United Way of Brazoria County (UWBC)

In partnership with JackieSue Photography, UWBC is hosting Headshots With a Purpose fundraiser. If you need a new business headshot, please consider attending this event. All funds raised will go towards UWBC Community Impact Fund. Date: Wednesday, March 5th Location: UWBC Office Time: Time slots begin at 9am Cost: $50 What you get: Quick 1 look session, 1 high-resolution digital image. Additional images are available for purchase. Booking Link: https://lnkd.in/g5_kRXSw

We are incredibly grateful to Phillips 66 Sweeny Refinery for their generous $3,800 donation, which will provide 120 children in our community with a year of books through the Imagination Library! Because of their support, more kids will have access to the joy of reading, helping them build a strong foundation for a lifetime of learning. Thank you, Phillips 66, for investing in early childhood education! To sponsor a child visit: https://bit.ly/DPILSponsor

Meet Jill*, a longtime United Way of Brazoria County supporter through her employer’s annual giving campaign. For years, she gave generously, never imagining that one day, she would need help herself. From the outside, everything seemed normal. But behind closed doors, Jill was experiencing ongoing domestic violence and didn’t know where to turn. One day, she found the courage to confide in her shift leader, who knew exactly what to do. Her leader called UWBC, and from that moment, Jill was no longer alone. Our case managers stepped in immediately, ensuring her safe transport to an emergency shelter, guiding her through the legal process, and coordinating transportation so she could reunite with family far from her abuser. Today, Jill is thriving in her new city, rebuilding her life with hope and strength! When you don’t know who to call, call us. We have an entire network of programs and partner agencies ready to help. No one should face crisis alone.

President Jimmy Carter dedicated his life to uplifting communities and embodying United Way's vision: ensuring every person has the opportunity to thrive. His unwavering commitment to service touched countless lives. From his work with local United Ways to his broader advocacy for collaboration and unity, he demonstrated what it means to lead with heart and purpose. His partnership with United Way strengthened our shared mission and leaves a lasting legacy of hope, humanity, and action that will inspire us for generations to come. Please join us in honoring his remarkable life and celebrating the profound impact he had on communities around the world. 💙 #HonoringCarter #LegacyOfService #Leadership #UnitedWay

At United Way of Brazoria County, we’re committed to being responsible stewards of every dollar entrusted to us. Our client vetting process is a key part of ensuring donations are used effectively and transparently to support those truly in need. Recently, our case management team uncovered an attempted scheme that demonstrates the importance of these procedures. During routine checks, we identified a fraudulent arrangement between a property manager and a tenant. By verifying rent-related documents and contacting the landlord directly for a final ledger, our team was able to detect inconsistencies that revealed the truth, saving United Way $1,400 that could be redirected to help families facing genuine emergencies. Here’s how our Client Vetting Process ensures due diligence:  ✔️ Verify Rent-Related Documents: We request and cross-check leases, eviction notices, and ledgers with landlords for accuracy.  ✔️ Confirm Validity of Eviction Notices: Generic eviction claims are validated to prevent fraud.  ✔️ Review Income Proof & Spending Habits: Paycheck stubs and bank statements are analyzed to ensure transparency and provide budgeting guidance if needed.  ✔️ Validate Utility Assistance Claims: Residency is confirmed with government-issued IDs and utility bills.  ✔️ Investigate Benefit Programs: We verify SNAP/TANIF benefits, employment, and enrollment in support programs to understand the full scope of each client’s situation. Our commitment to rigorous vetting doesn’t just save money, it ensures donor contributions directly support meaningful, life-changing assistance for families in need. Thank you for trusting us with your generosity.

What a fantastic morning at the Alvin ISD READy Winter Celebration! Thanks to YOUR generous donations to the UWBC Community Impact Fund, we’re able to support 120 Alvin ISD families through the READy program. This incredible initiative equips 3- and 4-year-olds and their families with the tools they need to be ready for kindergarten and beyond!

This year, thanks to the incredible support of our donors, we were able to bring the joy of reading to 527 children in Brazoria County, mailing out a total of 3,318 free books! Your generosity helps nurture a love of learning, empowers young minds, and supports early childhood education across our community. Every book makes a difference, and it’s all possible because of YOU! As we look ahead to 2025, we’re excited to grow this program and reach even more children with your continued support. Thank you for helping us build a brighter future, one book at a time!

Life can change in an instant, as one single mom in Brazoria County recently experienced. When her 4-year-old daughter faced a medical emergency requiring specialized treatment, she did what any parent would, she put her child first. The mom had to take time off work to care for her daughter, leaving her unable to pay half of her November rent. Living paycheck to paycheck, she found herself in a tough spot with no safety net. Thankfully, she reached out to the United Way of Brazoria County Helpline, and we were able to step in. Utilizing Helpline funds, we bridged the gap, ensuring she could keep a roof over their heads while her daughter recovered. Today, her child is on the mend, and mom has resumed her normal work schedule. This family’s story is not unique. In Brazoria County, 36% of residents fall into the ALICE population, hardworking individuals and families who are one emergency away from financial disaster. That’s why we’re here. At UWBC, we work to support ALICE families and provide the resources they need to overcome life’s challenges. If you or someone you know is facing a crisis, don’t wait, reach out to our Helpline.

United Way of Brazoria County is pleased to announce the appointment of Zina Carter as our new President and CEO. With over 30 years of experience in administration and communications, Zina brings a strong background to support UWBC’s mission of improving lives and strengthening communities. To read more about Zina, visit www.uwbc.org/news.

Last week, we had the honor of attending the ribbon cutting for Brazosport Cares new Bulldog Marketplace, scheduled to open in January! This amazing resource will provide essential services to support the Sweeny community. When you contribute to United Way of Brazoria County’s Community Impact Fund, you’re directly supporting impactful programs like this one. Thank you! Pictured with Brazosport Cares staff are Casey Cowley, UWBC Community Engagement Manager, and Jessica Follett, UWBC Board Member.