom Schools® Austin to offer impactful tutoring to 33 young scholars enrolled in their summer camp program. We recently had the opportunity to interview Director of Parent Engagement, Simone Barnes, who shared details about the enriching partnership and the culturally responsive, year-round support network provided by the organization. Can you please provide an overview of what Freedom Schools are and their core mission or purpose? Freedom Schools is a part of a national program. An intense and beautiful six week summer program, however we aim to build a sense of community year round.  The core mission of Freedom Schools:  It started in 1964 in Mississippi when African Americans were discouraged from voting, and there was no equal education available across the country. In 1964, white and Black college students from the north came down to Mississippi to help educate African Americans to vote due to the literacy tests. There was a freedom schools movement in the US. The movement shifted toward today, which focuses on curriculum for students during the summer to continue education. This is especially important to combat summer learning loss. Part of the Freedom School way is cultural and literacy. It is fun. It is not like day-to-day school. They learn that reading is about creativity and sharing a voice, not just passing a test. We also highlight the idea that reading allows you to change your community and […]

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Proven Program: Parenting Students Project

Parenting students work hard every day to pursue their goals, juggling caregiving, course work, and sometimes multiple jobs to build a better life for their families. Because of the obstacles they face, parenting students are nearly twice as likely to leave school for preventable reasons: lack of child care, conflicting course and work schedules, and even convenient transportation. Removing the barriers parenting students face helps them continue on education pathways to living wage employment, which changes their lives as well as their children’s lives. In fact, a $3,000 difference in parents’ income while a child is young leads to a 17% increase in that child’s future earnings. That’s why United Way for Greater Austin partners with Austin Community College to provide parenting students, ages 18-29, with incentives to accelerate their post-secondary education. Students in our program receive: $500 monthly stipend Peer networking/engagement Leadership and advocacy opportunities Academic counseling Child care scholarships Other wrap-around services “This program has been extremely helpful for my family and I. It allows me to focus all of my attention on nursing school and make sure I stay on track and graduate.” – Deja, program participant Our impact: From Fall 2021- Fall 2023 Supported families. The Parenting Students Project supported 76 students and 103 children. Academic success. 38% of students have earned a degree or certification as of the end of Spring 2023, with an additional 38% intending to continue in the program. Financial stability. The Parenting Students Project awarded each student an average of $2,038 […]

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21 free back-to-school resources in Greater Austin

The first day of school is just around the corner–for kids, it’s a time of excitement and anticipation as they embark on a new academic adventure, start a new grade level, and meet new friends and teachers. We know it can be stressful to make sure kids have everything they need for a successful year, which is why United Way’s Navigation Center is here to help local families find free back-to-school resources in Greater Austin.  To make it easy for families to access these back-to-school resources, we’ve compiled a calendar of school supplies giveaways and events happening throughout the month of August.  This year’s events range from free school supplies to resource fairs, free kids’ haircuts, and more. Some events have eligibility requirements or require registration to participate–be sure to read the guidelines for each program. View the calendar in Spanish. For more than 25 years, United Way for Greater Austin’s Navigation Center has helped people navigate the complex system of health and human services in Central Texas. Anyone can contact the Navigation Center by dialing 2-1-1. Know someone looking for assistance? Tell them to give us a call to get connected to resources in our community.

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United Way for Greater Austin Awards $475,000 to 20 Williamson County Nonprofits

 United Way for Greater Austin awarded a total of $475,000 in strategic grant funding to 20 nonprofits in Williamson County. The recipients represent a diverse set of community leaders collectively serving more than 3,000 Williamson County residents in the areas of education, health, and financial stability. “We are grateful to every donor who makes these strategic investments in Williamson County possible,” said David C. Smith, CEO of United Way for Greater Austin. “Every dollar goes a long way to ensure everyone has the opportunity to reach their full potential. United Way is proud to support and work with such outstanding partners, and we look forward to changing lives the only way we know how: United.” In January 2022, United Way for Greater Austin and United Way of Williamson County joined forces and merged into a regional organization supporting children, families, and individuals in Austin, Travis County, and Williamson County. This funding represents our continued investment in Williamson County. The grants will support strategic work in the areas of: Education (8 organizations) Health (7 organizations) Financial stability (5 organizations) View the full list of grant recipients. “United Way is proud to partner with these organizations to advance the powerful work they are currently doing, which impacts thousands of children, families, and individuals in our region,” said Amy Mizcles, Vice President of Williamson County at United Way for Greater Austin. As an organization committed to equity and inclusivity, United Way approached the grant selection process with these values in mind. In total, […]

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